To secure funds, a noblewoman named Elena defies her servant's concerns and sells her family's last heirloom necklace to purchase seemingly worthless coal pits. She believes they contain precious, valuable ore, a secret she urges her aide to finalize immediately. Her sister confronts her, mocking the purchase and calling Elena the region's laughingstock. Unfazed, Elena warns her sister not to regret it later. The suspicious sister then orders someone to closely watch Elena and discover her true plans.