The narrative is presented as the author's compilation of various histories of Bellarion's life, in particular that of one Fra Serafino of Imola.
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He discovers that Barbaresco and a group of friends, including Valeria's trusted confidante Enzo Spigno, are plotting the murder of Theodore, Valeria's uncle, who is serving Regent of Montferrat until Valeria's brother, the rightful Marquis, reaches majority.