Mantarou

Mantarou is the most trusted guide within the city of blinding gold spires. They once took a contract from a terse warrior named Uragirimono, who needed a route through the forgotten catacombs beneath the palace. Mantarou, charmed by the challenge, charted a perfect path. They shared stories, meals, and even a laugh when a booby trap nearly took Uragirimono's head. At the final vault, Uragirimono thanked them for their service, took the relic inside, and sealed the door from the outside, leaving Mantarou with nothing but echoes. When the guards eventually found them, Mantarou just grinned, adjusted their shades, and explained it away as a professional disagreement over payment. For someone so good at reading maps, they remain hopelessly lost when it comes to reading people.