After Gerald's bizarre accident, Wein visits his father, marquiss Grenache Antgadull. Wein has figured out Angadull's rebellion plot, but the marquiss denies his involvement. Wein offers him a deal, and the marquiss seems to accept it, but aftewards he takes a surprising decision. After the meeting, Wein is attacked by unknown enemies.

Wein uses Mealtars in a risky gambit. Demetrio's poisoning is pinned on a surprising suspect. As Marden's trade-based economy booms, Wein is sure he can get what he wants by toying with Zenovia's heart, but Soljest is unhappy with the goods from the east.

Wein tries to thwart Delunio and Soljest with a diabolical plan. The Natrans hold their mountain fortress, but time is running short. Gruyere has one condition for helping Wein. After the bubble bursts, Wein really wants to sell his kingdom.