Izumi fluttered her eyes open, scanning her surroundings. Realising that she was in an infirmary, she tried to remember how she passed out.

"I'm glad that you're fine, Izumi."

She turned her head to see Benio walking in with a tray of food as she placed it on the nightstand just next to the bed.

"How long have I been out?"

"A day. Heshikiri Hasebe brought you here."

A short moment of silence took over between her and Benio. Izumi remembered about what Hasebe did to her after her sharp tongue ticked him off. She had never thought this sword to be so loyal to her even after what she had said to him.

"I owe you a favour now, Benio."

Benio's eyes widened before the ends of her lips went up, showing a smile.

"What are you laughing at?"

"No, nothing."

Benio then took a bottle full of pills from her bag, throwing it to her.

"Here, your pills. I got you a new bottle even though you haven't finished the previous one."

Taking the round-shaped bottle in her hands, Izumi stuffed it into her pocket, standing up to face Benio.

"Did Kanzaki say anything?"

"He said that you need to come back three months later."

Izumi hummed in reply, knowing that she didn't have much time left.

"Tell him that I'll return after a month."

~~

"Stop daydreaming and start work, boys."

The three swords turned their heads abruptly.

It was their master.

"Master! Are you alright?" Hasebe inquired frantically, looking at Izumi from head to toe. As much as he disliked the first meeting, he was worried about her.

"I wouldn't be here if I'm not alright, Hasebe."

Mikazuki smiled, glad that his master was back along with her sharp tongue. Taroutachi didn't say a word, but he felt peace in his heart. Mikazuki then set down the cup of tea in his hands and stood up.

"What're you trying to do-"

He went up to Izumi without a word as he wrapped his arms around her. His light scent filled her nose. His warmth was spreading across her body.

The two swords were taken aback by his actions, fearing at what Izumi would do towards him.

"You're quite daring, Mikazuki." She threatened him, trying to pry away from the hug, but his arms around her tightened instead.

"Forgive me for my audacity, but I was really worried about you, Master."

"Let go of me." Lifting her head, Izumi blew a breath of cold air towards his neck, surprising Mikazuki as he flinched, sliding his arms off from her. Clicking her tongue, Izumi then went straight to the armoury room, trying her luck to create some gold ones.

"Well, she's back, so let's get back to work, shall we?" Mikazuki's comment seemed to unfreeze them as they realised the disappearance of their Master.