After turning away, Elizabeth left the scene with a flurry of emotions. That damn Siyu! Defending demons! How audacious! What’s next? Will he become one? She thinks with anger. I don’t know what a demon is but it sure as heck doesn’t sound good! She thinks with assurance.

Elizabeth continues to walk quickly before becoming lost in the crowd. Hmm? Where am I? Elizabeth ponders, looking for a street marker. Wayford Boulevard. That isn’t far from the inn. Maybe Frey’s still there... He said he was busy writing a letter to the princess... She thinks before making a turn and making her way away from the crowds.

She arrives at the Safe Harbor Inn and makes her way up to Frey’s room.

**KNOCK**

**KNOCK**

“Frey! Open up!” Elizabeth says loudly.

“Frey’s not here,” Frey’s muffled voice says from behind the door.

“Damn prince, open up! I demand you join this beautiful lady for a drink!” She says with an irritated voice.

A few loud coughs could be heard through the door. “I’m sorry lady Elizabeth. I seem to have caught a cold and I dare not accompany you for fear you will also become sick. Surely, Sir Siyu would accompany you?” Frey says.

“Damn prince; Siyu is who I want to talk about. Get out of there right now!” Elizabeth demands before continuing to knock.

**KNOCK**

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**KNOCK**

“Alright, alright! Calm down. I’ll be out in a moment.” The voice announces. A few moments later, Frey comes out of the room with tired eyes. “Come, let’s go downstairs. I need some coffee.” Frey says before walking away from the sulking Elizabeth.

…

…

Frey takes a sip out of coffee before looking across the table to Elizabeth with jaded eyes. “Go on. What is it?” He says calmly.

Elizabeth looks to the prince and for a second she thought of something. “Hey, Frey. Why aren’t you staying with Count Crey? I mean, you’re a prince right?” Elizabeth asks with curiosity.

“Ah, that,” Frey says with a cough before continuing. “Although I’m a prince, I was born a commoner, and I’m still unfamiliar with how the great game and politics work. So instead of making moves that I’m unaware of, I decided to stay at an inn.” Frey explains before taking another sip of his drink.

“The great game? What's that?” Elizabeth asks, looking confused.

“Ah, that. It’s been explained to me like this – ‘Whenever any two people meet, the great game is played. It’s the goal of every person and the best spice for life. It is something where you are lost if you don’t play and annoyed if you do.’ Whatever that means. Anyways I just ignore it, and the inn’s not bad.” Frey says before yawning. “But what did you want to talk about? Something about Siyu?” He says.

“Yes, Siyu. How well do you know Siyu?” Elizabeth asks with a lowered voice. “He’s been saying some strange things.” She says with suspicion.

“Like what?” Frey asks with a raised eyebrow.

“He’s been saying some stuff about demons; like how it’s human nature and how it’s the way of the world or something,” Elizabeth whispers while looking around for any listeners. “It’s like he’s defending them.” She says, assuming the necessity of secrecy.

Frey gives Elizabeth a stern look. “Are you questioning him?” Frey asks.

“Well, it won’t hurt to be careful,” Elizabeth replies. “I’d like to be sure of his character if I’m to continue traveling with him.” She says, a little worried.

Frey shakes his head, wanting to dispel the thought. “I haven’t known him long either. From what I know of him, he just wants to do his job; I'm not sure of his goals, if he has any. But I’ll watch out for any strange behavior. For now, just leave it as it is.” Frey says before yawning again. “Is that all? I’d like to get some rest before our next assignment.” Frey says, wanting to dismiss the issue.

At that moment, Siyu opens the door to the inn, and after seeing Elizabeth and Frey, walks forward to approach them.

“Get your gear. A demon has been recognized in the city and is on the run. The task lands to us.” Siyu says as soon as he approaches the table.

“What?” Frey says with annoyance. “Why is that our job?” He asks.

“Well, technically, it’s my job. But I could use some help.” Siyu says with a smile.

Frey groans in frustration but stands. “I’ll be back soon.” He says walking upstairs.

Elizabeth looks to Siyu and gives him a suspicious look. “And what are you going to do when you find the demon? Defend it?” Elizabeth asks with a confrontational tone.

Siyu shakes his head and sighs. “You have the wrong idea about me,” Siyu says.

“Sure. I believe you... for now...” Elizabeth says, before standing and walking away.