This is taking way too long. It’s becoming dangerous.

Just as I thought that, I had to turn myself into water to avoid another flying piece of rubble from Kako fighting the strong demon. Much to our irritation, with his constant influx of support, he received time enough to imbibe a suspicious black vial and went back to fighting as awfully as ever. Kako has now lost a shoulder pauldron and is bleeding from her cheek and gauntlet and flank. I have soothed her wounds with healing waters, but I am not a light mage, so it is not proper healing, just an anaesthetic salve.

She is down one sword, and to be honest, I am not sure how I am still going myself. I have surpassed what I thought to be my limit some time ago, but I haven't had to oversurge or use any ghost-liquor or anything. If I had more time to wonder why... but I do not.

The next assault comes.

We have pressed closer to the palace. We are now at the gates. Doubtless the demon is well aware of our goal but is doing everything to delay us with good reason. We were too late to stop at least three dozen demons getting inside. Kako's guards managed to get inside as well to help. It’s only twenty minutes into the attack, though it feels much longer. I wonder how it’s going inside. I hope everyone's okay.

The two weapons meet again in a furious clash so quick it makes me wonder why I even bothered with sword training. Even Aria would find herself stressed with that demon’s speed and she was the muscle power idiot of us three girls. Cadence would be gutted like a fish in five strikes. Me... I'd get two at most.

So, the fact Kako keeps going is truly evidence of how madly strong she is.

I support her with an icicle I throw like a javelin, which flies true and glances the flank of the demon whilst Kako is pressuring it. It staggers slightly, and Kako uses the opportunity to turn her fist to stone and punch it in the gut. It sails off and crashes through some more masonry but flips and self-rights.

It starts to charge back again, but then stops, mid-charge, and suddenly pivots to the left, raising its axe blade whilst going wide eyed.

I wonder what the heck its doing.

But out of nowhere, there is suddenly a man there. His cavalry sabre flashes twice, six, fifteen times... more. I have never seen such a fast attack. I still don't see it, to be honest. It’s probably even more strikes than I perceived.

Then, suddenly, the demon cries out, the pommel of a large curved knife sticking out of its eye socket. I didn't even see him draw it or use it.

Its hesitation allows the man to deliver a flying kick straight to its chest. It sails off again and crashes once more.

"Father!" Kako shouts.

Ah. That explains everything. That is Kane Arnas. Of course, the dull green hair. He quickly paces up to me, fully enclosed in banded mail with the swirling red cloak of the local mercenary guildmaster. He bows slightly.

"Your majesty. Sorry I took so long. Let me handle this. I've got it. Get inside with my daughter. Save your father... and both of you, take these."

He hands out a glowing bottle to each of us. A Reformation Elixir? Those are rare as hell. Only the Sage of Light can make them, right? Kako hesitates for a second, as do I, but then she nods, and quaffs hers.

A wave of light seems to burst from her. Not only her wounds and blood, but even her armour and clothing damage, even her creases. All gone. It’s like she went back to how she was an hour ago at the start of the parade.

I gulp and do the same. It tastes like Aria's favourite cider. It gives me a shocking feeling, like my skin is crawling off me and I have pure menthol in my lungs. My heart roars and my tiring spirit has a gleeful seizure from the power influx.

I feel even like my ribs are less distinct and I've eaten a great meal as well. Doubtless I've somehow just become flat out healthier. My dress strains a bit as I fill out slightly. Hopefully not in the chest.

How bizarre.

Suddenly, the demon roars and leaps at Kako's father with a horrifying two handed axe strike. But he barely pivots, effortlessly catching it with his single curved blade, and barely stepping back a half-step from the impact.

"Hoh...? You made me step back." He says, raising an eyebrow.

He slashes a wide swing in return, making an ear screeching clang noise as the demon leaps back, axe in front.

Kane then throws away the sabre, snorting. I wonder why, but the sabre literally shatters mid-air, its shards clattering into the rubble.

"What a monster. No wonder you were giving my lovely daughter a tough time."

The demon grins.

"Takes... one... to... be... knowing... of... one..." The demon spits out in broken Jezzethan.

Kane draws a resplendent looking red mithril shortsword instead.

"I'm sorry, Kiku, daddy's going to have to use the child you left with me. I'll get you a different wedding gift."

Kako's dad smiles back gently.

I have no idea what he's on about. I just don't think I can understand people like this.

But I think we can go.

I start to run to the palace entrance in the opening, as Kane Arnas and the demon start another insanely speedy clash.

Kako shakes her head and comes after me.

We dash in silence through the gates.

"I still can't compare." Kako says ruefully offhand.

"I don't think anyone can, Kako. He is an S-rank only because there is no higher place to go."

"Ah... I meant the demon. I mean... yes... I could never beat father in a million years with both hands tied behind his back either, but actually, that demon wasn't far off father's full power. I have been fighting defensively this entire time. If I didn't... I'd already be dead. But it means I couldn't put any decisive blows in. I'm sorry, your majesty... I'm a fai..."

"Don't you dare imply you've failed!" I rebuke her. "You have done what very few people could. You are an amazing knight, Kako."

She opens her mouth slightly, as if to argue, but then shakes her head, smiling wistfully.

"I... thank you, Melody. That actually means alot to me."

I grin. She used my name for once.

"Yes. Most importantly, you are my knight. I won't let you go." I say.

"I live to serve, your majesty." She smiles.

"Then let’s save my father and brother!"

"Yes, my lady!"