In this chapter, we are introduced to the young protagonist, who has been chosen by the gods to be the heir to his father's fortune. He has been given the right to live as he sees fit, and he asks the rich people what they would like him to do with his money. They tell him that he should ask his father what he would like, and if he wants something, he can ask him. The protagonist wonders what they have told him, and wonders if he will be able to ask his mother what she would like. He realizes that he cannot ask her what she wants, and that he will have to buy her what he wants. He wants to visit his home, and asks his father if he can bring his mother's funeral tablet with him. He asks that he be allowed to go alone at night