When the sun had set, the streetlamps had just come on, and the bustling crowds had gradually dispersed, the solemn and dignified grand monastery returned to its devout tranquility.
The nighttime ceremony began.
The priests filed toward the altar, holding freshly picked Moon Branches in their hands. They stood solemnly before the goddess's flawless white statue, softly chanting a sacred hymn that had been passed down for a thousand years.
The candle flames swayed in the wind, illuminating every face eagerly awaiting the festival fireworks. On this day, Saint Krui Di Monastery was undoubtedly the place in the Krui Di Empire closest to the Moon Goddess.
Once the sky was completely dark, the Moon Lanterns would be released, fireworks would soar into the sky, and the high priest would perform the prayer dance.
At Elliot Plaza.
"It's getting colder, you know."
Ifatia rubbed her palms together and breathed out a puff of white mist.
As night deepened, the temperature had dropped considerably, and it seemed that light snow had begun falling from the sky once more.
After eating some Saint Krui Di Monastery pastries inside the Main Division Hall with her older sister and daughter, she had wandered with them to the plaza and streets in front of the Elliot Building, where temporary food stalls filled the area.
They had initially decided to take her sister somewhere without a queue to fill their stomachs because the lines in front of the popular stalls were simply too long.
Now everyone was focused on finding a good spot to wait for the festival, so far fewer people were buying snacks.
"Mom, let me wrap your scarf properly."
Hughberlian undid Ifatia's scarf, which had nearly come loose and fallen off, then wrapped it around her again and again.
Ever since Tamisha had judged