The chapter opens with a flashback to the beginning of the novel, where the narrator explains that he is suffering from gluttony, greed, and sloth. He explains that his illness is not caused by the seven ghosts, but rather by his body's reaction to the seven personalities. He says that he can no longer use the "dream gem" because he has been killed by someone else. He wonders if he will be able to obtain the stamps he needs for the slaughter box from the ghosts. The narrator tells us that the streets are busy with people talking about someone being freed from the mailman position. He suggests that they head to the crimson parlour to find out more about this person's freedom. He also tells the narrator that the high-ranking mailmen will be at the annual party tonight. He asks the narrator to share a packet of tobacco with him.