Royal Guard

Royal Guard (ロイヤル・ガード) is a military branch of the Imperial Army specially chosen to protect the Imperial Palace.

Background
The Royal Guard are elite knights under the direct command of the Emperor. They are elites among the elites in the Empire.

The Invaders of the Large Tomb Arc
When a dragon appeared on the palace grounds of the Imperial Capital, forty Royal Guards surrounded it. Two dark elves that had ridden the dragon, demanded to see the emperor lest there be consequences. To make their point, one of the dark elves created a massive crater that swallowed the defending knights and guards.

Strength
The Royal Guard are equivalent to Gold-class adventurers. The Royal Guard's knights are equipped with full plate armor imbued with magic, holding magic shields and magic weapons forged and enchanted by the many magic casters of the Empire, a fortune that was worth more than their weight in gold.

Trivia

 * 40 Royal Guards were killed during the visit of Mare and Aura to the Imperial Palace.
 * In the Anime, the Imperial Earth Guard and the Royal Guard wear the same equipment and armor.