The three of them had talked late into the night, so when Yong finally woke, his mind was still hazy. It took him quite a while to collect himself and crawl out of his sleeping bag.
When he emerged from the tent, the members of the Enjo Clan were already fully dressed. He exchanged rueful smiles with Huchen and Ahe, who had also just woken up, and the three hurried to straighten their clothes.
Fortunately, the only special item Yong needed to wear was a Flame Crown Cap.
Today, the little old man wore a dark red ritual robe patterned with moths and golden suns, giving him a solemn, dignified air.
He came over to Yong and said with a smile,
"Child! Thank you again for agreeing to represent the Enjo Clan as this ceremony's Blessed One!"
A "Blessed One" was an emissary who owned a Larvesta and would receive the baptism.
Yong smiled in return.
"You don't need to thank me! I'm more than happy to take part in the baptism and accept this opportunity you've given Larvesta to grow stronger!"
The little old man laughed heartily.
"You won't be disappointed, child!"
After going over the proceedings once more, the little old man hurried away to attend to other matters.
Soon, everyone was ready.
When the stone wall between the platform and the Palace opened again, five neatly arranged groups, dressed in almost identical ritual robes, began to advance in an orderly fashion.
They walked single file, each wearing a Flame Crown Cap. Unlike Yong and the other two outsiders, their caps bore complete clan crests.
The procession moved slowly, with the leaders of the five remnant clans at the very front.
They spread their arms as though embracing the sun, chanting all the while. After taking three steps