Sirgis protests imperial goods flowing into Delunio, but Wein assures him they are Natran, but are they? Wein visits Soljest to forge an alliance with King Gruyere. Wein leaves perplexed, but the worst is yet to come. Zenovia again proves herself useful.

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.