Once outside, Isolde grabbed my arm and dragged me through the streets with seemingly boundless energy.

Let me paint the scene for you.

The soles of my shoes tapped against worn cobblestones as we ran. The houses—some perfectly aligned in symmetrical rows, others separated by narrow alleys—stood with monotonous elegance. People filled every space: children playing, adults conversing, merchants desperately shouting their wares with the practiced theatrics of those clinging to survival.

We crossed an intersection where carriages moved in a constant, orderly flow. There, the Kingdom Sentinels maintained control, ensuring chaos never took root. Their presence was a reminder that even mundane routines were meticulously regulated here.

Our destination turned out to be a park—a social hub where, unlike other places, children vastly outnumbered adults. And before you question it, no, it wasn’t dangerous. In fact, it was absurdly safe. Veil Masters patrolled discreetly, and even Sentinels lingered, though their sole purpose seemed to be ensuring trash made it into the proper bins.

Now, let’s clarify something. I’ve mentioned different ranks of knighthood without explanation. That’s bound to cause confusion. Let’s fix that.

First Tier: General Sergeants
The elite. War strategists. Architects of military campaigns. Their role extends beyond battle—they advise the monarch and nobility on defense and military policy. Their loyalty is unshakable. Perhaps even stronger than their intelligence. Catch my drift?

Second Tier: Ether Guardians (like my parents)
My father could’ve been a General Sergeant, but the king decided his place was at his side as a personal guard. Ether Guardians lead divisions, assist the Sergeants, and oversee the kingdom’s magical protection rituals. They’re cogs in the military machine, but essential ones.

Third Tier: Veil Masters
Their work is subtler but no less critical. They’re the unseen overseers, monitoring every corner of the kingdom using stealth magic and mental manipulation. Nobles, commoners—no one escapes their notice. If someone tries to destabilize the kingdom, they’re the first to know. And the first to act.

Fourth Tier: Kingdom Sentinels
The most visible force. Street patrollers. The ones ensuring daily life runs smoothly. They’re not the strongest or the most strategic, but that doesn’t make them weak. Their close-combat skills outmatch any untrained civilian, and their knowledge of healing magic? Honestly, I’m jealous.

I’ve tried understanding it, but my progress has been… limited.

“Lucy! Look, look! It’s a shadow goose!” Isolde exclaimed, pointing excitedly at the central lake.

There it was. A shadow goose gliding across the water with that infuriating aura of serene indifference.

The first time I saw one, I was two. One tried to bite my foot. I cried. Isolde, in response, hurled her milk bottle at it like she was defending my honor in a duel.

I guess aggression is her love language.

“You’re not going to pelt it with a bottle again, right, Issy?”

“What? Of course not!” She grinned, absurdly proud. “That time, I was protecting you!”

“Wait—Lucy, what are you doing?!”

I yanked her toward the lake, manipulating a stream of water with mana to splash her.

“Ack—!”

But Isolde reacted faster than expected, redirecting the water toward my face. I ducked, but a few droplets still hit my hair.

“Issy!”

The goose stared at us with what I swear was disdain.