At a royal council Princess Reynolds is accused of squandering a 100 million inheritance on a 'green helmet' and a shiny 'apple peeler' made from military-grade alloy. Nobles, led by Mr. Bellwood, warn that every wasted dime risks the empire as the Black Dragon threatens the capital and praise Princess Lambert's sacrifices. The debate explodes into insults; delegates demand the money and call Reynolds a traitor. Her husband publicly defends her spending and even threatens Bellwood, briefly halting the mob. The council nonetheless demands the funds and forces her out, leaving the capital's fate and her title unresolved.