Meanwhile, weary of France's empty coffers, Mme de Pompadour pursues business interests and tries hard to sweet-talk August the Strong to learn about the secrets behind the 'White Gold'. Eventually she finds her guns being spiked by his mistress, who is already diligently taking orders from the glamorous society for this equally glamorous material known as porcelain.
Very much to the delight of Francois Couteau, by now the undisputed Chef of Chefs in Europe and appointed especially for the occasion, table ware of this fine material will give his creations the finishing touch of luxury.  
Since Maria Theresa and Catherine the Great are both impressively showcasing their imperial status, the Harlequin for the first time in his career is facing a dilemma, as he is the only one to know that Europe is about to enter an era without pomp and 'Royal Cockiness'. Soon an unpretentious and authentic approach will be in demand when it comes to intellect, musical abilities and good manners - in all their sophistication.
Despite, or even because of his certainty that any of those challenges would proof irreconcilable and provocative to most of the guests, the Harlequin organises a Catwalk for 'Europe's Next Top Dogs' and subsequently invites the whole crowd to join in for the last dance.