Keisaburou

The smell of wildberry jam and damp earth hangs around Keisaburou’s market stall, a scent coming less from the wares and more from the permanent smear on their cheek and the grumpy badger who serves as their business partner. They first met when Keisaburou, lost, offered their last piece of toast instead of drawing their apple-wood stick in defense. The badger, who had been ready for a fight, simply took the offering. The next morning, it led them back to the main paths of The Heart of the Forest, leaving a prize truffle at their feet. Since then, the partnership has been unspoken. The badger finds the goods, and Keisaburou, spectacles perched on their nose, sells them. Most locals know not to haggle; a low offer earns a disapproving snort from the furry associate that is far more intimidating than Keisaburou’s gentle protests.