A world where the nobles are proud of the magical Talent, the princes are served by detachments of guardsmen, and the serf orcs obediently work out corvee. A world where carriages are dragged by mahomechanical horses, cannons are made by sorcerers, and Freemasons are engaged in genetics. The world, where the 18th century is coming to an end, instead of the Bering Strait - the Bering Isthmus, and mother Empress Elizaveta Petrovna sits on the Russian throne. Konstantin Urusov must end the war with Frederick in order to return to his estate, fulfill the task of Death and try not to get into the millstones of palace intrigues.