The World Is Still Beautiful

Intent on keeping her granddaughter with her, will Nike's grandmother allow Livius and his wife to reunite and return home?

Upon returning to her homeland, Nike discovers that the situation is quite different than what she expected...

Nike receives word from the Principality of Rain that her grandmother has collapsed, leading to an internal struggle between her familial bonds and her marital obligations.

Hoping to bring uncle and nephew back together, Nike hatches a plan for reconciliation between Livius and Bard.

Luna, a childhood friend of Livius, comes to visit, and a competitive fervor flares up over Livius' affections.

Nike heads for the underground temple that serves as the site of the Rite of Illumination. Overcoming peril after peril, she finally reaches it, when she is attacked suddenly by a band of men in black. She flees from them with all her strength, but they gradually catch up, when suddenly...

In order to present Nike as Livius' bride, a grand party is held in honor of the marriage.

Having just discovered that Livius is only a child, Nike's shock is only exacerbated when he orders her to bring forth rain for his entertainment.