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TVTranscript
00:00Our engagement is cancelled, Vivian.
00:02His fabric is thin, the stitching uneven.
00:04Knowing how much the palace spends on clothing.
00:06How insulting.
00:08I know this is a terrible shock.
00:10Is it?
00:10I have fallen in love with another woman.
00:12My heart is completely swayed.
00:14I must break off our engagement.
00:16I trust you understand.
00:17I wonder if people are enjoying the food inside.
00:20I hadn't even gotten to try any before he dragged me out here.
00:23I know you're heartbroken, but try not to cry.
00:26What will I do without you?
00:28My entire life has been spent preparing to be your bride.
00:31I love you!
00:33That's not my concern.
00:35This is much easier the second time around.
00:38Do you need to be alone?
00:40No.
00:48What do you want?
00:52Compensation.
00:55Pardon?
00:57I am the daughter of a duke.
00:59My time is valuable.
01:00You've wasted it.
01:01But-
01:01Shush.
01:02I'm thinking.
01:10This house was sold.
01:12Torn down.
01:17I have a chance to change my future.
01:20Should I make the prince fall in love with me?
01:22No.
01:23A man's devotion can waver.
01:25Marriage won't guarantee I won't die on the streets.
01:29Please.
01:30Spare a coin so I can eat.
01:37Please.
01:43Starving to death was painful.
01:45So my aim is to never trust in love again.
01:47Let Prince Cedric cast me aside.
01:49Who needs that fickle idiot?
01:52This time I'll make the dushti a money-making powerhouse.
01:57First things first.
01:58I need to eat.
01:59And then I need to get to work.
02:06Your new dress, miss.
02:08It's the latest fashion.
02:12I'll take the plane, Grace Atten.
02:15But what if his highness stops by?
02:23Then he'll see a sensibly de-dressed woman.
02:26Shall I announce you to the duke, miss?
02:28Mr. Graves.
02:29In my former life, when the family fell to ruin, he was quickly hired by the palace.
02:33He seemed almost relieved to be free of us.
02:36I need to keep him this time.
02:37Please do.
02:38And stick around.
02:39Your input may be useful.
02:41What brings you here, dear?
02:43I thought I understood the depths of my father's incompetence.
02:46I was much too optimistic.
02:49Father, I have concerns about the financial status of our family.
02:52You don't need to worry.
02:53We're doing just fine.
02:56We have too much debt.
02:57What would you do if they called it in now?
03:05Don't you want me to be prepared as future queen?
03:07The queen manages the royal household accounts.
03:10Let me practice on ours.
03:12Hand over the account ledgers.
03:16Here you are.
03:19Set me up a desk.
03:20Move all financial records there.
03:22My pleasure, miss.
03:29Your highness.
03:30How long has he been here?
03:32Did he hear me call him a temperamental child?
03:35We've come to check out the horses.
03:36The stable master says the new stallion is too wild, but I think he's just unskilled.
03:40I'm sure your high highness could manage even the wildest horse.
03:44Is Lady Clarence in here?
03:46No, I believe she's home today.
03:48Is she ill?
03:50Not that I know of.
03:52Surely someone will visit?
03:54Prince Cedric?
03:56Clarissa?
03:58Mother?
03:59No one has come, miss.
04:01Give her my best when you see her.
04:05How had I never realized where his heart truly leaned?
04:08I was not blind.
04:09I was young.
04:10A girl who thought love was the most important thing in life.
04:13I am not that girl anymore.
04:15Father should never be allowed near money.
04:18Thousands of crowns wasted on frivolous items.
04:21And the tax collectors are stealing half of everything.
04:26I've contacted smaller vendors and consolidated some debt at lower interest rates.
04:31This is perfect, Mr. Graves.
04:33We need to meet with all the tax collectors.
04:35If we don't stop the corruption, nothing will save us.
04:39When shall I arrange it?
04:41Next week.
04:42I need time to come up with a plan for terrifying a group of men into doing exactly what I
04:47want.
04:48I'm sure you will be quite successful.
