Don't confiscate my citizenship

The golden afterglow dissipated and sank into the dark streets.

One light was lit, then two, then three... Finally, countless lights flickered like stars swaying on the river.

Warm sky lanterns rise lightly, flying towards the night sky like fireflies.

"This is the festival of Huatu Parrieux."

Lanci and Thalia were walking on the hillside steps of Montmarty Heights, overlooking the entire city.

"It's so beautiful."

Thalia seemed to be talking to herself or sighing, looking at the flower capital Parrieux that suddenly became lively at some point.

The beautiful scenery in front of them took their breath away. The stone houses were illuminated by lights. People were dressed in festive costumes, and their faces were filled with joy.

Some citizens did not go out, but lit bamboo lanterns by their windowsills, let go of their hands, and let them float in the wind and into the stars.

"In a little while, when it gets completely dark, the fireworks will start."

Lanci said to Thalia.

He had already seen the introduction to Huadu Parrieu’s Fireworks Festival.

Now they are still on the border of District 3 on the north shore of Parrieu. Walking down the stairs to the high ground, you can directly reach the adjacent District 1 and go to the Temple of Love, the final destination tonight.

However, the view from the high ground is very good. Looking far away, you can see buildings several kilometers away.

The best place to watch the fireworks is undoubtedly the riverside square behind the Temple of Love, with a large terrace set up.

You can see the unparalleled dazzling fireworks blooming in the sky up close.

"Actually, I can watch the fireworks every day in the card-making room..."

Thalia was about to say something.

The crisp ringtone pierced the tranquility of the night, rippling like ripples and attracting the attention of the two people.

It was sacred music played to purify the land.

A crowd gathered in the distant square, sitting around the altar.

At some point, a bonfire was lit in the center of the square.

A priest wearing a pure white dress walked over. She was the chief priest serving the God of Love and Will.

"The morning breeze blows, and the petals are scattered."

Priestess waved her tin staff, leaving a silver trail and crisp ringing every time she passed it. She recited prayers and danced her limbs.

"Your voice gently cleanses the world."

This is a sacred dance dedicated to God and imitating God.

The call to prayer passed through the square and reached the top of Montmartre.

"People pray to the gods for blessings and hope to become luckier."

Thalia talks about what she has learned over the years about human thought.

But having said that.

If you only look at the surface, you will feel that a grand festival is in full swing.

Today is not as harmonious as it seems.

Along the way, the two of them heard some conversations from passers-by.

Due to the turmoil they just experienced, the casualties and losses in Huadupariou that night were heavy. Humans and demons were wary of each other. There were even demonstrations and conflicts during the day today.

"Sky lanterns are used to guide the souls of the dead."

Lan Qi murmured, with a hint of regret in his tone.

"Under your care, emotions continue to grow."

The Priestess in the distance chanted loudly, her blessing——

"May love be like a trickle, gathering into a long-lasting ocean."

The bonfire went out, the crowd dispersed, and new tourists arrived.

Only the solitary lamp in the night sky still faithfully illuminates the earth.

I don’t know who took the first step, Lanci and Thalia continued to walk down the high ground and walked on the square leading to the temple.

"I didn't expect that the relationship between humans and demons in Huadu Parry would deteriorate in the end."

Thalia looked at the illuminated city below her.

In the eyes of ordinary citizens, the initiator was the demon careerist Perlman, and those who attacked Huadu were the crazy demons.

Overnight, the peaceful urban area turned into a cruel battlefield, and anyone would be a little afraid of the demons.

"It can't be said completely. Since Huadu has chosen this way of coexistence, then maybe this is the only way to go. The process of mutual understanding will always be accompanied by conflicts."

Lan Qi nodded and said to Talia.

Walking on this mountain road that is sometimes rugged and sometimes gentle, various stalls gradually appeared on both sides, displaying a variety of products.

Masks hang on many stalls, including artistic Poisson-style masks and demon-style masks.

These masks were going to sell really well tonight.

Because the Temple of Love is holding a masquerade.

The original intention of the dance is to let Posen residents and demons put aside their prejudices and get along harmoniously.

Under the mask, you may be a human or a demon.

Everyone is the same.

