The afternoon sunlight shone through the paper windows, casting a warm patch of light beneath the veranda.
Izayoi sat beneath the veranda, holding a small fan and waving it idly now and then.
Her belly was slightly rounded too. Though it was not as obvious as Kanade Hime's, her pregnancy was already beginning to show.
Her long hair was loosely tied with a white satin ribbon and fell over one shoulder. Her face carried the gentleness and serenity of a first-time mother.
"Izayoi."
Suiko walked out from inside and sat down beside her, holding a bowl of soup.
"Here, drink this."
Izayoi took the bowl and lowered her head to smell it.
"What is it?"
"It's to help protect the pregnancy. A specially prepared prescription. It's good for both you and Sister Kanade Hime."
Izayoi smiled and sipped the soup in small mouthfuls.
Suiko propped her chin in her hand and looked at her, a trace of complicated emotion in her eyes.
"What is it, Sister Suiko?"
"Nothing."
Suiko shook her head, then sighed.
"I just feel like... time has passed so quickly."
Izayoi froze for a moment.
"Three years ago, we were still on that little hillside, looking at the stars and talking about the future.
And now, after coming to Dog Demon City... you're almost a mother."
Suiko's voice was very soft, and there was an indescribable emotion in her eyes.
Izayoi set down the bowl and gently took Suiko's hand.
"Sister Suiko, you'll have one too."
Suiko gave a wry laugh.
"Me? Forget it. Master is busy taking care of the two of you right now. How would he have time..."
"Sister Suiko!"
Izayoi's face reddened, and she squeezed her hand hard.
"What are you thinking of!"
"I'm telling the truth."
Suiko blinked, smiling like a cat