To avoid the gallows for piracy, Ignat Sirotin, a former frigate captain of the imperial fleet, is forced to accept Lord Torstag's condition: to clear the way for him to the wealth of one influential but bloodless family. Under the guise of a merchant, Ignat and his friends begin an adventurous game, the goal of which is to legalize a hostile state in the highest noble society. What is more important to him now? Obtain a patent for trade, protect the heiress of the Tolesso family from ruin, or become the head of a free detachment of mercenaries? Different goals lead to the result that Ignat strives for. But what price is he willing to pay for it?