Chapter 14 - Mochi vs the Kingdom

Hundreds from the city had gathered in the royal square. An outcrop of the castle leaned over a tidy section of cobbled ground, and public addresses were often given there.

Rumour had spread quickly about the princess falling ill and many assumed correctly the announcement would be about the coronation and subsequent festivities.

The princess herself would make an announcement, but unbeknownst to the masses it was not in fact the princess herself.

Zen took his position at the entry of the balcony to prevent anyone from seeing or interrupting them, and Nao stood politely and professionally beside Mochi. The two approached the ledge of the balcony, and Mochi raised her hand into the air as she had practiced to hush the crowd.

The previous night had been rough. Nao relentlessly trained Mochi on what she would need to do, predominantly opening and closing her mouth in an effort to have the appearance that she was speaking, and the two went through a large enough supply of fish snacks that Nao grew concerned another dress might no longer fit the princess’s slender body.

At the same time Milly was forced to practice her magic. Despite her negativity and low self-esteem the princess had a knack for it, but anyone trying something new struggles at first and Milly was no exception. She had never used a voice projection spell before.

Typically during addresses or announcements, one of the royal mages is present to use the spell on the person needing to speak at a greater volume. Milly was trying to use it on herself, and it took most of the night for her to reach the power she needed. There were a great many complaints from other patrons of the inn that were trying to sleep, but luckily most of them were scared off by the cool and brooding guard stationed at the door, who was annoyed that he wasn’t being included.

After all the preparations were made, the plan was in motion. Mochi had successfully silenced the people, and Milly took her position between Mochi’s feet, under a long dress that Nao had prepared. The projection spell formed, and a ring of light with a diamond symbol in the center appeared just in front of Milly’s small mouth. Her voice boomed out while Mochi opened and closed her mouth. It was a strange sight from up close, but they were high enough that they hoped most of the crowd couldn’t see clearly enough to be suspicious.

“People of the kingdom! Hear me, your princess!”

The crowd cheered. Milly was usually unsure of her words and stammered quite a bit, but her princess lessons had come in handy and she spoke confidently with the air of royalty.

“It is with deep regret and sadness… That we must postpone the coronation!”

Murmuring and yelling grew amongst the people.

“We face a plight never before seen in our peaceful lands! The Demon Lord’s darkness grows closer with each passing day! The great Velho has ventured off into lands unknown in search of a power that might protect us! In such trying times we must remain vigilant! We must…”

Milly felt herself becoming drowsy, not having slept in a day, and fought to stay awake.

“W-We must stay on our guards until the threat passes! I can only apologize for the disappointment you must feel, and assure you the time for celebration will come soon! For now…”

Her eyes fluttered, and her thoughts drifted.

“The Demon Lord…”

Closing her eyes for a moment was a mistake, and Milly went silent. The sound of breathing echoed out, and the projection spell faltered, drifting upwards until it hovered in front of Mochi. Nao being positioned behind them failed to notice this and sharply whispered.

“Say something!”

“Don’t worry babies! I’m gonna bite the Demon Lord! I’m gonna kill him and get a wish! I’m gonna wish to be with Mama!”

The crowd erupted. Some outraged that the princess would put herself into danger and leave the kingdom unprotected, some weeped with sympathy that the poor princess just wanted to see her mother so badly, as the previous queen was much beloved. Tensions grew and fights started as the noise of arguments grew and grew. Nao snapped out of her own shock at the announcement Mochi had just accidentally made to the kingdom and stepped in, leaning her face towards the spell.

“What the princess means is that a group of highly skilled… heroes, will accompany the princess… who is actually a powerful mage… to… negotiate the safety of the kingdom. Diplomatically.”

Settling down a little, the crowd's uproar turned back into murmurs and reserved upset. Nao crouched down to peek under the dress and check on the real princess, finding her fast asleep, and snoring a little. Zen lifted a fist to his mouth to cover and hold back a laugh.

The projection spell burst into small flecks of light, and Nao whispered to Mochi instructions to wave goodbye. Mochi overzealously waved with her whole arm and shouted.

“Bye bye!”

Nao couldn’t stop herself from slapping her palm to her forehead. She crouched again and discreetly scooped up Milly, and pulled Mochi away from the balcony to just inside the entryway. Zen couldn’t help but notice Nao was able to hold the princess without trouble, and wondered if his hand passing through before had just been a fluke. The group gathered inside and Mochi lifted her hands into a beg.

“I did a good job. Fish please!”

The twins shared a look and Nao forced a smile and pat Mochi on the head.

“...No fish right now, Miss Mochi.”

Mochi: 1

The kingdom: 0?