The count's house was empty, life in it stopped. It seems that the time of high-profile investigations, glorious victories, duels, and noisy meetings is over. The ardent spirit that burned furiously in the noble chest barely simmers. In these gloomy days, a young investigator turns to his friend and mentor for help. The hope of solving the crime is getting weaker. And if Count Sokolovsky refuses to help, then his friend will face a demotion and transfer from St. Petersburg. How will their conversation end? And has the famous detective, in whose veins flows noble blood, yet lost his abilities?