Dahlia’s connections continue to multiply as the Rossetti Trading Company strikes up business with a large foreign group, the Haldard Company, headed by Yusef Haldard—who is none other than Jonas’s stepfather. Jonas, meanwhile, faces opposition when Guido is promoted to marquis. Worried about Jonas’s treatment in Ordine, Yusef wishes for Jonas to return to Išrana with him, but Jonas continues to keep his stepfather at arm’s length. Though Dahlia is concerned for the pair, she is certain that Jonas, as Guido’s right-hand man, will never leave Ordine. That is, until one day Yusef visits the Rossetti Trading Company, only to suddenly fall ill...