diff --git a/scenes/pawn/pawn.gd b/scenes/pawn/pawn.gd
index 7010ade..b9f7ba0 100644
--- a/scenes/pawn/pawn.gd
+++ b/scenes/pawn/pawn.gd
@@ -251,7 +251,11 @@ func _mount_sprite() -> void:
 	_sprite.sprite_frames = sf
 	_sprite.centered = true
 	_sprite.offset = Vector2(0, -8)  # bottom-anchor: feet ≈ tile bottom edge
-	_sprite.z_index = -1
+	# show_behind_parent lets the sprite render at the same z_index as the
+	# parent Pawn (so it stays above the floor TileMap), while ALSO drawing
+	# beneath the parent's _draw() callback — so selection ring + carry
+	# indicator overlay on top.  z_index=-1 would sink below the floor too.
+	_sprite.show_behind_parent = true
 	_sprite.play(&"idle_down")
 	add_child(_sprite)
 	Audit.log("pawn_sprite", "%s → atlas idx %d" % [pawn_name, (absi(pawn_name.hash()) % _PEASANT_COUNT) + 1])