"That's true," he acknowledged, nodding. "It's just that I was brought here from the aftermath of something quite serious in my world, and I feel as though I'm shirking my responsibilities."

The kirin noses its way into Eve's hand eagerly, obviously looking for or expecting a treat of some kind. Its handler laughs, offering her a handful of large, dark red nuts to give to the beast. "Fingers flat, palm up," he added, just in case Eve wasn't familiar with how to feed the creatures.

Kid maintains a respectful distance, although the other kirin that is nearer to him snorts irritably, stamping its hooves on the ground. Its handler looks confused, professing, "Funny, she's normally the calm one," but Kid shakes his head to intercept the need for further explanation.

"It's fine, sir," he assures the man.