Ceres

Ceres is the pseudonym of a minor character who is a customer of the Spice and Wolf.

Life
While Ceres’ early years are not revealed, decades ago he entered the service of a princess’ family as a chef. A loyal and capable servant, he became a confidante of the young princess. Before this princess entered an arranged marriage to a king, she visited Nyohhira incognito with Ceres to enjoy her last days of freedom. On her wedding day, the princess asked Ceres to remember the taste of Nyohhira alcohol in case she needed to recall happier times once she started her new life as a queen. Ceres remained in her service as a royal chef.

Role in Spice and Wolf
About thirty years later, Ceres returned to Nyohhira to recreate the alcohol that his queen had enjoyed because she wished to share it with her ailing husband. Despite a meticulous search for ingredients, he was unable to find the right water until he revealed his mission to Holo and Lawrence. With their help, Ceres successfully brewed the ale that his queen sought.

Appearance
An elderly man, Ceres is short in stature. For his trip to Nyohhira, he wore various furs, including a fur-covered metal hat that doubled as a brew pot, and carried a knapsack and hatchet.

Personality
Ceres’ single-minded pursuit of his mission speaks of his loyalty and tenacity. He is generally taciturn and brooding, tendencies only enhanced by the weight of his mission, his initial lack of success, and his unfamiliarity with the local language. However, Ceres warmed considerably to Lawrence and was a polite guest.

Skills
Ceres is a master chef and brewer of a royal court. He is fluent in liturgical writing and is an excellent storyteller.

Trivia
Ceres is the name of the real-life ancient Roman goddess of agriculture and grain crops.