In the Sun Kingdom, it is customary that a marriage in the royal family must earn the approval of the Ministry of the Priesthood. The Ministry rejects Nike, however, and demands that she perform the potentially fatal "Rite of Illumination." Livi is worried for Nike's safety, but Nike decides to perform the rite to see herself accepted.

Tohara wants to keep Nike with her at any cost. But when she learns how Nike and Livi feel about each other, she goes of her own accord to see her granddaughter off joyfully. Nike and Livi return to the Sun Kingdom having formally acknowledged their feelings for each other. And so their new life together truly begins...