Rudolph's sister in law urges him to do something useful with his life. Lord Burlesdo, Rudolph's brother, tells him that he found him a job as an attaché to Sir Jacob Borrodaile, an ambassador to Ruritania. As the job will only start in six month, Rudolph decides to attend the coronation of King Rudolf the Fifth, which is to take place in Strelsau, Ruritania.