For that matter, so did Signum, though even for Hayate such thoughts came seldom. She had a great deal of faith in her master, and knew she was well-protected even without Signum by her side... but even the most reserved of the Guardian Knights held a fanatical level of devotion to the woman in her heart.

"That will work too," she answered. "Even though we're in different teams, we'll both be working on the same objectives so I'll be counting on you," the knight continued. Hokuto wasn't her subordinate any more so there was nothing to do but trust in her...

Well, that and tease her about it.