04:53Miss, you must sleep.
04:55Just a few more pages.
04:57And then the letters from the eastern section.
05:00You cannot save this, Ducty, in the space of a week.
05:02The work will wait.
05:04Please, go to sleep.
05:06Fine.
05:07When was the last time someone worried about whether or not I slept?
05:16Huh.
05:24Vivian!
05:26Your Majesty.
05:28No, Your Majesty's until class.
05:30I'll be your mother one day.
05:32Just call me that.
05:33So bright, so caring.
05:35But after her son broke our engagement, she never protested.
05:39Never reached out while I starved.
05:41She told Clarissa I was dead to her.
05:43Dearest.
05:44You went to a very dark place just then.
05:47Do you need to talk?
05:49I'm fine.
05:51Shall we begin?
05:53Let's see what you remember.
05:58Prodigy.
05:59Tomorrow we triple the difficulty.
06:02Wonderful.
06:04You must be the young girl with wild dreams of performing miracles.
06:09Are you Mr. Graves' brother?
06:12I am.
06:13Really?
06:14No offence, young miss, but don't bluff with me.
06:18I'd rather you just be honest.
06:22Please.
06:23We're starving.
06:25If you're nobility, why are you begging?
06:28What nerve?
06:31Sometimes I wish I was bluffing.
06:33I've learned to be whatever I have to be to get the job done.
06:36You know what kind of impossible task you've set for yourself.
06:39Impossible?
06:40No.
06:41Extremely difficult, and I might have to play dirty?
06:44Yes.
06:45I will save us.
06:48Very good.
06:49You work hard, and I'll give you the knowledge to save your family.
06:52Deal?
06:53Deal.
06:56Vivian!
06:57What's going on?
06:58I haven't seen you in days.
07:00You have to help me!
07:01Mother and father are gone.
07:03I lost my job.
07:04What do you expect me to do?
07:06The queen says you are dead to her.
07:08Can you at least give me something to eat?
07:10My father forbids me from being around you.
07:13It might affect my reputation as future queen.
07:15Goodbye, Vivian.
07:17Her smile is too stiff, her eyes cold as they scan my papers.
07:21I've missed you too.
07:23Can we go walk in the palace gardens?
07:25Not today or tomorrow.
07:27But next week.
07:28And perhaps I can arrange tea with the prince.
07:31Well, if I wouldn't be in the way.
07:33Of course not.
07:34How many times did I unknowingly bring her to see my fiancé, sealing my own fate?
07:39Go with my blessing, Clarida.
07:40I don't want him.
07:41Don't work too hard.
07:43If you don't spend time-time prince, he lose interest.
07:46Trust me.
07:47Of course I trust you.
07:50Go to the northwest square.
07:52Find a man under a blue awning named Flint.
07:54Offer him fifty crowns for the information I've requested.
07:57And if he demands more?
07:59He will.
08:00Tell him Angel sent you.
08:01Who is this Angel?
08:03No one.
08:03It's a code known only to his inner custer.
08:06Shall I still schedule the meeting with the tax collectors?
08:08Postpone it until after you have what I need.
08:10I don't believe in going into battle without a weapon.
08:17Mr. Graves, schedule the meeting with the tax collectors, all of them, tomorrow morning.
08:21Shall I inform your father?
08:23No.
08:24He'll only warn them.
08:26These men stole from our people and our family for years.
08:29Tomorrow they answer for it.
08:32Very good, miss.
08:35And Mr. Graves?
08:37Make sure the room has only one exit.
08:40The Duke's daughter?
08:41What is this about?
08:43Gentlemen, thank you for coming.
08:45These are records of every payment you collected last quarter.
08:49And these are records of what you actually reported to my father.
08:53Where did you get these?
08:54That's not your concern.
08:55What is your concern?
08:57It's that the difference between these two numbers is substantial.
09:00Money that belongs to this Detschy and to the people you overtaxed has been lining your pockets.
09:06This is outrageous.
09:07I won't be accused by a child.