"The Huatu Parrieux is actually a miracle in my opinion."

Thalia listened to Lan Qi's words and answered while walking around the Parrieux Festival Night Market with him.

A hundred years ago, she never imagined that she would be able to see a city where humans and demons lived together.

This trip to Posen can be said to have opened her eyes as a demon princess in history.

"So Perlman is a difficult person to evaluate. Although his faults are irreparable, his contributions still left a profound impact."

Among the three enemies that Lanqi impressed most.

Only I feel more sorry for Perlman, because Perlman was once kind, so he was able to teach Nigel.

Nigel is like the young Pearlman, but Nigel and Pearlman are also fundamentally different. He has a real heart of steel.

In other words, what Nigel firmly believes in is not anyone or anything, but himself who will strengthen his belief.

"But didn't Perlman finally break his own ideals and go to the other extreme?"

Thalia had to admit that the demons were like this, prone to being overly emotional.

The more she gets used to and accepts life in human society, the more she feels that her original compatriots are about to become aliens.

"Perhaps he discovered when he was about to succeed that ninety-nine steps are one step after another."

Lan Qi looked at the dimly lit street ahead and said,

"If he finds that the last step is a goal that can never be reached, the more painful it will be. After all, as a pioneer and practitioner, he knows better than anyone else whether his ideal can be truly successful or is it just a fiasco. An illusory bubble.”

Lan Qi felt that if it were him before, he would have confidently thought that if he could meet Perlman earlier, he might be able to untie the knot in his heart and prevent the final tragedy in Huadu from happening.

But now that I think about it carefully, perhaps what Professor Pollao told him before setting off is more correct——

The greater the ability, the greater the responsibility. Sometimes the greater your ability, the greater the consequences that may arise from a single thought. When your ability reaches a certain level, you need to learn to be an observer.

If it is not a bad situation that requires action, then you should consider what changes your intervention will bring.

Lan Qi only remembered Professor Borao's words at the time, but now that he thinks about it again, he really feels it.

Inoan's death made him need to think more instead of being overconfident.

"So Perlman was wrong from the beginning?"

Thalia lowered her eyes and asked softly.

She has always had doubts about the coexistence of demons and humans.

She didn't think that she and Antanas could really coexist with humans, because they were still pretending to be themselves so that they could live a life free from the world in Icerita.

This is not coexistence.

And like Hyperion, who lives in Icerite without any deception, even though she is a Duke's daughter, she has been wronged and prejudiced since she was a child. She is not happy, and she even dreams about the Icerite people. Don't think of her as a demon.

It would be a mistake for demons and humans to be together. She didn't know why, but she felt that her heart would become empty.

"I don't think I can give an answer."

Lanci looked at Thalia and replied.

The great wizard Parroni caused a disaster because of his hatred of the demons and left behind the seeds of hatred. The greed of the Senate of the past generations made it take root and germinate until it indirectly killed Perlman's daughter, passing the hatred to Perlman. Mann's place also led to the collapse of his ideals, triggering a new round of revenge.

Perhaps the turmoil caused by Perlman will remember the hatred of the families of the victims on the human side, and it will break out again one day.

It's hard to say what the final outcome will be.

This is the reincarnation of cause and effect.

"Is this so?"

Thalia was not moved by Lanci's answer.

In other words, she seemed to have guessed the answer and was already ready to cover up her disappointment.

"But if you want me to say something, one party must believe it first. Even if you may be betrayed, you must believe it. Otherwise, if no one takes the initiative to take the first step, they will never be able to achieve a better ideal."

Lanci continued.

His tone was a little more determined, and his eyes looking at Thalia also had the usual friendly smile.

"..."

Thalia turned her head and stared at the side of his face.

Those cold and noble pupils couldn't hide some confusion and emotion.

It's like you want to keep him away from you, but at the same time you want to explore a little more.

Lan Qi also noticed her gaze, and the two looked at each other.

"What's wrong Tata?"

Lan Qi tilted his head and asked.

"Look, the mask."

Thalia just said in a calm tone, and naturally moved her gaze to the stall behind Lan Qi.

Colorful masks covered the entire wall, shining brightly under the magic lamp.

