Nishigor, a young and ambitious barber, hails from a modest village known for its skilled craftsmen. At the tender age of twenty-two, his life took an unexpected turn when he received an invitation to serve as the Emperor's Barber—a position shrouded in ominous rumors. Unaware of the dark tales surrounding the role, Nishigor's journey to the Emperor's Citadel was fueled by a burning desire to prove his worth and elevate his family's standing. His youthful appearance, marked by a sharp jawline and keen, observant eyes, often belied his skill with the shears. His hair, a cascade of dark curls, was usually tied back neatly, a stark contrast to the messy locks he would soon be tasked to perfect.

Dressed in a simple yet well-tailored tunic and breeches, Nishigor's attire spoke of his humble origins but also his meticulous nature. His hands, steady and precise, were his most valuable tools, often moving with a grace that belied their calloused surface. His unique quirk, a habit of humming ancient folk tunes under his breath, provided him a semblance of comfort in tense situations.

Upon arriving at the Citadel, Nishigor faced the daunting task of styling Emperor Trajan's hair to conceal his long, elf-like ears—ears whispered to be those of a goat. The Emperor's paranoia and vanity were legendary, and any sign of hesitation or curiosity about his ears from a barber could result in immediate execution. Nishigor's challenge was not only to master the art of styling but also to navigate the treacherous waters of the Emperor's court, where silence was as crucial as skill.

As he worked, Nishigor's mind raced with strategies to ensure his survival. He focused intently on his task, his humming barely audible, a melody that seemed to soothe both himself and the Emperor. His approach was to treat the Emperor's hair with the reverence of a sacred ritual, never once allowing his gaze to linger on the forbidden ears. When the Emperor posed the fateful question about his hair and ears, Nishigor responded with practiced nonchalance, praising the Emperor's majestic mane while carefully avoiding any mention of the ears.

Nishigor's cunning and composure allowed him to navigate the perilous situation, earning him a temporary reprieve from the Emperor's wrath. However, the constant threat of death loomed over him, a reminder of the fragile line he walked. His life was a delicate balance between ambition and survival, with the Citadel's opulent halls serving as both his stage and his prison. The conflicts in his life were not just external but internal as well, as he grappled with the moral implications of serving a tyrant and the fear of never seeing his family again.