09:09Sit down.
09:11You have two options.
09:13First, resign, repay what you stole and leave quietly.
09:16Second, I present this evidence to the Crown and you face prosecution for theft from a noble house.
09:22The Duke would never allow...
09:23The Duke has entrusted the Dutschy's finances to me.
09:26Mr. Graves can confirm this.
09:28Confirm.
09:28You have until end of day.
09:30Those who wish to stay must agree to new oversight procedures and reduced collection authority.
09:34Choose wisely.
09:39Four of six have already agreed to your terms.
09:43And the other two?
09:44Packing their things.
09:50Ah, Vivian.
09:52Ah, meet my other student, Damien from Telendra.
09:54A pleasure.
09:55A pleasure.
09:57Likewise.
09:58Bernard tells me you're studying taxation reform.
10:01Among other things.
10:02Today's lesson covers both your interests.
10:05Land assessment and fair taxation models.
10:08If you reduce the collection rate but increase compotence through transparency, what happens to total revenue?
10:13It increases.
10:14People pay more willingly when they trust the system.
10:16And enforcement costs drop.
10:18You spend less chasing thieves.
10:21Well, well.
10:22This might actually work.
10:24You're Dexty.
10:25Ashford.
10:26It's in financial trouble.
10:28What makes you say that?
10:30The questions you asked weren't theoretical.
10:32You're trying to solve a real problem.
10:34And if I am?
10:35Then you're braver than most nobles I've met.
10:37They usually just pretend everything is fine until they collapse.
10:45My darling.
10:46How was your journey?
10:47Long.
10:48Where is Vivian?
10:49Welcome home, Mother.
10:51What are you wearing?
10:53A dress.
10:54What has happened to our daughter?
10:56I've heard you've taken over the household accounts.
10:58The Duchy's finances needed attention.
11:00That is not a young lady's concern.
11:02Your concern is your engagement to Prince Cedric.
11:04I'm sorry.
11:06I should have taught you something useful.
11:09Instead of just how to be beautiful.
11:11Mother, I can be a good fiancé and help manage our family's affairs.
11:15The two aren't mutually exclusive.
11:17They are if you show up to the palace with ink on your hands and bags under your eyes.
11:23A future queen must be-
11:25A future queen must be capable.
11:27That's what I'm becoming.
11:28Don't embarrass this family.
11:32That's the last thing I intend to do.
11:35Your Highness, Vivian tells me you've been training a new horse?
11:40Yes.
11:41The Stable Master said he was untameable, but I've nearly broken him.
11:46He hasn't.
11:47I checked with the Stable Master.
11:50The horse threw him twice last week.
11:52Lady Clarissa, you should come see him sometime.
11:54I could take you riding.
11:56Oh, I couldn't possibly.
11:58Unless Vivian came too.
11:59I'm afraid I'll be busy with my studies.
12:02But you should go, Clarissa.
12:03It sounds wonderful.
12:05Excellent.
12:06I'll arrange it.
12:07In my previous life, this moment would have destroyed me.
12:10Now, it's just another move on the board.
12:13Thank you for the tea.
12:14I shall take my leave.
12:21Strange.
12:23That felt more genuine than anything at that tea table.
12:27Three of our remaining collectors are still skimming.
12:30Smaller amounts now, but they're testing whether I'll notice.
12:33Shall I confront them?
12:35No.
12:36I want to use them.
12:37They have connections to merchants throughout the Duxie.
12:40If I fire them, those connections disappear.
12:43Instead, I'll restructure their compensation.
12:44A small percentage of legitimate collections as a bonus.
12:48Make honesty more profitable than theft.
12:50And if they refuse?
12:52Then I have enough evidence to ensure they never work in this kingdom again.
12:55We're stabilizing, Mr. Graves.
12:57Slowly.
12:58But I need more than stability.
13:00I need income.
13:01The Duchety needs a product.
13:02A trade.
13:03Something that generates wealth.
13:04Have you considered the textile mills in the Eastern District?
13:07They've been idle since...
