This chapter opens with the narrator lamenting the fact that his sword has been broken. He goes on to explain that the sword belongs to the emperor, and that he has no choice but to accept it. The narrator explains that the emperor's talent is spiritual, and therefore he is an emperor. He explains that he had no choice in the matter, since he had a contract with holy beasts, and since he is a spiritual emperor, he has the talent of a spiritual man. He says that he will buy the man a new sword, and they will walk together to the marketplace.