As the new baron of Lamberg, Ars vows to honor his late father's wishes by siding with Prince Couran in the war of succession, even as the nearby county of Plena backs Couran's younger brother, Prince Vasmarque. When Ars's spy intercepts a document suggesting that one of Lamberg's allies is colluding with Plena, House Louvent's plans are thrown into disarray. Could there be more to the situation than meets the eye?