“What exactly does that mean? You're in charge of correspondence, so we receive direct orders from you?” Siyu asks, his fingers tapping to match his annoyance.

Articus continues to chuckle. “You receive direct orders from the kingdom; I am simply the mouthpiece and the hand that writes the order. I am also in charge of reviewing your organization; one ill-intentioned word from me could decide whether Eden flourishes or dissolves. And the kingdom would immediately turn on any wild demons they were aware of; so you should be nicer to me, Siyu.” Articus says before cutting into his steak and taking a bite. “But I don't want to step on any toes, we can just continue managing the organization as we used to, with the exception of you being more involved. You built the organization, so you might as well do right by it.” Articus says with a hint of admonishment.

Siyu sighs. “I've done my part for Eden; it's very much capable of taking care of itself,” He says before taking another puff from his pipe.

“Dammit, Siyu! How many times have I told you? No smoking in the inn!” A voice calls out from across the room.

Siyu turns to see Freya who had just entered from the kitchen. He smiles bitterly and presses his thumb against the pipe to put out the embers. “Sorry, Big Sis. I've forgotten.” He says with an awkward laughter.

“Big Sis this, Big Sis that. If you want to continue staying here, you better remember the rules. And stop drinking all the alcohol, you're costing me money!” Freya exclaims before walking back into the kitchen as a few chuckles rang out across the room from other customers.

Siyu wipes the sweat from his brow, before a smile appears on his face. I wish I could stay a little longer, He thinks with some nostalgia.

Siyu hears the sound of the doggy door that was recently installed on the inn door. A dog walks into the inn after exploring the city and immediately follows the smell of food to Siyu's table.

“Hey! Sunshine! Where have ya been, boy?” Siyu asks as he reaches down to pet the dog.

“Woof! Woof!” Sunshine barks.

“Ah, you're a little hungry, eh? No worries, buddy. I'm not hungry anyway; you can have mine,” Siyu says with a smile before picking up his now cold beef stew and placing it before Sunshine.

Articus raises an eyebrow. “What is this thing?” He asks with some curiousity.

Siyu laughs. “Haven't you seen a dog before? This is my new travelling companion and my emotional support buddy.” He explains as he continues to pet Sunshine.

Articus takes a look at the dog eating from the bowl of beef stew and frowns. “It's disgusting. Don't tell me you’re taking this dog with you on your journey tomorrow?” He asks with some worry.

Siyu sits up and responds firmly, “Yes, I will be taking him with me.”

Articus looks at Siyu for a moment and sees his stubbornness. “Siyu, every journey is a great opportunity to advance in your cultivation path. This dog will be of no use to you and will only be a hindrance. There's simply no point in taking him with you,” Articus states, making the truth apparent.

“Damn, Articus. Aren't we all just doing whatever we want? I'm bringing Sunshine with me; I don't care what you say.” Siyu says with some irritation.

Articus sighs. “Alright, Siyu.” Articus says in defeat before looking to the dog who was quickly finishing his meal. “And who knows; he could be useful,” Articus ponders out loud.