The law of the Earthling Empire is simple. All planets that are inferior in technological development to the planets of the Empire automatically fall under its protectorate. But why do the inhabitants of the provincial World of Prince Samuel, who are at the level of technology around the beginning of the twentieth century, so stubbornly resist merging with the Empire? How can they resist at all? And most importantly - what are they achieving?Perhaps the World of Prince Samuel will become the toughest nut to crack for warriors and diplomats of the Empire for many centuries!..