She travels around the world, and when she returns, she finds herself in the Kutaysov's mansion among hussars and ladies, and there in her soul a feeling of love is born.

The household eagerly prepares for the arrival of the famous actress Anastasia Batmanova, a former serf of the count who was freed and sold as a child.

However, immediately after the ceremony, the count reveals his true intentions: he tears up the freedom papers and declares Anastasia his "slave."

When the count refuses, Nikita bluffs, claiming that Emperor Paul I has recently died, putting Kutaisov’s favor with the crown at risk.

As the lie is about to be exposed, a messenger arrives from St. Petersburg with news confirming Paul I's death and the ascension of Alexander I to the throne.