The novel shows the capital's light in 1837. Numerous real characters coexist so closely with fictional characters, and historical facts are so strongly connected with the creative fantasies of the author that the reader gets the impression that he himself is the hero of the story, plunging headlong into the Nicholas era, where the clink of glasses with sparkling champagne gives way to the clash of blades, where evening barbs are followed by dawn duels, where illegitimate children are related to the ruling dynasty. This is a crazy and beautiful world, full of intrigue, love and adventure. A world ruled by Pride, Honor, Love.