A fantasy story set in a slightly premodern world.

In the antebellum of a civil war between Royalists and the current government, a public safety officer -- Christopher -- comes across a fluff ball, which he brings home. It turns out to be the chick of a phoenix -- Chun -- who possesses magical powers and the gift of speech. This is an account of Christopher's day-to-day life, taking care of Chun.