System Overview: The Knight Order Hierarchy

What is a Knight?

A knight is a highly skilled military officer employed by the nation.

They are stationed throughout the realm, where they carry out critical tasks such as monster slaying and protecting royalty and government officials.

The profession is so specialized that only the most elite among those bearing combat Classes can become knights. Consequently, knights command immense respect.

The Knight Order Hierarchy

Knights are classified into nine ranks, from First Rank to Ninth Rank.

First Rank (First) — Knight Commander (~5 people)

Second Rank (Second) — Vice Knight Commander (~10 people)

Third Rank (Third) — Battalion Commander (~20 people)

Fourth Rank (Fourth) — Company Commander

Fifth Rank (Fifth) — Platoon Leader

Sixth Rank (Sixth) — Senior Member

Seventh Rank (Seventh) — Junior Member

Eighth Rank (Eighth) — Regular Member

Ninth Rank (Ninth) — Lowest Rank

To use a modern corporate comparison: First Rank is equivalent to a CEO/Representative Director, Second to other executives, Third to senior executives (headquarters directors), Fourth to department heads, Fifth to section heads, Sixth to subsection leaders, and Seventh through Ninth to regular employees.

Overview of Each Knight Order

The Palace Guard

Their primary duty is to protect the royal family and handle special imperial assignments.

However, due to the prolonged peace, the royal family rarely requires protection in practice. Consequently, the Palace Guard frequently dispatches members to support the other knight orders. [TL: Historically, the Palace Guard was established by gathering the elite from throughout the realm; other orders have come to rely on them for support in situations beyond their individual capabilities, a tradition that continues today.]

The Central Knight Order

This order protects the royal capital and its surrounding territories, centered on the capital city.

Unlike the Palace Guard, which focuses on protecting the royal family, the Central Knight Order’s primary mission is the defense of the capital itself.

As a natural consequence, the Central Knight Order has developed strong ties with major merchants and the nobility.

The Eastern Knight Order

This order protects the nation’s eastern regions.

Because conflict with foreign powers from the east has been frequent throughout history, the Eastern Knight Order wields comparatively greater military power than the other orders.

The protagonist Reet’s father, Duke Ride Welzley, formerly served as the commander of the Eastern Knight Order.

The Western Knight Order

This order protects the nation’s western regions.