Things had completely spiraled out of control!
There was no exaggeration; the situation that Charlemagne faced could rightly be described as "out of control."
The parade, originally meant to enhance the prestige of the Holy Maiden and push for "successful talks backed by triumphs," had degenerated into a rampage of looting and vandalism by the mob. The frenzied atmosphere of "total war" and "fight to the death" once again enveloped the nation, as if the hands of time had been wound back a year to that spirited Charlemagne, prepared to engage in warfare and conquer the world. It seemed as though Charlemagne had returned overnight.
