A young, ambitious man named Konrad Ludwig arrives in a small Austrian village with dreams of climbing the social ladder. He quickly ingratiates himself with the wealthy and influential Countess von Ornstein by pretending to be a footman. As he gains her trust, Konrad begins to manipulate those around him, using charm and cunning to exploit the weaknesses of the Countess’s family and acquaintances. His ultimate goal is to secure a profitable and respected position for himself within their aristocratic circle.

As Konrad embeds himself deeper into the household, his schemes become more intricate and risky, involving a series of romantic entanglements and betrayals. His deceptions start to unravel as relationships strain and secrets surface. Tensions rise within the Countess’s family, drawing everyone into a complex web of ambition, love, and deception. As Konrad's manipulations threaten to collapse under the weight of his own overreach, the consequences of his actions begin to take a toll on him and those he has ensnared, leading to an unpredictable and dramatic climax.