The Golden Age of Catherine II, the era of justice and enlightenment, the time of brilliant victories of Russian weapons and cultural progress, the time of Masonic lodges and gallant dances. Poor and ignoble, 17-year-old student Semyon Mukhin finds himself at the very center of a spy conspiracy, the goal of which is to place a new ruler or ruler on the Russian throne, who would be obedient to the mysterious Royal Secret in everything. However, Mukhin is endowed with an amazing gift, which will not only help him get out of this mess, but will also, over time, make him the most dangerous person on earth. Secret organizations, palace revolutions, duels, shootouts, cunning murders and incredible adventures in the best traditions of the adventure novel, combined with military drama and a fantastic background to historical events, seemingly well known to everyone.