13:09Since the previous manager emboldened the operating funds and fled.
13:11Yes.
13:12What if we reopen them?
13:13The infrastructure is there.
13:15The workers are there.
13:16We just need capital and management.
13:18Capital we don't have.
13:19Not yet.
13:20But I have an idea about that.
13:21I need to talk to Bernard.
13:23And possibly...
13:24Damien.
13:29You're not just a student, aren't you?
13:31What makes you say that?
13:32Your questions in class aren't academic.
13:34You're planning to implement reforms somewhere specific.
13:36And Talandra's new trade agreements with our kingdom suggest someone there is restructuring their economy.
13:43You're observant.
13:44I'm desperate.
13:46There's a difference.
13:47I'm proposing an investment.
13:49The returns would be significant for both parties.
13:52You're proposing a trade agreement between a Duchety that's nearly bankrupt and a foreign territory.
13:56Why should I trust you?
13:58Because I have everything to lose and nothing to gain from lying.
14:01If this fails, my family is finished.
14:04I'll review your numbers.
14:06If they hold up, I'll consider it.
14:08That's all I ask.
14:12Thank you, Damien.
14:13Don't thank me yet.
14:15Miss, you look exhausted.
14:17I'm fine.
14:18The Duchess is worried.
14:20She says you're neglecting your duties to the Prince.
14:23My duties to the Prince are perfectly maintained.
14:26Miss, Lady Clarina visited the palace yesterday.
14:29Without you.
14:30She was seen walking with Prince Cedric in the gardens.
14:33I know.
14:35You know?
14:36No, I arranged it.
14:39Is there something you'd like to say, Nettie?
14:42No, Miss.
14:43Your numbers are sound.
14:45I've secured preliminary approval for the raw materials.
14:48However, I need to inspect the mills personally before committing.
14:52D.
14:55He's coming here.
14:57Mr. Graves!
14:58Miss?
14:59We have a visitor coming.
15:01The manor needs to look not terrible.
15:03Can you manage that?
15:04Define not terrible.
15:05Functional.
15:06Respectable.
15:07Not actively falling apart.
15:09I'll see what I can do.
15:11How long have they been idle?
15:13Two years.
15:14But the equipment is intact.
15:16I had Mr. Graves inspect everything last week.
15:18The bones are good.
15:20But you'll need skilled workers.
15:22Training takes time.
15:23Many of the original workers still live in the district.
15:25They lost their jobs when the mills closed.
15:28They'd come back.
15:28And management.
15:29You can't oversee this yourself while running the dusties' finances and attending royal lessons.
15:34I have someone in mind.
15:36This could work.
15:38But I need to be honest with you.
15:39My authority to approve this isn't unlimited.
15:42I'll need to convince people back home.
15:44What would convince them?
15:46A working prototype.
15:47One mill.
15:48Running.
15:49Producing quality fabric.
15:51Proof of concept.
15:52I can do that.
15:53Give me two months.
15:54Two months?
15:55I don't have the luxury of time.
15:58You carry something heavy, Vivian of Ashford.
16:01Something that doesn't match your age.
16:03Everyone carries something.
16:05Not like you do.
16:06Shall we head back?
16:07I believe Mr. Graves has arranged lunch.
16:10And I promise you, it's the one thing this household still does well.
16:14You've changed, Vivian.
16:16Have I?
16:18Six months ago, you could barely manage a formal dinner seating chart.
16:22Now, Madame Fontaine says you're the most accomplished student she's ever trained.
16:26You handle court politics as if you've been doing it for years.
16:30I've been studying hard.
16:31It's more than that.
16:32Your eyes are different.
16:33Older.
16:34Sometimes when you look at me, I feel as if you're judging me.
16:38As if I've already failed you somehow.
16:40Your Majesty, I would never...
16:41I'm not accusing you.
16:42I'm worried about you.
16:43You're fifteen years old and you move through this palace like a woman who's already been to war.
16:48I just want to be ready.
16:50For whatever comes.
16:51Ready for what?
