Shopkeeper

thumb|The Shopkeeper carefully maintaining his garden The Shopkeeper is a calm and composed man who values tradition, discipline, and beauty above all else. He maintains a refined demeanor and is rarely seen without a gentle smile. Even when issuing threats, the Shopkeeper typically maintains a composed and polite tone. He is frequently shown tending to his garden with great care, reflecting his belief that the world must be carefully cultivated and maintained in order to flourish. To him, assassination is a noble calling carried out in service to Ostania, and he teaches his assassins, whom he refers to as "pruners," to take pride in their work as an honorable duty comparable to soldiers devoting themselves to their homeland. His view of assassination mirrors his approach to gardening, believing that harmful elements must be "pruned" in order for society to flourish. thumb|left|The Shopkeeper accepting a mission involving the poaching of Miteran elk A loyal traditionalist, the Shopkeeper reveres the legacy of the old Miteran Empire and its symbols, such as the Miteran elk, which he regards as sacred. Despite his patriotism, he expresses little interest in modern political struggles and rejects assignments that appear politically motivated, instead viewing Garden as guardians of the nation's enduring identity and traditions rather than servants of its current political establishment. This attitude is further reflected in his interactions with the SSS's director, Wyman Wilker, whom he warns not to forget Garden's independence from political interests. Although the Shopkeeper permits Yor to associate with Melinda Desmond, he advises her to remain cautious around political figures. He also takes interest after learning of Loid's encounter with Donovan Desmond and his interest toward the Desmonds' political party. thumb|The Shopkeeper suddenly attacking Yor to test whether her instincts had dulled Beneath his calm exterior, the Shopkeeper possesses a strict and calculating nature. He places great importance on strength and combat readiness among assassins. At one point, he suddenly attacks Yor during a conversation to determine whether her domestic life had dulled her instincts, later recounting the incident to Hemlock with amusement. He also appears receptive to Hemlock's belief that isolation can strengthen assassins, suggesting that solitude may have its benefits. The Shopkeeper additionally seems to dislike smoking, threatening to remove Wilker's cigar along with his head should he smoke in his presence. thumb|left|The Shopkeeper's concern for Matthew's retirement while training the next generation Despite his detached and mysterious demeanor, the Shopkeeper is not without empathy. He allows Yor time for personal matters and listens patiently to her requests, though his silences occasionally imply deeper observations, such as when he notices her concern for her family following a dangerous assignment. He also values harmony within Garden, helping oversee Yor and Hemlock's reconciliation after their conflict during a mission. His relationship with Matthew McMahon further shows his respect for long-serving subordinates, as he expresses concern over Matthew's eventual retirement while also recognizing the importance of preparing a new generation to continue Garden's work.

The Shopkeeper appears to be a middle-aged man with tan skin, long and shaggy white hair that reaches down to his waist, and sunken, almond-shaped black eyes. While working in his garden, the Shopkeeper wears a gardener's outfit consisting of a beige long-sleeve shirt with rolled sleeves and pants alongside a black apron, gloves, and boots. He also wears a brown hat with a red string that has two golden figurines in the shape of small spikes attached at the ends, which are similar to Yor's own earrings and weapons. Outside his garden, the Shopkeeper wears a light-colored coat with a dark belt and boots. He dons a cape over his outfit, which, like his hat, is tied together with two strings that have golden spike-shaped figurines attached at their ends. In this outfit, the Shopkeeper also dons a half-up, half-down hairstyle, tying his hair with bobby pins in an X-shape.