Seven-Man Squad's Slaughter; Princess Izayoi

The following noon, sunlight pierced through the clouds and fell upon a stretch of charred ruins.

Flame Hoof trod through the air, flames churning beneath its hooves as it slowly descended before a broken city gate.

Chiyo sat upright on its back, his scarlet eyes fixed on the distance.

More than half the city walls had collapsed, and black scorch marks stretched from the gate deep into the city.

The air was thick with the stench of burning, mingled with blood and decay.

Dead silence.

The entire city was like a graveyard.

Chiyo sniffed, the scent of blood spreading through the air.

This city had probably already been...

"Master..."

Suiko's voice came from behind him.

Chiyo turned around.

The girl stood beside him, no longer wearing that white-and-red armor.

She wore a pure white miko robe, its red hakama skirt swaying gently in the wind.

Her long black hair was simply tied with a white ribbon and draped over her shoulders.

The long sword hung at her waist, its tassel tied with a red knot Chiyo had casually made for her.

Sunlight fell upon her, making her miko robes lend her an even more graceful, ethereal air.

She no longer looked like a Monster Slayer in armor, wielding a sword to cut down monsters.

With her new attire, Suiko appeared gentler and purer.

Yet she also carried a measure of calmness born from life and death.

Noticing Chiyo's gaze, Suiko's cheeks reddened slightly as she lowered her head to look at herself.

"Master, I... do I look suitable dressed like this?"

There was a trace of unease in her voice.

Chiyo looked at her.

After a long moment, he nodded faintly.

"It suits you."

Suiko's eyes lit up, and the corner of her mouth could not help but curl upward.