Neither the Prince nor his lawyer, Mr. Gesswein, are aware that someone is listening in on their conversations. Thorwald’s nephew Benjamin, confined to a wheelchair by an accident, had bugged the house with microphones and cameras some time ago to ensure he wouldn’t miss a thing despite his disability. Even his own mother doesn’t know about his secretly obtained information. Princess Beate is alarmed by the frequent confidential meetings between Gesswein and the Prince in his private chambers. She confronts the lawyer, wanting to find out whether she can count on his support in the event of her brother’s death. Gesswein, however, politely but firmly declares his full and unconditional loyalty to the Prince, even after his death.