This chapter opens with a description of the setting, which is described as a "world ruled by story and art" . In this chapter, we are introduced to a number of characters, including a dog, a cat, and a monkey. We learn that the monkey is a member of the royal family, and that he has been adopted by King Caesar. The dog, however, is not so lucky. He has been hit in the head by the cat, who has come to play with him. The cat apologizes to the dog for the incident, and the dog agrees to go to Caesar's ball.