"...Huh?"
Zhang He could hardly believe his ears.
"Evil and heretical" had just been a joking way of putting it.
Something like "casting a brick to attract jade."
Although Editor Zhang had also said that A Yu wasn't exactly a good presence.
That was already a softened version of what he'd said.
But Zhang He hadn't agreed with him.
A Yu had never hurt him.
She always looked aloof and barely spoke to him, but she'd never once refused his requests.
She seemed cold and uncaring, but she was kind at heart.
Even if A Yu wasn't human, Zhang He didn't mind.
In fact, after accepting that truth, he'd found it all rather fascinating and incredible.
So nonhumans really did exist in this world.
Wasn't he amazing for being able to see A Yu?
But... evil and heretical?
In his eyes, even if A Yu wasn't human, she had to be from a good species.
The kind of powerful and mysterious species from legends?
"How could A Yu be evil and heretical?"
Zhang He asked his question without thinking. "She doesn't seem evil and heretical at all."
"A Yu is wonderful."
"She's a monster."
Seeing Zhang He's reaction, the corners of Xiao Xiao's mouth lifted slightly.
He stopped keeping him in suspense and simply told him the answer.
"...A monster?"
Zhang He's voice went a little hoarse.
But soon, a feeling of inevitability settled over him.
He gave a wry smile. "Editor Zhang really did hit the nail on the head."
"When he saw my painting, he thought A Yu looked like a monster."
"I didn't expect him to be right."
"...This jade pendant is his, too."
He looked down at the emerald-green pendant in his hand.
A jade pendant that could hurt monsters...
"...That's incredible."
He was starting