Antonia attracts the attention of maestro Crescenzi because of her vocal talent. Impressed by her voice, Crescenzi offers her the opportunity to study in his prestigious singing class, on the condition that her sister Carolina also participates in the lessons. The maestro, in fact, has secretly noticed Carolina's potential and believes they can both excel in the world of opera. However, the lessons are expensive, and Maria is forced to seek employment to support her daughters' educational expenses. She thus decides to work as a maid for the noble Bellerio family. Meanwhile, Crescenzi discovers that Carolina is illiterate and threatens to exclude her from school if she does not learn to read and write quickly. Maria, determined to ensure a better future for her daughters, endeavours to help Carolina make up for her educational deficiencies.

Carolina surprises everyone and emerges as the star of the competition, surpassing both her sister and Sarrasine, the Prince's enigmatic favourite. Her triumph captures everyone's attention and she is offered the lead role in "La Cenerentola", triggering her sister's envy. Meanwhile Olympia, Henry's revolutionary sister, is injured in a clash with Austrian guards. Carolina rescues her, hiding her in the cellar of Domenico's inn. During the engagement party of Maddalena Bellerio and Colonel Pavel Falez, Carolina is forced to perform with Sarrasine, where she discovers a shocking secret about the mysterious singer.