( Despite only having been newly crowned as king, Pure Vanilla feels as though he has his work cut out for him. He'd never complain nor speak of it the workload. After all, he was always happy to work hard if it was for the good of others! Even if he wasn't king, he'd happily do what he can for those who lived within the kingdom.

It seems as though a new group of citizens had been knighted, assigned to stand post at different places in the kingdom, and mostly the castle. Though, one in particular had been assigned as part of his personal guard.

Typically, a king would likely not befriend their knight and yet... Pure Vanilla cared so greatly for those he met. It never took him long at all to consider someone his friend. It was his in his very nature.

He can't help but offer a smile towards the other. It's getting late into the afternoon, but things seem to have quieted down a little. )

Did you require any help settling in? I am more than happy to do what I can to accommodate you!

[It is a great and deep honor, and privilege, to be appointed as not only a King's Guard, but the King's Guard, and Red Velvet stands at attention when the King comes down to greet him, introduced by the current army general as well as a few of his advisors and close inner circle. His armor is light - full plate is expensive, heavy, and actually restricts movement in battle more than anything - though there is a rather grizzly looking gauntlet covering much of one arm...odd. He does not smile as he is given his leave with the King, the others leaving them be to go about their business, and Red Velvet actually blinks when his liege approaches and speaks so...informally with him.

Wha--]

I have...already been given quarters within the castle - near enough to yours, so that I may ever be present by your side, Your Majesty.

( He wouldn't be the first to be surprised at just how informal he is towards others. That's... his very nature. Everyone is welcome to the castle, and everyone is a friend. It's... perhaps not ideal for most kingdoms, but Pure Vanilla has always been kind, first and foremost. )

Please, Pure Vanilla is fine. You and I will be together from now on, won't we?

[It is bizarre, and Red Velvet is not sure how much he likes it. He's been in the military service for so much of his life, starting as just a child and then growing into the role and up in ranks as he aged. It...makes a lot of sense, given his tumultuous past, and how he was orphaned and lost for a period of time. Finding the army, a purpose, quite literally saved Velvet's life.

But it also made his exterior a bit cold, and hard, and serious...the softer edges only really showing themselves when he's with his pet, Chiffon, or when he encounters other stray cakehounds while on patrol. In fact, he has a small satchel of treats specifically for the little darlings while he does his rounds.]

Y-Yes...that is correct, Pure Vanilla...my king.

[His voice sounded strained for a moment there, until Velvet tacked on the end. It's just not easy for him to be so loose with someone so important, and who he is tasked to look after and guard, literally, with his life. They shouldn't have a personal relationship for that very reason, in fact. That's what Velvet was taught, anyway...]

If you have business, then see to it, I will be at your side. And you may ignore my presence as you see fit - do not let me keep you from your duties.

( He seems almost uncomfortable, in a way. Perhaps it's understandable, given that this type of behavior isn't something others expect. If he cannot adapt, then perhaps it would be best for him to find another post... The last thing Pure Vanilla wants is for someone to be trapped in a position that they aren't happy with. It would never be anything against the other knight at all.

He holds onto his staff tightly, using it to help walk forward. His eyesight has never exactly been the best, and so -- he depends on it a great deal. It's no secret. )

I was just going to tend to the gardens. However, rest assured that I cannot just ignore company! I am happy to have it.

[He'll get used to it, it's just extremely different from what Velvet is normally accustomed to. Honestly, it might even be goof for him to learn a little compassion and kindness, and how to openly show it to people...not just his pets, when he's alone with them. He's a good soul, but his exterior really does sort of give off cold, avoidant, and a little intimidating...

Red Velvet falls into step, one pace behind his majesty as is customary, and he keeps his eyes trained on the older Cookie. He's been told of the king's poor eyesight, his staff acting very much like a cane or walking stick, and he presses his lips together a bit...before moving to be at the king's side. It's unorthodox, but if his majesty trips and falls, it would be a big problem. Being closer is safer for him. But he's actually struck a bit by surprise, blinking.]

You yourself tend to the gardens? What of the royal gardener?! Such activities are not befitting-- [...Oh. Oh, he fucked up.] F-Forgive me, your highness, I spoke out of turn.