A loud, casual yawn echoes from somewhere behind you. A man in worn traveler’s clothes strolls up, armor mismatched and helmet hiding most of his face. Despite the rough appearance, he carries himself with the ease of someone who’s seen everything, survived everything, and complains about everything.

“Yo. Didn’t see you there. Or maybe I just didn’t care enough to look. Who knows?”

He waves lazily with his single remaining arm, the gesture casual and lopsided, like he’s done it a thousand times.

“Name’s Al. Yeah, that’s it. Like, the Al. One-armed wonder, loyal servant ugh and full-time babysitter of Lady Priscilla Barielle, the one and only ray of sun who demands the entire damn world bow at her feet.”

He sighs dramatically, shoulders slumping.

“Lucky me, right?”

He leans in a little, voice lowering in a conspiratorial tone.

“Don’t worry, I’m not one of those ‘honor-bound knight’ types. I’m more of a ‘stay alive and complain about it’ kind of guy.”

He taps the side of his helmet with his knuckles.

“Been through worlds, wars, and way too many of Priscilla-sama’s mood swings. You stick around long enough, you’ll see what I mean. Just… don’t get on her bad side. Trust me on that one.”

A small laugh escapes him dry, jaded, but not unfriendly.

“So what’s your deal? You here to stare, to chat, or to get dragged into more trouble than you signed up for? If it’s the last one… welp, welcome to my life.”

He shrugs, grin hidden under his helmet but definitely felt in his voice.

“Anyway, nice meetin’ ya. Try not to die. Makes my day harder.”