The moment the crowd erupted in cheers, the Grand Duchess Amanda's curiosity spiked.
She narrowed her eyes, scanning the plaza's center from her elevated position near the café. Her aide leaned in closer, tone respectful yet filled with the same curiosity.
"My lady, what… what's happening?"
The aide asked softly.
Amanda stood up without answering, her eyes trained on the stage being set in the center of the crowd.
A hush was falling, as though something important—something divine—was about to begin. The Grand Duchess's lips curled into a thin smile of amusement, but her posture grew alert.
"Let's move closer."
She said, already walking toward the plaza's center. Her aide scrambled after her.
As they moved through the parting crowd, the cheers erupted once more.
A tall, robed priest stepped up onto the hastily erected wooden stage, both arms raised high as though conducting a ceremony.
