The Archduke Conference has come to an end, but Ehrenfest’s archducal family is still reeling from the troubles it brought. Rozemyne has one year before she must depart for the Sovereignty, and those in her service have an important choice to make.
Funny to note Rozemyne influencing Dirk and Konrad in the worst ways:
Delia: "Geez! You always mimic Lady Rozemyne's worst traits!"
Dirk: "They're her coolest traits!"
Delia: "You did something major on a whim, without even warning anyone! That's definitely one of her worst ones. Geez! Lady Rozemyne's has always been like this!"
Konrad: "I want to be a cutthroat negotiator with the soul of a merchant, just like Lady Rozemyne!"
Rozemyne (thinking): "Uh, Konrad...? Isn't that a pretty messed-up goal to have?"
And of course, later on Clarissa's bad influence on Philine (predicted by several people):
Philline: "Once I am an independent woman, I will propose using the method that Clarissa told me about[.]"
...
Rozemyne (thinking): "Should I warn him of what's to come? I really hope you like knives, Damuel."
Also, sad times for Damuel getting seemingly rejected.