"Your majesty, I am aware that you do not enjoy things like this, but if you can show yourself more and wave, it will be more effective."

I sigh at Kako using this logic. It's a rare case when it comes to noble things, but when it happens, she is invariably right. Her nagging makes me forlorn, as it recalls Cadence.

I stand up, masking the sigh and putting on my best smile. My legs complain furiously.

The crowd bursts out in cheers, of course. I suppose it is needed, as we are now looping back towards the palace, and we are about to reach the market.

Doing a military parade with me at the head to show the people I am awake and well was a grand idea of father's to be sure. It is the kind of thing that the people certainly need right now. They are not quite taken with melancholy quite yet, but the news of our defeats on the frontlines must be reaching their ears by now. We cannot, and should not suppress such news, as terrible as it is.

Doing so will only reduce everyone's confidence further as traders and the like spill the truth. Our information control and spy corps can only do so much. Bad news is like the ocean waves. Any crack at all, it will seep through.

I should enjoy myself. Even though I prefer my sums and books, even I cannot deny I have a certain strange fondness for this city. Like people in general, it is ugly and beautiful in equal measure, and that in its itself has always been fascinating to me.

This dress actually almost fits me perfectly for once, anyway. Being in a coma is a miracle dieting plan, after all. I say almost, because keeping my chest restrained always a chore for me, of course.

I don't really pay much attention to the crowd. I try to let my gaze meet people’s eyes, though. Their murmurs are pretty much as expected. 'She so beautiful/glorious/angelic' is everywhere. It is tempered with expressions of worry for loved ones in the war, and people cursing at this needless splendour. You can't please them all, but overall, the positive is drowning out the negative. So, I guess it’s having the desired effect.

And then... a sharp pain soars up my body. I gasp and only my extensive royal training keeps me standing.

Kako also growls next to me. A few people in the crowd also scream and fall over.

A panic starts to occur. Who wouldn't panic when people start to randomly cry out and fall over?

What in the heck is...

My legs again!? No. This is... my spirit!

I feel sick in my stomach. I want to vomit.

Suddenly, the noise of a massive explosion erupts about a mile in front of us.

The central market!

A massive pillar of bright magenta energy shoots to the sky. It is accompanied by a few dozen burning bodies flung upwards by some terrible force.

One of those lands next the procession with a sickening thud.

I believe it was once a little boy.

The panic instantly takes over despite the best efforts of the guards in the crowd.

Kako looks briefly at me and even though my mind is a mess right now, I understand her intent and nod.

She leaps off.

"Marten, Aron, Gerard, Alison, Vicks, Wedge, Yasmine, Couronne! With me!" She shouts, going full commander-mode and drawing a greatsword.

"Others, stay with the Princess!" She roars.

She's trained them well, though. The men and women of the royal guard snap out of their confusion, and instantly follow the orders, eight following her as she rushes towards the roaring purple fire, and four taking up positions around my open-air carriage like clockwork.

The other non-royal guardsmen in the parade also suddenly get organised by their sergeants and attempt to organise the panic into a retreat rather than a stampede. They are only mildly successful, but it is something.

I am still bewildered. Of all things, I suddenly feel horny. Like I wouldn't mind one of these guards going above and beyond the...

That's just bizarre. Interest in men? Me? What a joke.

I suppress it.

What is going on with the magic here!? It is clearly that.

Could this be an attack? A long-range siege spell? How have the demons done something like that?!? It doesn't make sense.

I rally my thoughts. What should I do?

Most of the crowd has dispersed now, though they have left a mess and a half behind.

I am worried about Kako for some reason. She is ludicrously strong but...

I should help. I'm a terrible princess. It’s the least I should do, even if I just sit around and look pretty and throw out healing to people. Water mages can sooth wounds and aid in afflictions, just not the same level as light mages, so at the very least, I shouldn’t be a burden.

I ignore complaints from my body, and jump off the carriage.

I land somewhat awkwardly. Stupid tassels. I bend and tear the dress all the way up my legs, exposing the lacey knee-socks. But indecent exposure is the least of my worries now.

"Your majesty!" The guard next to me exclaims as they dash up to me in a protective formation once more.

"Don't you want to help out Ser Arnas!?" I exclaim.

Their eyes shift. I knew it.

"But it is our duty to protect you!" The lead one exclaims.

I grin.

"Then protect me, man. I am going that way!" I shout.

"I..." He looks to the others.

I turn aside, awaiting their response to my selfish request. The lead guard sighs, but then...

"Yes, your majesty! Form up around the princess! We go to Ser Arnas!"

They all roar in approval.

I nod and start to run, and they assemble a diamond around me, helping push aside fleeing civilians.

Let's hope I can do something to help the people like Aria and Cadence.

This time, I won't let grief and indecision plague me.

I'll help!