Moments after playing with her child, Elena Windsor is confronted by merchant guild representative Master Harold. He demands an explanation for her hoarding of coal, suspecting trade manipulation. Elena defends herself, claiming the coal is for scholarly research on mineral veins, a lie her child supports. Meanwhile, Elena's former husband, a duke, is informed of her actions but dismisses her efforts as foolish. Shortly after, a fire breaks out at Elena's site. Investigators discover a piece of embroidered evidence, pointing to sabotage by someone from the duke's own manor.