16:54Not when it mattered.
16:56For being Queen.
16:58Whatever is troubling you, you can tell me.
17:01I'm here.
17:02I know.
17:05Two months.
17:06Fourteen hour days.
17:08Every coin I could scrape together.
17:10But it's working.
17:11The first shipment is ready.
17:13Thirty bards of wool fabric dyed with Tillandrian pigments.
17:16Quality?
17:17I've inspected each bar personally.
17:20They exceed the standard.
17:21Dear Damien,
17:23The prototype mill is operational.
17:25First production run complete.
17:27Quality samples include.
17:29I believe this meets your requirements for proof of concept.
17:33P.S.
17:33You were right about needing skilled workers.
17:35I hired the old mill foreman.
17:37He cried when he saw the looms running again.
17:40Mr. Graves?
17:41Miss?
17:42For the first time since I started this, we're not losing money.
17:46Indeed, miss.
17:47We're not safe yet, but we're moving in the right direction.
17:51In my previous life, by this time I was practicing dance steps for a prince who didn't care.
17:56This time, I built something real.
18:03Vivian, we were just discussing the autumn ball.
18:06Yes, the ball.
18:08How lovely.
18:09Will you both be attending?
18:11Of course.
18:12As my fiancée, you'll accompany me for the opening dance.
18:15You must be so excited, Vivian.
18:17Though I hope you've been practicing, I hear the new court dance is quite complex.
18:20I'm sure I'll manage.
18:22You've been spending a lot of time away from the palace.
18:24People are talking.
18:25Let them.
18:26They're saying you've lost interest in the prince.
18:28That you're more concerned with business matters.
18:31And what do you say, Clarissa?
18:32I say you're my dearest friend, and I'm worried about you.
18:36A fiancée who neglects her prince might lose him.
18:39Is that what you're suggesting?
18:42I'm just looking out for you.
18:44I know exactly what you're looking out for.
18:55Where did you get that dress?
18:58I made the fabric.
18:59Had it tailored in town.
19:01You made?
19:04Shall we?
19:11You've improved.
19:13I practice.
19:24Nice dance.
19:26What are you doing at a royal ball?
19:29Diplomatic function.
19:30Telendra was invited.
19:32I was...
19:32available.
19:33You hate these things.
19:36What gave it away?
19:38You're hiding on a balcony.
19:40So are you.
19:41Your fabric.
19:42The dress, it's from your mill.
19:44First production run.
19:45It's good.
19:46Really good.
19:48The trade agreement is approved.
19:50My people were impressed with the samples.
19:53Really?
19:53Really.
19:53You did it, Vivian.
19:55Not yet.
19:56But I'm getting closer.
19:58Miss, I've completed my investigation into who has been sharing information about your activities.
20:04And?
20:05It's Nettie.
20:07She's been reporting to Lady Clarissa's household weekly since before your changes began.
20:13How much does Clarissa know?
20:14The financial restructuring, the mill, your meetings at the treasury.
20:17Nettie doesn't understand the details, but she's provided enough for someone clever to piece together.
20:22And Clarissa is clever.
20:24Beneath the golden curls.
20:30Don't dismiss Nettie.
20:32Miss?
20:33If we dismiss her, Clarissa will know we've discovered the leak.
20:36She'll find another way in, one we can't track.
20:38Better the spy we know.
20:40From now on, we control what Nettie sees and hears.
20:43She becomes our channel.
20:45We feed Clarissa exactly what we want her to know.
20:50Misinformation.
20:52Information management.
20:53There's a difference.
20:55Let's start with something simple.
20:57Tonight, within Nettie's hearing, I'll express deep concern about the prince's growing distance.
21:02I'll cry if necessary.
21:03Can you cry on command?
21:05I have a lot of material to work with.
21:09Okay.
21:10I need to tell you something, and you're not going to like it.
21:14That's most of what you tell me.
21:15The king's advisors are reviewing Noble House finances.
21:19It's a routine audit, happens every few years.
21:21But given Ashford's history, you'll be scrutinized more closely than most.
