Demons ain't real. is the first thought that enters his head, but he opts not to blurt it out in their final goodbye. It was a pretty adornment, regardless. Not self-indulgent like a noble's gemstone. It was a lovely gift. And maybe it'll get some proper, non-fruit related use if a wayward merc's artery happens to be close.

He doesn't stop Vena from lightly squeezing him in the hug, though between metal plates, straps, and rivets, he wasn't particularly comfortable at the moment. Guts has gotten a little better at accepting the gestures of physical affection, having shed some of the discomfort around her from before. Maybe it was the layer of armor that helped.

For Lashan, he doesn't quite get what she means yet. But maybe he will someday. All he knows is that kindness is a rare thing in his world, and that the old lady had an awful lot of it. He'll remember that for a long time yet.

"Bye."

No wave, the boy turns around as they do and keeps walking. His trick to not looking back is to keep focus on the horizon ahead.