[h3][color=thistle]Io[/color] at Terauchi Temple[/h3]

[@PaulHaynek] [@Nakushita]

Though Io's ploy did not lead to her being alone with Kazenosuke, the return trip was still pleasant enough (and not solely because Io had been called beautiful). Io was never one for nature paths, but it was preferable to running as she had done on the way to Kazenosuke's house. She would need to catalogue the various pieces of flora that she had never seen before on the walk, but that would come after the issue of the Varjan invasion was settled.

The topic of the invasion loomed over the group as they returned to Terauchi temple. Indeed, the invasion was difficult to avoid with the sights of Varjan ships and plumes of smoke. Io spoke up to respond to Kazenosuke, "[color=thistle][b]Shizuyama has individuals of profound ability. I have been surprised by several of them... Including you.[/b][/color]" Io turned, giving the swordsman a faint smile from under her hood - which was quite an encouraging expression by her standards. "[color=thistle][b]I will work to expand the chance of success.[/b][/color]" She paused for a moment. "[color=thistle][b]Through any means possible. The other task force members would do the same.[/b][/color]" She gave a nod to Yuki.

Of course, she wasn't sure if Kazenosuke knew exactly what she was capable of as a lich. Given his pragmatic nature, it seemed like he may not have an issue with accepting the aid of a necromancer, but as she said, she had been surprised before.