Wein heads to Cavarin for the Festival of the Spirit, but it is a perilous journey with Mardenian remnants in the borderlands and rebellious lords at home. In Marden, Wein forges an unlikely alliance, but the intrigue goes into overdrive in Cavarin.

Falanya offers to attend important events in Mealters in Wein's stead, upsetting Lowa's scheme. But she quickly adapts by trying to get Falanya to say that Natra is on her side. When an imperial prince backs Falanye into a corner, unexpected help arrives.

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.