Today is the day of the purification ceremony.

It was the last purification ceremony of the current Saint, held on the occasion of her selection after Roble Tuhang became the Saint for the one-thousandth time. Strangely, the tower was empty today, and there was less attention than usual.

Only the high nobility, represented by Duke Laurel, attended ceremonially. The Duke of Bayen and the Viscount of Montra were nowhere to be seen.

The final purification ceremony before the appointment of the Saint proceeded in such chilling indifference.

Although Ibi’s beautiful voice echoed across the empty lake, there was still no one coming.

After the somewhat modest purification ceremony, the purifiers gathered at the top of the tower.

It was to release the tension between colleagues before the formal dissolution.

Under the brilliantly colored sky with clouds drifting in from the east, a graceful tea table was set up. Returning to their bright appearances, the purified ones enjoyed their graduation by exchanging gifts.

“Singing Manyan-ya’s song will also come to an end today.”

“I’ll miss the time we gathered at the tower every week.”

However, in this camaraderie, there was someone who couldn’t speak alone.

It was Ibi Ariate.

The purified ones didn’t speak to Ibi. The gifts exchanged between them didn’t go in Ibi’s direction. They pretended not to see Ibi. Half of them enjoyed the situation, and the other half discreetly tried to fit the atmosphere.

In the midst of this, a mischievous purified one approached Ibi.

“Ariate, you’ve been through a lot all this time.”

Startled by the friendly approach, Ibi was surprised as the purified one handed her a beautifully wrapped box.

“I prepared a small gift. Would you mind accepting it?”

It was a flat and light box that fit in both hands.

“Open it.”

When Ibi received the box and looked at it, the purified one urged her. Other purified ones also began to show interest.

In response to their obvious curiosity, Ibi hesitated but eventually opened the box.

Inside was a finely folded fabric. Thinking it might be a handkerchief, she unfolded it, revealing its translucent material. It wasn’t a handkerchief but a veil.

“We’re going back to our places, but Ariate will continue to sing in the tower. So you’ll need it. For everyone.”

When the presenting purified one spoke affectionately, those watching quickly raised their fans or looked away to avoid laughter or embarrassment. It was to endure laughter or embarrassment.

After the flower festival, the nobles openly began to despise Ibi. The empty seat at today’s purification ceremony was also because of that.

Amidst this, the meaning of the presented veil was evident. It was a blatant reprimand, telling her to know her place and live as if dead.

“Show us where it suits you.”

The purified one teased Ibi to wear the veil. However, Ibi didn’t respond and simply stared at it with a heavy look. When Ibi’s complexion darkened, the presenting purified one pretended to be concerned and asked,

“Don’t you like it?”
“Yes, not really…”

“Oh my, what is it?”

“That you prepared to mock me.”

At Ibi’s honest response, Youngae widened her eyes.

“Oh dear, it’s so sad that you think I prepared to mock you. I’m just cheering for Miss Ariate…”

Then, as if expressing sorrow, she continued speaking.

“But I understand. Right now, Miss Ariate is the most challenging person, so it’s natural. I just didn’t know that Miss Ariate is such an honest person. This is the innocence of the lower continent…”

“Innocence? Is being an honest person the same as being exposed?”

At that moment, another Youngae added, and laughter erupted here and there.

Unable to hold back their giggles, the Youngaes covered their mouths again. Miel watched this leisurely, and Rio, with a face devoid of a hint of a smile, just stared at his own teacup.

“Anyway, please don’t refuse. This is not just for Miss Ariate but a recommendation for everyone in Tienda. Come on, try it on.”

That Youngae teased Ibi in a rather malicious manner. It seemed like they intended to continue this until Ibi wore the veil.

“Keep it in moderation.”

The one who intervened was none other than Rio Tuhang.

“Do you think it’s appropriate to choose such a gift knowing that Roble Tuhang wore a veil to elevate the grace of Manyan-ya? Do you think it’s a show of respect for the Saint who devoted herself for a long time?”

The presenting Youngae was greatly perplexed by Rio’s angry voice.

“That wasn’t my intention.”

“Then, I hope you act with intentions. If you can’t think that far, that is.”

Under Rio’s severe criticism, Youngae blushed.

Unable to find words to refute, Youngae eventually returned to her seat.

“By the way, didn’t Viscount Montra unexpectedly host an event today?”

However, without closing her mouth like this, she brought up a new topic.

“I heard he’s making an unplanned announcement, and considering that he urgently sent out invitations on the day of the purification ceremony, it seems to be an important matter.”