Tobias, often called Toby by his acquaintances, is an official working at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Erishe. He is an old acquaintance of Shello and Rebecca from their mercenary days.
Tobias, often called '''Toby''', is a guild official working at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Erishe. A sharp, pragmatic, and perceptive man, he acts as a gatekeeper for the city's merchant registry and market operations. He is an old acquaintance of Shello Roth and Rebecca Roth, and has become a key, albeit consistently skeptical, administrative contact for Jirou Ayase. His character arc with Jirou is defined by a journey from deep suspicion and dry mockery over Jirou's improbable claims, to a state of stunned, resigned acceptance after being confronted with undeniable proof.
Tobias is a man in his mid-thirties. His most distinctive features are the glasses he wears—which Rebecca later reveals are partly for show to soften his fierce gaze—and the sharp, scrutinizing look behind them. He carries himself with the air of a competent and busy bureaucrat.
Tobias is highly intelligent, observant, and not easily fooled. He is a man of procedure and evidence, which makes him inherently skeptical of the extraordinary. He has a dry, sarcastic sense of humor, often used to express his disbelief at the situations Jirou brings to him. While he operates within the rules, he is pragmatic enough to bend them for trusted acquaintances like the Roths, though he always demands a favor in return. His worldview is grounded in reality, and he takes professional satisfaction in his accurate assessments, making it all the more shocking for him when Jirou's most outlandish claim—the existence of a fully-renovated mansion in the forest—turns out to be true.
Tobias has been working at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry for some time, long enough to have known Shello and Rebecca since his youth. He was instrumental in processing Jirou's initial guild registration and the highly unusual deed for the "invisible" mansion, a task he performed with clear amusement. His long-held skepticism peaked when Jirou began mentioning connections to the Imperial Trader, the House of Solo. This skepticism was definitively and utterly shattered when he was invited to the mansion's completion party and witnessed the magnificent, fully-renovated estate with his own eyes, forcing him to completely recalibrate his understanding of Jirou Ayase.
Keen Perception & Skepticism
Possesses a sharp eye for deception and inconsistency, allowing him to immediately flag suspicious individuals and claims. This ability made him the only person to consistently doubt Jirou's story from the beginning.
Bureaucratic Acumen
A highly competent administrator who understands and wields the procedures of the guild effectively.
Professional Demeanor
Maintains a calm and efficient presence, even when internally grappling with unbelievable revelations.
His primary tools are his intellect and his official position within the guild. His glasses are a notable part of his appearance, used strategically to appear more approachable.
An old acquaintance from Tobias's youth. Their relationship is one of fond exasperation. Tobias is clearly familiar with Shello's more impulsive nature and often acts as the voice of reason, helping him despite his transparent lies.
Tobias holds a respectful and slightly more formal demeanor towards Rebecca. He seems to trust her judgment more than Shello's, and her endorsement was a key factor in his initial help for Jirou.
Tobias's relationship with Jirou is defined by the collapse of his professional skepticism. He immediately identified Jirou as a suspicious person and remained deeply doubtful through every step: the amnesia story, the "invisible" mansion, and the claims of Imperial Trader connections. He openly mocked the idea of issuing a deed for a house "only you can see." However, upon witnessing the completed mansion—a tangible, magnificent proof of Jirou's improbable resources and connections—his doubt was replaced by a stunned acceptance. He now processes Jirou's requests (like stall rentals and disciple contracts) without question, not because he understands Jirou, but because he has been forced to accept that Jirou operates on a level that defies his own logical framework.
