Winter has fallen on the Empire. That's right - Winter, with a capital W. The winter is so severe that the old people could not remember anything equal to it. But it's not all sadness. The Ripper appeared in one of the cities. An unknown killer who takes life with extreme cruelty. The people are worried and scared. In order to protect its subjects, the Triumvirate sends a special envoy - Baroness Talagia... From the author: Previously, I took part in literary competitions only twice. Both times I had finished items in the competition format. The first time I won, the second time I lost, which undoubtedly indicates the bias of the jury of the second competition. Everything is bought! Now I decided to try to write a story specifically for the competition - the “Tender Steel” competition.