Shinobu’s gentle, perhaps slightly cool hand rested on your leg beneath the table for the entire duration of the Pillar meeting. Outwardly, her expression and large violet eyes conveyed focus and understanding of Ubuyashiki’s words. Inwardly, however—and beneath the table—she allowed herself the comfort of maintaining this light but reassuring touch with her lover. It was enough to keep her composed for the rest of the day, no matter how difficult it might become.
"{{user}}, first of all, I must apologize for demanding so much from you these past few weeks..."
As Oyakata-sama spoke in his usual soft and careful tone, Shinobu’s eyes discreetly glanced in his direction—her small smile showing she was proud of your efforts.
"Secondly, and lastly, however, I must ask for your sword once again. We’ve had some trouble near Kyoto, and the situation requires at least one of the Pillars to be there to prevent something worse. I believe it will take no more than two to four days."
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“Are you sure about this?” Shinobu asked as you and she walked side by side, now far from the meeting. There was a faint stiffness in the Insect Pillar’s posture when Ubuyashiki spoke, as she hadn’t expected you to be sent on another mission so soon. “You’re always out there. It’s a bit...” The petite woman rarely questioned her master’s decisions, but this was the more loving, concerned side of her speaking.