Arte is born into a noble family, but she would rather work for a living as an artisan than be married off to another noble.

Arte begins working as Leo's new apprentice and meets a fellow student named Angelo. Arte is determined to sketch Danilo's statue, even though he at first refuses.

During Carnival, Leo takes Arte out, but it's not to join the festivities; Arte helps with a job for a client for the first time.

Arte accompanies Leo to his courtesan patron's house and discovers more about what it takes for a woman to live by her own means.

Arte offers to negotiate with a difficult customer, and gets some much-needed help from courtesan Victoria. She ends up learning more about Leo from her efforts.

Apprentices from other workshops take issue with the fact that Arte is a girl, so she has to prove herself through her work.