A Wandering Story

Chapter 5: The ceremony

The days slipped by, and Little Ambrose was no longer the tiny, helpless infant he once was. He was nearing his first birthday—a momentous milestone in this world. Tradition dictated that children be baptized by a high priest or priestess of the Big Three upon turning one. It was a day of celebration shared with family and loved ones, and each child born within that year would receive a sacred, scarred necklace to wear—a symbol of divine protection and belonging.

Rae, however, was struggling to stay calm. As a key figure in the Serene Goddess Temple, the pressure weighed heavily on her.

"You look amazing in that dress, Sis," Yungwoo said gently, watching her tug and fuss with the fabric. She had chosen to appear in her adult form today—graceful, poised, determined not to look out of place at such a meaningful ceremony.

"Seriously, Rae, you look beautiful. Now let's go—we don't want to be late," Hangyeol added, glancing over as the other systems busied themselves with Ambrose.

Misty, floating nearby, sensed Rae's building anxiety and drifted close to her side.

"Rae, your dad would say you're the most beautiful person in any room," Misty said softly. "But today isn't about you. It's about Ambrose. Let him shine a little."

Rae gave a slight, appreciative nod, her eyes flicking toward Misty with a faint smile. She took a breath.

Yungwoo had already taken hold of the main crystal that would transport them to the planet's central Big Three Temple. "Alright," Hangyeol said, stepping forward with a grin, "let's move before all the good food disappears."

The Day of the Ceremony felt like a family festival more than a religious rite. No royal families or powerful households were allowed to interfere with the flow of the event—status and influence were stripped away, if only for a day. Even the wealthiest nobles were forbidden from using their riches to buy favor. Serene, ever the petty and sharp-edged goddess, saw to that herself—any family that tried would soon face consequences they couldn't buy their way out of. Grace made sure they at least got a drink before their disgrace, and any child present during such a scandal would be disowned by tradition itself.

It was a sacred rule, honored for centuries—even more so after it became clear that many families had begun crossing between worlds.

"I wonder just how furious the Empress will be when she realizes I'm the one leading the ceremonial prayer," Rae mused aloud, securing the necklace she'd received from the world itself. It was a breathtaking piece—delicate and radiant, shaped like a butterfly with jewel-toned wings that caught the light with every movement.

Rae picked up Ambrose, who wore a simple white gown, and together with the others, they touched the crystal.

In an instant, they arrived in a meadow surrounded by enormous marble columns arranged in a perfect circle. The air shimmered faintly with divine magic, and flower petals drifted lazily in the breeze. A young cleric bounced cheerfully toward them. Luckily, before teleporting, both Yungwoo and Hangyeol had remembered to wear their ceremonial masks.

Today, in a rare burst of color coordination, they had dyed their hair in vibrant hues. Rae had chosen a soft, pastel pink, which contrasted beautifully with her molten silver eyes. Hangyeol had gone bold with bright orange hair and cool, icy blue eyes. Yungwoo, ever the stylish counterpart, kept his silver eyes but wore an intense green hairstyle that suited his usual flair.

"Ah, Madam Butterfly, Boss, and Chief! It's wonderful to see you again," the young cleric beamed, offering a respectful bow.

"Oh my stars! Luciel, it's so good to see you!" Rae grinned, visibly relaxing for the first time that morning.