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.

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...

Nike's busy life as wife of the Sun King is interrupted by an urgent message from the Principality of Rain. Nike's grandmother, Tohara, has collapsed, and she wants to see her granddaughter. Livi notices Nike's concern for her grandmother, and decides to journey with her to the Principality of Rain.