The narrator introduces us to a young man named Nathaniel Step, who is walking down the street. He's been walking for a long time, but he's never been with a partner before. He asks Nathaniel if he knows the man, Mr. Harry, and Nathaniel steps forward to tell him about the man's family, the Kingston family. He explains that the family is famous for making red wine, which is made from human blood. The family's name comes from the fact that the blood that makes red wine comes from aging human beings. This is why the family has such a high prestige among vampires. Nathaniel steps back to tell us more about the family. First, we learn that the son of the current owner of the wine company was killed in the line of duty. The new owner, Harry, inherited the company and became the heir to the throne. But Harry's older brother framed him and kicked him out of the company. The narrator asks Nathaniel what sort of partnership he has with Harry. He wonders why the man smells so bad.