Retinue

"We didn't do anything, Crown." The Day and Night Guardian spoke softly. "I think you may not fully understand the position World Guardians hold within Wizard Civilization."

Richard nodded slightly. "I'm all ears."

The Day and Night Guardian sighed and explained to Richard, "First, you need to understand a concept.

According to the Truth Council's definition, World Guardians are an unofficial organization within the Legal Department subordinate to the Truth Council.

Under the institutions of Wizard Civilization, World Guardians do not exist. There is only a group of special 'enforcement wizards.'"

A flicker of astonishment passed through Richard's brows at that definition.

This was the first time he had heard of it.

The Day and Night Guardian looked at Richard. "From that definition, I believe you should understand something of our circumstances, sir."

Richard nodded. Defining the World Guardians as an unofficial organization was enough to show the Truth Council's attitude toward them—the Council was deeply dissatisfied with an organization whose highest superior was not the Council.

Even if that highest superior was the Wizard World Origin.

The Day and Night Guardian continued, "Though World Guardians appear to be members of the Legal Department, we are in truth adrift at the fringes of the wizard system.

Because the essence of our joining the Legal Department was to protect the Wizard World, not to serve as a tool for the Truth Council to rule wizards.

And because of the World Guardians' selection system, the Council cannot even interfere with our expansion, much less slip its own people into our ranks."

"So?" Richard scratched his head. "No matter how dissatisfied the Council is, they wouldn't go so far as to kill you, would they?

Though killing you would not be difficult for them, being loathed—or even rejected—by the Wizard World is definitely