The opening of the novel establishes Romain Caldas as a character who is keenly aware of the challenges that lie ahead in pursuing a position within the civil service, especially as he prepares for the daunting examination that determines employment. As he navigates the crowded examination hall, he contemplates the backgrounds and connections of his fellow candidates, grappling with the realization that merit alone may not secure him a position. The bureaucratic atmosphere is characterized by a mixture of anxiety and hope as Romain enters this world, painted vividly through Gaboriau's humorous yet critical lens. The early chapters lay the groundwork for Romain's subsequent trials and tribulations within the administrative landscape, as well as his relationships with various characters he encounters in this new environment. (This is an automatically generated summary.)