Aiden Aston squanders money, but takes it back. Chancellor Leland sees him as a debauched good-for-nothing. Memorials impeaching Aiden Aston pile high before The Empress. He says, "My father is the Grand General of the State. What's wrong with me being a bit of a profligate?" Empress Isabella says, "Aiden Aston is the man I'm looking for. What's wrong with him being a bit of a profligate?" Grand General Leo Aston says, "My son is just pretending. Can't you see?" All are baffled.