They are either happy or sad, ferocious or gentle.

"The masks of the Posen Kingdom are indeed quite interesting. They are craftsmanship I have never seen before."

Lan Qi studied the masks with interest.

"Brother, Miss, these new handmade masks this year are definitely different from last year. My craftsmanship is quite good on this street!"

The stall owner noticed the two men's gazes and immediately spoke to them enthusiastically.

According to previous years, they will definitely be sold out quickly, but this year the festival is not so lively, so the stall owners are taking the initiative to drum up business.

"..."

Thalia was thoughtful, she reached out and touched a purple-black mask with sharp horns, and her fingertips traced the uneven surface.

It seems that I miss this style very much.

"That's it, I want it."

Lan Qi on the side had already started to take out his wallet and said to the boss.

"Brother, you are really amazing. You can tell what your girlfriend wants at a glance."

The boss said with a smile.

These two customers were very happy to buy things, and he liked them very much.

Especially the demon masks are hard to sell tonight, so it's great that they are willing to buy them.

"We're not in that kind of relationship."

Both men immediately denied it.

"It turns out they are a couple."

The boss suddenly realized.

"..."

Both seemed tired, they had been mistaken for each other too many times today.

If we continue to argue, it will become more and more confusing.

Thalia was silent for a moment, and finally took off the purple-black demon mask.

"Brother, you can buy one too. Buy a pair of masks from my house. It's absolutely great value. I'll give you a 10% discount."

The boss immediately made a sales pitch.

Lan Qi smiled helplessly.

He looked around the stalls and shops, and his eyes fell on a human mask with gold patterns on a white background.

The mask has soft lines, a calm expression, and a compassionate love between its brows and eyes.

He picked up the mask without hesitation.

He usually picks things very quickly. He only looks at a feeling and will find what he likes the most.

After paying, the two of them put on masks and blended into the bustling crowd.

At this moment, no one cares about the true identity behind the mask.

Just walking in the night, surrounded by all kinds of humans and demons, no one can tell who is who.

In the center of this lively celebration, they passed many tourists. Some were chatting eagerly, while others were focused on the lottery tickets in their hands.

Many people's faces were filled with looks of anticipation, obviously hoping to win the big prize.

"Go and try?"

Thalia doesn't ask for much.

She and Lanqi had three special lottery tickets for the fireworks festival, and Talia only wanted the third-prize midnight snack redemption ticket.

"certainly."

Lan Qi's voice was filled with excitement. He still liked to win prizes.

They came to a gorgeously decorated lottery center and handed their lottery tickets to smiling staff.

"Wish ya'll good luck!"

The man said sincerely.

Lan Qi and Talia looked at each other, holding their breath in unison and looking at the display on the screen in front of them.

What caught their eyes was not the third prize they wanted, but the participation prize, a small bag of colorful candies.

The results were the same three times.

"reality."

Lan Qi let out a sigh, with some relief.

"It's pretty good too."

Thalia pocketed the candy.

After thinking about it, she secretly stuffed another pack into Lan Qi's pocket.

Then he opened a bag, lifted some masks, and put them in his mouth. From time to time, he took out another one and put it to Lan Qi's mouth.

Lan Qi accepted it readily.

Thalia now shares food with him, something he would have never imagined a year ago.

Climbing up the stairs, the Temple of Love - or the Church of Our Lady of Parrieux - soon appeared in front of them.

It is said that the entire church has a construction area of ​​6,000 square meters.

The most eye-catching thing is the two towering bell towers on the west facade.

They stand on both sides of the church, like two loyal guards guarding this sacred temple.

This was not their first time here. When Lan Qi and Talia stepped into the temple, they still felt that the church was incredibly big.

In addition to the five longitudinal cabins arranged in sequence, the middle cabin in the center and the narrow wing cabins on both sides are all hosting activities.

Walking through it, there were all kinds of people wearing masks.

Until they entered the main hall, due to the height of the building, the interior seemed a little dark, seemingly isolated from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

Looking up, the line of sight extends all the way up the vault until it is close to the dome, where the huge rose window is quietly inlaid, like a gorgeous eye staring at all the living things below.

