The narrative begins with Miranda Fagol, the 17-year-old heir to the Fagol Grand Duchy, being summoned by her father. He presents her with a decree from the Grand Duchy's suzerain, the Grangard Kingdom, which has recently undergone a succession crisis, with Klaus Grangard ascending to the throne. The decree demands a doubling of tribute for three years, but offers a remission if an unmarried heir with succession rights is sent to Grangard indefinitely. Miranda, realizing she is to be sent as a hostage, is horrified.
Despite her initial shock, Miranda, accompanied by her maid Anna and a contingent of guards, embarks on the journey to Grangard. Along the way, she expresses a desire to visit the town of Krusel, renowned for its artisans. Using a rare river map inherited from her sister, who married the King of Aldilia, Miranda devises a plan to stop in Krusel. She fabricates a broken hairpin, using its jewels to bribe her guards and convince them to alter their route. She insists on staying in a town inn rather than the official residence, and requests secrecy.
Upon arriving in Krusel, Miranda, under the guise of "Minanda Anyol," a baron's daughter, captivates the town's skilled craftsmen, including the gruff civil engineering team leader Samoa and the usually stoic Logan. She displays an impressive understanding of their work, engaging them in discussions about flood control and infrastructure. The artisans, initially annoyed by the interruption, are charmed by her intelligence and beauty, and even the normally unsmiling Logan cracks a smile. Guild master Shivalak, aware of Miranda's true identity, observes her ability to manipulate people with a mixture of awe and apprehension. Before departing, Miranda receives a specially crafted hairpin from Shivalak, a hidden weapon, as a parting gift, which she accepts with gratitude, touching his trembling fingers.
The journey to the Grangard capital is further delayed by rumors of a fever in surrounding towns, forcing a detour. Miranda finally arrives at the royal palace on the morning of her audience with King Klaus. She is separated from her retinue and confined to a waiting room with other female heirs. The atmosphere is tense as the first two women are summoned and subsequently killed or incapacitated, their screams echoing through the palace. When Miranda is called, she enters the audience chamber to find a large bloodstain on the floor.
King Klaus, a formidable figure, confronts Miranda, who, despite her blood-stained dress, maintains her composure. She asserts her eligibility as an unmarried heir, stating her elder sister is too weak to bear such a burden. Klaus, intrigued by her defiance and beauty, draws his sword and lightly cuts her throat, demanding she prove her worth beyond being a mere hostage. Miranda, unfazed, accepts his challenge. Klaus then strikes down a red-haired knight who mutters an insult, reminding everyone that everything in his kingdom belongs to him.
Later, Klaus summons his Prime Minister, Zahad, and discusses Miranda. He reveals his intention to make her a consort and plans to use a truth serum, obtained from Aldilia and supposedly developed by Fagol, to uncover the truth behind Miranda's notorious reputation. Zahad, after investigating, compiles a thick report detailing Miranda's alleged crimes, including abuse, seduction of her sister's husband, and instigating the invasion of Grangard. Despite the damning evidence, Klaus decides to proceed with his plan, intending to use the truth serum on Miranda that very night and observe the results from a hidden room.
Miranda, now residing in a detached palace, prepares for Klaus's visit. She uses the hairpin from Krusel to open a bottle of wine. When Klaus arrives, he offers her a drink, which she recognizes as the truth serum. Resigned, she drinks it, along with wine he offers. Under the serum's influence, Miranda confesses her past, including the childhood incident where her divine blessing healed a bird, causing her elder sister, Alishe, who was expected to inherit the duchy, to become consumed by jealousy and despair. Miranda reveals her sister's subsequent withdrawal and the subsequent political maneuvering that led to her being sent to Grangard. Klaus, observing her emotional state, notes her youthful appearance and holds her on his lap, questioning the rumors of her being experienced with men.
