January 1st. Main World. Anlida Island
The plaza was paved with polished stone, and transplanted oaks cleverly screened away the clamor, filling the temple upon it with silence and solemnity.
A thousand warriors in leather armor marched forward and surrounded the entire platform!
On the platform stood only Pope Kanrongpa. He too wore golden robes, dignified and noble. His carefully designed garments were of golden fabric, with gold-threaded cuffs, a Holy Emblem upon his chest, and an ivory scepter in his hand.
At that moment, horns sounded, and two hundred thousand people surged into the grand plaza. Though enormous, it was nearly filled to capacity. They waved colored streamers and cheered with abandon.
Closest to the platform stood the nobles, all dressed in splendor. The Knights wore uniform ceremonial attire, and at their head was the Grand Duke of Salante.
Farther away stood a great many envoys attending the ceremony.
Led by several attendants and priests, Eileen ascended the platform.
No one shone more brilliantly than she did.
She wore a white gown of precious silk, setting off her snowy skin and sacred bearing.
Once on the platform, the two nodded to one another and said no more.
Then came the prayer. Empowered by a Divine Spell, Pope Kanrongpa's voice resounded throughout the entire plaza.
"We came from a world shrouded in mist. We suffered for long ages, but now God has redeemed us and brought us to this land of light. This is God's boundless grace. Now, with faith that is devout and reverent, let us pray to God. Let the radiance of the Lord of Nature shine upon Anlida Island, upon the continent, and upon the entire world!" Pope Kanrongpa's voice was calm and peaceful. Two hundred thousand people listened in silence, every one of them holding their