[h3][color=thistle]Io[/color] at the Ruins of Kazenosuke's House[/h3]

[@PaulHaynek] [@AzureKnight] [@Nakushita]

Kazenosuke proved to be quite an enigma himself. Io had projected very little chance of success with her move, but he responded favourably enough. She would take any victories she could get. Though she had recovered energy through various other methods, her most preferred one was woefully neglected ever since her stay at Shizuyama began - something she was prepared for, but not necessarily enthusiastic about. 

Leaving aside her inner thirst, Io turned her attention to a newly familiar presence - Alice. After their sparring session, there was no mistaking her, even without sight. She could tell the others noticed her too. "[color=thistle][b]Another task force member.[/b][/color]" She briefly explained to Kazenosuke, not sure if she should go into any further detail than that. She turned and said to the her fellow task force members, "[color=thistle][b]If you think she needs help, I can take Kazenosuke back to the temple on my own.[/b][/color]" She wasn't sure if they had a better intuition for what Alice might be doing, so she volunteered in case they felt the need to pivot their plans. 

Of course that would also leave Io alone with the newly recruited swordsman, which was a win in her eyes. Not that she would admit that directly... Nor did she really expect any actual sudden developments from being alone with him, either, but Io preferred to play to any chance she might get. She nodded to herself. "[b][color=thistle]He will be safe. Rest assured.[/color][/b]" She seized her grimoire, as if brandishing it would serve to emphasize her protective prowess.