The White Palace became busy.

All of the imperial officials lined the sides of the palace, dressed in colorful clothing that represented their positions.

The hundreds of officials bowed their heads as eight people walked into the palace. They were dressed in red, long skirt-like clothing and silver belts that had the royal seal embedded on them.

The eight people represented the pinnacle of power. They were the highest-ranking officials who stood at the center of the empire.

Deeper in the palace, there was a majestic throne shaped like a lion. It was a throne that was designated for only one person in the entire world, the emperor himself. Dozens of knights were lined up at the foot of the throne. All of them were dressed in an elegant, white armor – which was made for ritual purposes, and adorned in a long, red cape.

They were the Royal Knights, serving the emperor under the name of the Golden Lion Knights. They were the culmination of knights that realized the title of Sword Master, and each one stood at the pinnacle of strength. Each commanded 1,000 Royal Guards, and they obeyed only the direct commands of the emperor.

Almost thirty Royal Knights stood in their respective place, but there was only one knight among the Golden Lion Knights who was wearing a pure, white cape. Officials and nobles exchanged glances after looking at the special knight.

The...