Arthur, a powerful man, defends his decision to let a young woman work in his castle to a critical companion, who calls her a lowly human and a purchased toy. Arthur then presents her with an impossible task: to clean every wine barrel in the cellar by nightfall or face dismissal and double repayment of the money she took. Despite his taunts, the woman refuses to beg and accepts the challenge, determined to earn the money she desperately needs for someone named Leo. Watching her begin, Arthur is frustrated by her stubborn pride.