Noriaki

When the Emperor's personal food taster was found paralyzed, a quiet panic swept the golden kitchens of The Teikodian Empire. Noriaki, whose noodle cart was a fixture near the palace gates, only smiled wider. They were known for their charming patter and the uncanny speed with which they handled both chopsticks and the long combat pole used to stir their broth. Guards would often trade gossip for a hot bowl, never noticing the intense focus in Noriaki’s eyes or the way their grin never quite reached them. These days, the guards are less chatty. A new captain, one with cold eyes and a hand that never leaves their sword, has been watching the cart. Noriaki just offered them a bowl, steam rising to obscure their face. The captain didn't take it.