[right][img]https://i.imgur.com/zyLlgJG.png[/img][/right][hr][i][b][color=darkmagenta]Night[/color][/b] | Itoshi Estate[/i] | with: [i][u]Jun[/u][/i][sub] [@SilverPaw][/sub] + [i][u]Gerard[/u][/i][sub][@ERode][/sub][hr] As Maria and Gerard once again boarded their carriage back towards the Love Pillar's own estate, the blonde woman took her time explaining exactly what was discussed at the summit: the River Pillar's betrayal, the thoughts and considerations of the remaining Pillars, and ultimately each Pillar's assigned duties. Minatozaki wasn't an undisputed leader among their group, but he was the eldest and during strange times like these, his wisdom was well regarded - despite this stormy delivery of it. Maria once again supposed she could have left Gerard back at the estate, but she wanted to let the Church Rep know immediately of the situation, so he had time to mull over his course of action. She planned on utilizing his great strength, but if he or the Church had other ideas... well, she wasn't technically his superior anyway. The carriage rolled on and after a few hours the rain seemed to let up, just as they arrived at the gates of the Itoshi Estate. Maria swiftly exited the carriage, greeting the gate guards and quite pleased at how Jun and the other senior slayers had mobilized since she'd been away. She spotted Jun and smiled at her, though she turned briefly back at her large companion. [color=deeppink]"Gerard,"[/color] she called over her shoulder, glancing at the man, [color=deeppink]"[i]<>[/i]"[/color] Maria then approached Jun, and though she was quite satisfied with the way Jun had carried out her orders, there was no disguising the grim feeling that had hung over the Sister since first receiving the crow from the Storm Pillar. [color=deeppink]"Sakai-chan,"[/color] Maria started, resisting the urge to ruffle the girl's hair, [color=deeppink]"You got my message, I take it?"[/color] At least, she assumed she had considering everything seemed fine. [color=deeppink]"I have new orders for you. I'll see you in my quarters soon to receive them so that you can get an early start in the morning."[/color] Normally the Pillar wouldn't think twice about sending her charges on assignment anywhere in the estate, but the fact she directed Jun to her personal abode spoke of one thing - [i]discretion.[/i] She nodded to Jun, and with that, the Love Pillar visited a few places around the grounds to calm the nerves of those staying there. She didn't stay in a single place for long, just popping in and out to reassure those who needed it. She found Ebisu and commended him for his work, confirmed that Nakamura was still on his way back from another assignment, and promised to catch up with Fukutomi before she made it back to her own home. The hour was getting late, but she'd rather let Jun know what was going on as soon as possible. She'd taken two other senior slayers with her as she got back to her quarters. With a fresh pot of green tea poured out into cups, she sat everyone down in her guest room. Her expression was neutral as she relayed the information. [color=deeppink]"As you now know, the [i]former[/i] Pillar Tamagawa Ichirou has defected and run off with a demon and a student of the Storm Pillar. We don't know why, but it doesn't matter. Our mission is to keep hunting down demons. They won't stop until they are dead, so there are always more people to help,"[/color] she paused to take a sip from her cup. [color=deeppink]"Recently we've caught wind of multiple demons gathering in the Ōita Prefecture. I want you to investigate the area, find out the reason they are flocking there and, of course, destroy them."[/color] Maria kept her face turned toward her tea cup, but she flickered her gaze subtly up through her lashes to take in the expression of those opposite her. She didn't like it, but she had to watch for any signs at all that those in her care may be thinking of defecting as well. [color=deeppink]"[i]However[/i], there are still Demon Moons at large. If you encounter one on your mission... don't throw your life away. I'll be joining you all on this mission eventually, but I have some matters to attend to first. Retreat if you need to, and we can regroup together to finish it off."[/color] After a few tense moments, Maria's expression broke into a relieved smile. As far as she could see, her charges didn't seem like traitors. She wouldn't stop the Storm Pillar's investigation, but just studying them during this conversation but her heart a little at ease. She regarded them warmly and asked, [color=deeppink]"Any questions?"[/color]