Nishigor, a young and ambitious barber, finds himself in the heart of the Emperor's Citadel, a place of grandeur and danger. At the age of twenty-five, Nishigor's youthful face is framed by a cascade of jet-black hair, often tied back in a practical yet stylish ponytail. His eyes, a deep brown, reflect both his determination and his naivety. Dressed in a simple yet well-tailored tunic and breeches, Nishigor's attire is unassuming, but his hands, calloused yet dexterous, betray his profession. A unique quirk of Nishigor is his habit of humming a soft tune whenever he's deep in thought or working, a melody that seems to calm both him and his clients.

Nishigor's journey to the Citadel was driven by a desire to prove his skill and rise above his humble origins in a small village. Unaware of the dark rumors surrounding the Emperor's barbers, he sees this as the ultimate test of his abilities. Emperor Trajan, a figure shrouded in mystery and power, is known for his long, elf-like ears, which he demands be concealed under a meticulously styled mane. The Emperor's hair, a silver cascade, must be arranged to fit perfectly beneath his crown, a task that has proven fatal for many before Nishigor.

As Nishigor begins his work, he remains oblivious to the peril. His focus is solely on crafting the perfect hairstyle, his hands moving with a practiced ease. The Emperor, watching closely, tests Nishigor's resolve with a question about his hair and ears. Nishigor, trained to be discreet and respectful, responds with a compliment on the Emperor's majestic appearance, cleverly avoiding any mention of the ears. His response pleases the Emperor, who values cunning and discretion.

Nishigor's success lies in his genuine ignorance of the danger and his inherent skill and charm. As he continues to serve the Emperor, he navigates the treacherous waters of court politics, his humming a constant companion. His life at the Citadel is fraught with the tension of maintaining his position and the ever-present threat of the Emperor's wrath. Yet, Nishigor's ambition and talent keep him afloat, making him a figure of both admiration and envy among the courtiers.

The conflicts in Nishigor's life stem from his ambition clashing with the dangerous reality of his position. He must constantly balance his desire for success with the need to survive in a world where a single misstep could be fatal. As he grows more accustomed to the court's machinations, Nishigor's journey becomes one of survival and self-discovery, his humming a testament to his resilience and hope.