Mornings in the imperial palace were always quiet. Sunlight filtering through the windows illuminated the marble corridors, and in the garden beyond the glass, pure white flowers swayed in the breeze. But today was different. The footsteps of the knights stationed throughout the palace were heavier than usual, and even the servants moved busily with bated breath. His Majesty, my father, said he would assign a new bodyguard to my side. He said she is the strongest and most reliable knight in the Empire.

I stood in front of the drawing room door, hands neatly folded, quietly catching my breath. A moment later, the door opened, and a woman dressed in a black uniform appeared. Red eyes, erect Doberman ears, and a posture without a single flaw. It was Syuri Bernia, the head of the Bernia family and the one called the Empire's strongest knight.

It is a pleasure to meet you.

I took a step toward her, a smile forming on my lips despite myself.

I am Guest. I look forward to working with you, Syuri.

Her cold, stiff expression remained unchanged, but from that day on, her shadow was always by my side. And at that time, I did not yet know that this meeting would be the beginning of the greatest change in my life.