“Bartender, a drink!” Siyu calls out, ready to free himself of worry.

The bartender lets out a sigh and pours out some ale into a glass, placing it before Siyu. “Your business?” He asks.

Siyu laughs. “To relax. I've been far too tense these days.” He says with a smile.

The bartender frowns.

Siyu shakes his head before speaking out, “The boss called me to solve your problem with the arsonist.” He says before taking a large gulp of beer. Siyu looks to Frey and frowns. “Sit down and calm yourself. Bartender, another for my friend.” He says.

The bartender frowns and pours out another glass of ale. “I’ll let Egor know.” He says before leaving to accomplish the task.

Frey sits down and takes a large gulp of beer. “Say, Siyu.” He says.

Siyu takes another gulp and lets out a burp. “What.” He says.

Frey shakes his head, attempting to free himself of his feelings. “How do you deal with your anger? If you can’t express it, do you suppress it? Lower yourself? Begin to plot?” He says, just hoping to release some frustration.

Siyu smiles. “All feelings are meant to be expressed, Frey. If you feel anger, kill someone. Its nature’s way. But often its not ourselves that suppress it, it’s the world. As I restrained you, the world can stamp out your anger as if it was the embers I empty out of my pipe. And it’s the same with this arsonist. These fires are a reflection of him, but the world allowed him to express it. The world, little Frey. That’s the line between what is allowed and what is not.” He says before taking another gulp. He desperately wanted to sleep.

…

…

“How will you catch him?” Egor asks.

Siyu takes another gulp. He was beginning to feel satiated. He lets out a burp. “Bring me a map of your warehouse locations. If he comes again, I’ll see it coming.” He says.

Egor frowns. “That’s confidential information. How can I know you'll keep that information to yourself? As it was reported to me, you work for the Kingdom of Seer.” He says in doubt.

Siyu lets out a bitter smile. “You need not fear. I dare not offend your boss. I feel as if I could not escape her. And as you know my intuition is often correct.” He says in defeat.

Egor lets out a laugh. “Now that I’m willing to believe.” He says amused.

…

…

Siyu spent three days gorging himself on alcohol and food. He was furiously hungry.

Until one day, his hand moved on its own, grabbed his dagger and stabbed down on the map.

Siyu’s eyes widen in surprise and he removes the dagger to look at what was marked. Within a red circle, the location, the Frustrated Woods.

Siyu lets out a sigh of defeat. “Work waits for no one.” He says bitterly before standing to find Egor.

…

…

It was too late by the time they gathered the men. The warehouse was on fire.

Siyu frowns. “He’s still here. Watching. It gives him peace.” He says. “Spread out, don’t forget to look above.” He says before following his senses into the woods.

Frey lets out a sigh and looks around as the men scatter to search. “I don’t know why you guys are looking over there, he’s obviously in Siyu’s direction.” He says, unimpressed.

The men hesitate before deciding not to stray too far.

Siyu keeps his eyes on the sky as his feet lead him forward, weaving through various trees. Then he saw it, there, camouflaged against the trunk of a tree, above on a branch, a man watched the distant flames absentmindedly.

Siyu approaches and looks up at the man, waiting.

Several men notice and begin to gather but Siyu gestures for them to remain silent.

Siyu watches the man’s eyes, the frustration hiding in the depths, wrapped with apathy, surrounded by hopelessness. Even with his success, he knew that it would not matter. Above him was an ocean, and he could not do anything.

Siyu takes a deep breath and exhales. What troubles this man so deeply? He wonders.

Siyu shakes his head and gives the signal. “Bring him down here.” He says, wanting to be done with this business.