The eighth volume of the series “Rendezvous with the Varyag”. In the War for the Straits, the first steps were taken and the first bloodless victory was achieved, achieved by diplomats and agents of the GUGB. Having replaced the Prince of Bulgaria from old Ferdinand to young Boris III, the Russian Empire of Tsar Michael came close to Constantinople - just reach out and take it. But it's not that simple. Despite the fact that the Ottoman Empire was extremely decrepit, safety precautions must be observed when killing it. First, it is necessary to create conditions so that half of Europe is not drawn into the battle for the Straits, and only then fire the first shot in the war.