The World is Still Beautiful

The fourth sovereign daughter of the Principality of Rain, Nike, has been betrothed to the Sun King, Livius I. After a long journey, she arrives in his Sun Kingdom, only to be shocked by its prosperity. She decides to wander the kingdom herself to see what it's like, when two men appear before her...

Nike meets Livius I (Livi). Livi knows that Nike has the power to summmon rain, and orders her to make it rain for him. Nike is angered by his selfishness, but it turns out he has another reason for wanting to see the rain. Meanwhile, enemy forces make an attempt on Livi's life.

Nike has settled into life in the Sun Kingdom. She is more interested in growing closer to Livi than she was when they first met, but she still can't understand what he's thinking all the time. Meanwhile, a coming out party is held to present the bride of Livius I.

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.

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...

Princess Luna of the Ocean Kingdom arrives, and declares herself Livi's fiance. She has loved Livi since they were children, and therefore views Nike as a rival. Nike is confused at first, but Luna's bold declaration of her feelings and effortless royal demeanor begin to fill her with anxiety.