{HIKARI'S POV}
Only few days have passed since the last siege. Maybe a week at most. I continue to help out in the medical tent and wherever else I can be useful.

Our catapults are finally complete and in place on the watchtowers. This means we have a better way of dealing with their larger weapons than the crossbows, which are as scarce as they are helpful.

Thanks to their timely delivery during the latest siege, the soldiers were able to incapacitate the catapults. Fire arrows and the increased power and range of the mechanical crossbows was enough.

After the enemy's catapults burned, the attacking army focused their attack on the vulnerable sections of the wall. They tried to breach the barricade with ladders and arrows, however the West Wall held firm; we were able to repel the siege this time.

Unfortunately, large sections of the West Wall have been left dangerously exposed as a result. A special unit was immediately established to protect the open areas all day and night.

Now—by mixing a compound of different stones quarried from the mountain range with water and gravel—Jun was able to create a substance that, when it hardens and sets, is much harder than rock.

Using this substance, we can reinforce the damaged areas of the West Wall. Alongside our newly placed catapults and quarried stone for ammo, the defense of the wall (and gate) is looking more secure.

Our losses are in the high triple digits after this siege. Today, during the brief respite, we hold a memorial burying and honoring the dead.

I help lift the bodies we were able to recover into individually dug graves. Then we cover them with dirt and leave small stones on each mound of dirt.

The name of the fallen soldier is scratched into the surface of the little grave marker, if it's known. I personally leave a wildflower on each one, thanking them by name for their service and sacrifice.

It's the least I can do for them, as well as boosting the morale of the survivors. A little closure goes a long way. I accidentally get choked up, but manage to compose myself in front of my people.

The enemy soldiers have suffered much worse casualties. Their forces dwindle with every attempt to breach the wall. I wish they would just give up already. However, Cojacan elite soldiers apparently aren't allowed to surrender. They have to fight to the bitter end because their king forbids otherwise.

That doesn't bode well for either side. The day when they have so few able-bodied soldiers remaining that they decide to throw everything at us in one final, vicious hurrah is fast approaching.

Everyone is weary. The citizens are sick of the constant tension and stress. We hear the warning horn so frequently that some are desensitized and no longer react. I don't know if we'll be able to hold up.

Is Ren okay? Did he get the message to Dad? Is help coming, or are we truly alone?

I don't know what to do.

I hate that I can't reassure everybody who looks up to me for assurance. I have to be a confident leader, but I don't know anything. I feel stupid.

A coughing fit attacks me and I fall to my knees, wheezing painfully. I haven't been able to sleep well for weeks. This weak body of mine is failing. Luckily, no one is present to witness my breakdown.

I'm a proud princess of Clarines—I must be composed in front of my people. They've helped me so much and I want to help them too.

I pull myself to my feet and my vision swims. Color fades to black.

I sit up straight in my bed. How long has is been?

I stand and walk over to my only window. The sky is orange and red, the sun settling beneath the horizon. My eyes widen and I curse, then cough. There was supposed to be a war council today! We were going to discuss our strategy going forward. I have to find General Isamu and apologize!

Holding my chest, I use the wall as a crutch to make my way to the door.

I open it, surprised to find Jun standing right outside. His arms are crossed and his face twists with irritation. There are are dark circles under his eyes.

I straighten my posture. "What're you doing?"

"Guarding your door, Princess."

"Thank you for your hard work." I try to walk past, but Jun blocks my path with his arm.

"My assignment is not to keep others out, Princess. General Ito ordered me to keep you inside." He's speaking so formally. I hate it.

I stumble and Jun catches me. He gently pulls me towards my bed. I try to push him away, but my eyes are heavy and my body isn't functioning properly.

"I told you before, you're precious to us. So please... please rest. Get better. You don't have to be perfect all the time. We'll help you." He whispers.

I lie down and Jun tucks me in. He begins to softly sing a lullaby. Mom sang this lullaby to help me fall asleep when I was little. Jun has a pretty voice.

I wake up hours later, feeling much better. The window is open and the chilly morning air is clear. I take a deep breath.

I peak outside my door. Jun is adjusting his armor, retying the chest plate straps. I decide to stay silent for a moment and watch him work.

Jun looks up. "Hikari-sama! Perfect timing. We need all the weapons we can get, so I'm leading another expedition beyond the wall."

My shoulders relax and I let out a little sigh. I'm glad he didn't stay mad at me for too long. I walk forward and adjust a strap of armor that came loose.

Jun grins and nods in thanks. We leave my tower together, aiming for the East Gate. I want to see the collection team off again.

The East Gate is a behemoth, easily ten times taller than I am. It's a dozen feet thick and made of steel-reinforced wood. The gate has held up against all of the bombardment of the Cojacan elite soldiers.

It creaks as four giant chains slowly lower the gate down over a dip in the land, which functions like a moat when it rains but is currently dry. The chains look tiny, dwarfed by the massive gate they support, but each chain is as thick around as a tree trunk.

This isn't the first time I've seen the East Gate get lowered, but that doesn't dampen my awe. Jun waves at me as the gate is slowly pulled up.

I wave back until the collection team is out of sight to all but the knight patrolling on the stone pathway on top of the gate. When the gate is fully closed and locked, I lower my arm.

I'm left wondering what I should do for the rest of the day. First order of business, I find General Isamu. He insists that I have nothing to apologize for. The giant general recounts what happened at yesterday's war council, since I wasn't there.

To absolutely no one's surprise, we're running low on weapons. Hence why Jun's team is going out today.

General Isamu reiterates my order from the previous war council, regarding the weapon shortage: I asked if we could employ as many trained blacksmiths as possible to smelt the iron from extra swords into shields, arrow heads, and armor. Since we need more long range weapons rather than short range, some of that metal is being repurposed.

This war council was meant to be an update on the progress of said blacksmiths. According to General Isamu, they're short-handed but efficient.

I make my way to the blacksmith's tent. Molten hot metal is poured into moulds shaped like arrow heads, chest pieces, and pounded with mallets.

A stocky, muscular man with his bushy hair tied back in a bandana turns to face me irritably. "Enough already! Your weapons'll be done when they're done. Don't rush the process!"

I blink. "I came to offer my assistance."

He looks me up and down. "Bah, a shrimp like you'll only get in ma way. Shoo, shoo!"

"My apologies. Please keep up the hard work." I bow and turn to exit the stuffy tent. I hesitate at the flap, then look over my shoulder. "Ah, yes. If someone is pestering you or you're dissatisfied with anything, please go to the princess. Your work is important and I wouldn't want you to feel burnt out."

He squints as if actually studying my face for the first time. Then his eyes widen. I smile politely and close the tent flap behind me.

I purse my lips to avoid laughing. I must maintain my composure as a princess and a leader! I think I'll check in on Lady Satoko and the medicine tent. I'm sure that they could use the extra hands.

I giggle and walk away with a bounce in my step. Sleeping well has refreshed my spirit.