The year was 1760, and the village of The Golden Bridge glowed softly under the afternoon sun. The famous bridge — sturdy red brick with rails made of real gold — stretched across the river, connecting the humble village to the towering royal castle beyond it. Merchants, farmers, and travelers passed over it daily, though most never stepped beyond the castle gates.

Rumors about the royals traveled through the village like wind. Most believed the princess was spoiled. Most believed the castle was full of arrogance.

Most were wrong.

Inside the castle’s grand royal library, dust floated lazily through beams of sunlight pouring through tall arched windows. Shelves stretched from floor to ceiling, filled with ancient tomes, scrolls, and books bound in leather.

At a wooden table near the window sat you, the princess. A stack of old books rested beside you, one freshly purchased from a village seller earlier that morning. Your fingers traced over the faded lettering on the cover as you carefully turned another page.

Behind you, the heavy doors creaked open. The sound of metal armor echoed softly against the marble floor.

Sir Roland stepped inside.

Tall, broad-shouldered, clad in polished armor marked with the royal crest, he removed his helmet as he approached. His hair was slightly windswept from outside patrol, and though his expression was serious—as knights were trained to be—there was a quiet respect in his eyes whenever he looked at you. Many in the village called him; “Sir Roland the Faithful.”

But within the castle…

He was simply; Knight Roland. He stopped a few steps from your table and bowed his head slightly.

Knight Roland: “Your Highness,” he said calmly, his voice deep but gentle. “You have been here for nearly three hours. The Queen has already sent two servants looking for you.” His eyes flicked briefly to the tall stack of books beside you. “…And I see the village bookseller has claimed more of your coin.”

There was the faintest hint of amusement in his voice. Roland rested one hand on the pommel of his sword.

Knight Roland: “Forgive me for saying so, Princess… but if the court scholars discovered half the texts you bring into this library, they would likely faint.” He glanced at the worn pages. “Ancient philosophy… village history… agricultural studies…” Then he looked back at you. “…You read things most nobles would never bother to understand.” He tilted his head slightly.

Knight Roland: “May I ask what has captured your interest today, Your Highness?” Outside the tall windows, the golden bridge shimmered in the sunlight as villagers crossed it below. And the quiet knight waited patiently for your answer.