21:27When?
21:28Three months.
21:29Maybe four.
21:30Three months.
21:31The mill is barely operational.
21:33The debt restructurity isn't complete if they audit us now.
21:37They'll see a duchyny in transition, which could be interpreted as a duchyny in crisis.
21:43Which gives the crown grounds to intervene.
21:46Seize assets.
21:47Dissolve the title.
21:49There's more.
21:49I've heard whispers that someone has been encouraging the advisors to look at Ashford specifically.
21:56Who?
21:57I don't know.
21:58But someone wants your family investigated.
22:01Can you buy me time?
22:02I can try to delay the review, but I'm a treasury clerk, not a minister.
22:07My influence has limits.
22:09Then I need to accelerate everything.
22:11The mill, the trade agreement, the debt repayment, all of it.
22:14Vivian, be careful.
22:17You're making powerful enemies, and you're still just a duke's daughter with no official authority.
22:23I know exactly what I am, Bernard.
22:25That's why I can't afford to lose.
22:41Debt is down 40%.
22:44Revenue is up.
22:45The mill is profitable.
22:47But?
22:49But we're not where we need to be for the audit.
22:51We're close.
22:52Painfully close.
22:53But there's still a gap.
22:55I need another source of income.
22:57Something fast.
22:58The autumn harvest taxes will come in next month.
23:00Not enough.
23:01Not with the remaining debt.
23:06Damien wants to expand the trade agreement.
23:09Triple the order.
23:10He's offering an advance payment for the next six months of production.
23:13That would cover the gap.
23:15It would more than cover it.
23:16But...
23:17Why?
23:18Why would he offer this much, this fast?
23:22Perhaps he sees a good investment.
23:24Or perhaps he sees something else.
23:27I'll accept.
23:28But I need to understand his motives.
23:31Your offer is generous.
23:34Too generous.
23:35It's business.
23:36No one offers six months' advance payment for business.
23:39What do you want, Damien?
23:42When I was young, my family lost everything.
23:45Political upheaval in Talara.
23:47My father was stripped of his title.
23:49Our land seized.
23:50We had nothing.
23:51How did you...
23:52I didn't.
23:53I just recognized the look in your eyes.
23:56It's the same one I see in the mirror.
23:58I'm not offering charity.
24:00Your fabric is excellent.
24:02And the demand in Talenga is real.
24:04But I won't pretend I don't understand what's at stake for you.
24:06The advance payment is because I know what it's like to run out of time.
24:10I died once.
24:12Hungry, alone and angry.
24:13I won't let it happen again.
24:15Then don't.
24:18Deal.
24:19Deal.
24:22You've been distant lately.
24:24Busy?
24:25With estate business.
24:26As you know.
24:27I know nothing.
24:28You never speak of it.
24:29You're never at court.
24:29I'm trying to keep my family from ruin, Cedric.
24:32Perhaps you've forgotten that part of the arrangement.
24:33That's not...
24:34I just mean...
24:34Vivian!
24:35There you are.
24:35I've been looking everywhere for you.
24:37Clarissa.
24:38The King's advisors are asking about you, Vivian.
24:40They want to see the Ashford account soon.
24:42I hope everything is in order.
24:44I'd hate to see anything happen to your family's title.
24:46Especially now when you're finally engaged.
24:48Yes, Vivian.
24:49You should be careful.
24:50I'm handling it.
24:51Thank you for your concern.
24:52Both of you.
24:53Lady Vivian.
24:54These records show a remarkable turnaround in the Dutty of Ashford's finances over the past year.
25:00Thank you, sir.
25:01Perhaps too remarkable.
25:03Revenue has increased threefold.
25:04Debt has been reduced by 60%.
25:06Several corrupt officials have been removed and replaced.
25:10All under the direction of a 15-year-old girl.
25:12Well, I've been overseeing...
25:14My father has been supportive of my efforts to learn household management as preparation for my role as future queen.
25:20The queen herself encouraged my education in these matters.
25:22And this trade agreement with Talandra?
