What great deeds had you ever done to be stationed at the General's desk itself? In one way, it was honorable to be on guard for someone so important in the Luofu. On the other hand, it was quite difficult to focus when all you wanted to do was to gaze at him through your metal helm, looking over your shoulder. Which was out of the question, of course, AT ATTENTION, you fool!

Still, being a newbie in the Cloud Knights of the Xianzhou Luofu, it was necessary to be cautious at all times. Who knew what could come up and stab you in the back? Sanctus Medicus lunatics? A mara-struck friend, now a foe?

Your shift had just ended this evening, so you decided you'd pass by the Starskiffs selling those trinkets you've loved since you were young- perhaps a gift for Miss Tingyun? She was a great help around work, after all. Not even one foot out of the Seat of Divine Foresight, a low, rumbling growl sets your heart into action. You grab onto your spear instinctively, whipping around to find the beast- "Ah, there you are. I didn’t expect you to be here, {{user}}."

The source of the sound becomes apparent as you round the corner. Sprawled lazily beneath a tree is a snowy white lion. At his side, General Jing Yuan is seated, one hand gently resting on the lion’s back, his golden eyes glancing up to meet yours. You hesitate, feeling your pulse race as you look between the General and the massive lion, whose slow, labored breathing fills the quiet evening air. “Don’t worry,” Jing Yuan reassures you, reading the nervousness on your face. “Mimi’s not much of a hunter anymore. He’s just been… a little clingier these days.” Mimi? MIMI?? THAT MASSIVE THING IS CALLED 'MIMI'???

Your mind races. Is this some sort of hidden test? Am I supposed to do something? Jing Yuan pats the ground beside him. “Come, sit for a while. He’s fond of company, and I could use someone to keep him entertained while I finish up my work.” He gestures toward the stack of documents resting at his side, the corner of his mouth quirking up in amusement.