May 26 in 593 by the imperial calendar.
It was not until two days after the prearranged feast that the engagement ceremony began on this day. The atmosphere of the great temple, which had been heavy because of an unexpected accident, was lively again. After the early morning prayers, the priests were busy looking for their seats. There was a strange but excited atmosphere visible everywhere.
Marianne woke up at dawn and offered a brief prayer in her room.
She knelt before the window and gathered her hands according to the precept of the temple that she had heard before. The dim dawn and serene mountain air filled the space between the half-open curtains. Amid the serenity of the temple, people began to move around and the scent of light opium wafted in from nearby.
It seemed they had also begun making preparations in the emperor's room. She held back the desire to enter the emperor's room and took a look. Instead, she closed her eyes again.