Brantack explains the King wants to develop the surrounding land but is unable due to the current land owning lords, like Sir Artur. Instead, the royal court has been secretly driving Kurt mad with jealousy over Wendelin, so that when he snaps he will be removed as heir. Wendelin refuses to participate as it would also mean disinheriting his nephews. Klaus warns Brantack to be wary of Amalie, Kurt’s wife, who will try to protect her sons at all costs. Wendelin learns Kurt will be assassinated after Wendelin becomes lord to prevent him causing trouble in the future. Wendelin tries to offer Kurt a proposal that would allow Kurt to become lord while developing the land but Kurt is blinded by jealousy and refuses. With no other option Wendelin decides to become lord, though warns his friends he is planning to resist the royal court. Wendelin bribes Kurt’s shop owning allies with advanced training in their various crafts to improve their businesses, breaking their reliance on Kurt.