And beneath it, music suddenly began.

All kinds of masks flickered in and out of light and shadow, and faces intertwined under the lamp, making it impossible to distinguish between true and false.

Everyone wears a mask, so identity, status, and race all become blurred and irrelevant at this moment.

But you will find that most of the masks are still human.

It seems that few demons came to the temple to participate in the ceremony today.

Lanqi and Thalia only bypassed the center of the main hall and walked along the edge marble floor towards the statue, hoping to obtain benefits through prayer. Then they would end their outing today and go back to practice collaborative card making.

Suddenly, the priest seemed to notice their presence, and stepped forward to stop the two of them.

"You two, now is not the time for traditional prayers. If you pray in a more sincere way, it will be easier to obtain the blessings of the gods."

The priest saluted the two and explained.

He raised his arm and pointed at the center of the main hall.

And he believes that the two of them must understand what is a more sincere way to pray to the God of Love during special events.

"That's what it says..."

Lan Qi and Talia looked at each other, their voices a little embarrassed, and neither could see the expressions behind the other's masks.

God's blessings are there if you believe in them, but there are none if you don't believe in them.

"And if you participate in the masquerade and complete the dance, you can get fireworks festival lottery tickets."

The priest grinned, took out the lottery ticket from his sleeve and shook it.

Thalia's eyes were obviously throbbing.

She wanted to take another shot.

She was disappointed that she didn't get a coupon for the festival's special meal.

Although you may not win the lottery if you draw it again, I always feel that you have a good chance of winning the lottery ticket given by the priest.

In other words, he is simply addicted to smoking.

But she soon calmed down her expression.

After all, Lan Qi probably wouldn't be willing to cooperate with her.

"Go dance, just practice your tacit understanding."

Lan Qi smiled.

It was as if he saw Thalia's mood.

He extended his hand to Thalia, making an invitation to dance.

"..."

Thalia looked at him, slightly confused.

finally.

"Although I am a princess, I haven't danced for a long time. The last time was with my sister."

Thalia put her hand on his palm and said.

"It's okay, I didn't dance with an 800-year-old princess either."

Lanci replied.

Thalia still resisted throwing him over her shoulder.

The two walked onto the dance floor together, their figures merging into the crowd, and soon they were no longer distinguishable.

The music got better and the crowd got more excited.

Laughter, chatter, and whispers mingled into a cacophony.

The rose window above the head changes colors as time goes by in the refraction of the hall's lights, sometimes warm and unrestrained, sometimes cold and deep.

And a figure like Thalia wearing a demon mask is particularly conspicuous and attracts more attention from time to time.

"...Obviously he went crazy a few days ago, but why are there still demons participating in the festival today like nothing happened?"

"That's how the demons are. Killing a few people is nothing to them."

"Most of the people wearing demon masks today are probably humans. Whoever is sick would be willing to live with demons."

There is such a sound in my ears.

Or Thalia could read similar thoughts.

Her pace is often a beat slow.

Gradually, she didn't want to step on Lan Qi's feet anymore.

If I had known that I would have chosen a human mask and continued to disguise myself as I usually do in Icerita, everyone would have been happy.

She had been competing with Lan Qi all day today and never let go of his hand. Only at this time, she wanted to withdraw her hand.

But Lan Qi refused to let go.

"Tata, don't regret the choice you made."

Lan Qi seemed to understand her thoughts, staring into her beautiful golden eyes,

"Whether you are wearing a demonic mask or a human mask, you are still Tata in my eyes."

Lan Qi held Talia's hand tightly, making her eyes particularly stunned, and she could only stare at the man in front of her.

"..."

Thalia didn't answer him, and the corners of her mouth gradually turned up slightly under the mask.

He couldn't see it, so it didn't matter if he smiled.

The dance continues.

Although the two's movements seemed uncoordinated.

It seems that the dance steps are from different eras, one is older and the other is older.

Just like the humans and demons in the Posen Kingdom, there are still difficulties in getting along.

But while stumbling, the two of them were not afraid.

Their figures, each one a demon, gradually attracted attention.

This harmony called "contradiction" is full of strange possibilities.

You can tell they are happy.

Support each other and take the next step bravely.