Bianca Whitefan was waving at her, beckoning her to come over.
Grace walked over, smiling brightly. "You guys came too?"
"I heard your mother invited Master William Wise from the Temple of Compassionate Splendor. Is that true?" Leon Zane asked her.
"Yeah!"
"Really?"
"Of course it's true. Why would I lie about that?"
"Wait, then what's going on?" Leon looked puzzled. "He's been out traveling for half a year! I just checked at the Temple of Compassionate Splendor—he hasn't come back yet!"
Grace's heart skipped a beat. She stammered, "W-what? Traveling?"
"Yeah! You didn't know?"
Grace shook her head.
"I heard about this a few days ago and thought he'd come back! I wanted to drop by for tea this morning and ask why he'd suddenly agree to do something so ordinary, but they told me he hasn't returned yet!"
Grace stared at Leon Zane in a daze, then suddenly turned and dashed into the house.
She'd barely taken two steps before someone grabbed her arm.
She looked back—it was Evan Xiao.
"Don't panic. If we can't get a senior monk from the Temple of Compassionate Splendor, we'll just have Leon Zane disguise himself." Evan Xiao said. "He knows Master William Wise's face, and besides, he can perform the consecration ritual."
Leon shot Evan a sideways glance. "Why is it always me?"
Evan Xiao replied, "Who else can save the day?"
Leon Zane pouted, clearly annoyed.
"Thanks!" Grace bowed and hurried off to find her mother.
Once inside, Sherry Shen was telling everyone that Princess Xinyao suddenly felt unwell and had already left.
Grace walked over and said, "Mom, can you come here for a second? I need to ask you something."
Lena nodded and got up to follow Grace to a quieter spot.
"What's wrong, Grace?" Lena asked.
"Mom, let me ask you—when you sent a letter to Master William Wise, did he reply and promise he'd come?"
Lena shook her head. "Nope."
"No?" Grace cried out. "Then why are you so sure he'll show up?"
So many guests came today just to see Master William Wise. If he doesn't show, who knows what people will say about her? This is going to be the most epic embarrassment ever!
"What's wrong?" Lena looked completely innocent.
Grace slapped her forehead. "Mom, Master William Wise is off traveling! He's not even in Danyang City!"
"He's traveling?" Lena suddenly understood. "No wonder he's so late."
"No, Mom! How could you start the consecration ceremony without confirming first? Even the Emperor and Empress are here! How are we supposed to end this without a disaster? People might think we're—cheating the Emperor!"
"Don't worry," Lena reassured her. "He'll come, trust your mom."
"I—how can I not worry?" Grace was so anxious she started to stutter. "The Imperial Advisor said Master William Wise is off traveling! He's been gone from Danyang City for half a year, who knows where he is now? How could he possibly come here for the ceremony?"
Lena was about to reply when Grace Wan walked in.
Seeing Grace and Lena huddled together with worried faces, Grace Wan strolled over with a big smile. "Madam, where's Master William Wise? Why isn't he here yet? Everyone's getting a little impatient!"
Lena checked the water clock and frowned. "Lady Blue Moon, could you please entertain the guests for now? Just tell them... Master William Wise will be here a bit later."