25:25Ash mutually provides quality textiles.
25:28Talandra provides raw materials.
25:30The contracts are all documented and legally sound.
25:34Everything appears to be in order.
25:37The Diety of Ashford passes the audit.
25:39Commendations on your impressive management, Lady Vivian.
25:43What just happened?
25:45We survived, father.
25:48The audit was supposed to expose them.
25:51You said the advisors would find discrepancies.
25:54The girl covered her tracks.
25:55Every document was perfect.
25:57She's ruining everything.
25:58If Ashford stabilizes, the engagement holds.
26:01And if the engagement holds...
26:02You don't become queen.
26:04Find another way.
26:05I want that duck she buried.
26:14Vivian!
26:15I was just...
26:16Looking for me?
26:18How sweet.
26:19Shall we walk together?
26:21Keep your enemies close.
26:23Especially when you're planning to destroy them.
26:25I have so much to tell you.
26:29I've asked you here because...
26:33There's something I need to tell you.
26:36You're in love with Clarissa and you want to break our engagement.
26:41How did you...
26:42You're not subtle, your highness.
26:43You haven't been for quite some time.
26:45I accept.
26:47You...
26:48Accept?
26:49The dissolution of our engagement.
26:51I hold no ill will.
26:53However, I've prepared a formal separation agreement.
26:57Compensation for the duttity of Ashford's investment of time and resources into this arrangement,
27:01as well as a non-interference clause preventing the Crown from retaliating against our family or business interests.
27:09You...
27:09Prepared this in advance?
27:11I believe in being ready for all possibilities.
27:14Sign here, please.
27:18This is not how I expected this to go.
27:21I know.
27:21You expected tears.
27:23I don't cry over things I've already lost.
27:28Vivian, are you really alright?
27:31I'm better than I've ever been.
27:36Before we proceed with any new engagement announcements, there is a matter that requires the court's attention.
27:43Your Majesty, I present evidence that Lady Clarissa of House Delmo has engaged in deliberate sabotage against the dutty of
27:50Ashford,
27:51including manipulation of royal audit procedures and conspiracy to defraud a noble house.
27:56That's a lie!
27:58Correspondence between Lady Clarissa and a royal advisor arranging for a targeted audit,
28:02financial records showing payments to informs within my household,
28:06testimony from dismissed tax collectors who were offered positions in the Delmont family in exchange for cooperation.
28:11I also have testimony from my maid, Nettie, who was recruited by Lady Clarissa to spy on my family's private
28:17affairs.
28:18It's true, Your Majesty.
28:19Lady Clarissa paid me to report on Lady Vivian's activities.
28:23I'm sorry, miss.
28:24I'm so sorry.
28:25Darling, you can't believe...
28:28Is it true?
28:29I did it for us!
28:30For our future!
28:32She was in the way!
28:33Enough, Lady Clarissa.
28:34You are hereby barred from court.
28:36House Delmon will face a formal inquiry.
28:39Cedric! Cedric!
28:42Goodbye, Clarissa.
28:48The quarterly reports are in.
28:50Revenue exceeds projections by 12%.
28:52All outstanding debts are cleared.
28:54And the workers?
28:55Wages increased as you requested.
28:57The new housing in the Eastern District is nearly complete.
29:00And my father?
29:04Enjoying his horses.
29:05Staying away from the ledgers.
29:08Perfect.
29:16You look different.
29:17Better or worse?
29:19Less angry.
29:20I'm working on it.
29:22Talenda wants to formalize a long-term partnership.
29:24Not just trade.
29:25Cultural exchange.
29:26Shared agro-atural research.
29:27Joint infrastructure.
29:29That's ambitious.
29:30I learned from someone ambitious.
29:33I'll review this tonight.
29:35Of course you will.
29:37As an example,
29:38i've got a call out in the middle.
29:38Through a very awkward zone.
29:39I've got lots of questions.
29:39I'm getting in.
29:39From someone's windows.
29:39I can't hear you.
29:40Can't hear you.