In this world, there are adventurers, knights, mystical races, magic spells, and treasures. But this is not stories about them. This is just a story about a humble man working as a traveling merchant who dream to become rich to support his family. O...
That night, as I lay down to rest at the merchant lodge, my dreams took me back to the time when I first encountered Master. It was four years ago when I made the regretful error of purchasing herb leaves, only to let them rot during my journey from the village to the bustling city of Goldkorb. The consequence was dire—I found myself on the brink of starvation, with no money left to my name. Despair settled in, and I sat helplessly in a corner, almost surrendering to my unfortunate fate.
That was the moment when the Master emerged like a divine messenger, noticing my crouched form.
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"Why are you huddled there, lad?" he questioned with concern, hearing the rumbling protest of my empty stomach and understanding my dire predicament. Master simply chuckled, taking my skinny arms in his grasp and leading me into his welcoming tavern.
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"Here, eat this," he offered generously. It was the renowned Knight's Table Stew, a savory delight. I hesitated, reminding him of my lack of funds, but he brushed aside my worries. "I have no need for your money. Pay me back when you achieve success. For now, just eat and replenish your strength. You cannot work with an empty stomach, can you?" he reassured, his words carrying both kindness and wisdom.
Gratefully, I devoured the hearty stew, engaging in conversation with Master about my past endeavors and my aspirations for the future. "I understand now. You seek wealth through the path of a merchant. Such an endeavor requires true courage to take those decisive steps toward your goal," he responded, nodding in understanding.
With a sense of shame, I confessed my shortcomings, "Yes, though I failed. My greed blinded me, and now I find myself penniless and broken. I can't bear to face my family, burdened by the weight of my own mistakes."
Master pondered for a moment, and then he proposed, "How about this? You can work here at the tavern. I will provide you with a salary, and when you feel ready, you can embark on your journey anew. Furthermore, you are welcome to stay and rest within these walls," It was an offer that held promise, and I accepted without hesitation. However, I couldn't help but wonder why the Master extended such kindness to a stranger like me.
In response to my query, the Master simply laughed and shared his wisdom, saying, "Isn't it the mark of a wise merchant to sow seeds of goodness, expecting a bountiful harvest in the future? When you achieve success, remember me and become a patron of this very tavern." His words touched me deeply, and I expressed my gratitude from the depths of my heart. I remembered the wisdom I had gained from the merchant and recognized this as a stroke of luck. It was now my duty to seize this opportunity, expand my knowledge, and forge a deeper bond with Master.
From that moment onward, I dedicated myself to working at Master's tavern. I had the pleasure of being introduced to Madam Ruth, Master's wive, and the young Sofia, who was only eight years old at the time. Over the course of eight months, I diligently worked and absorbed knowledge, preparing myself for the next chapter of my journey as a merchant.
During my time at the tavern, I forged connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds, each with their own tales to share. Through his past camaraderie as platoon leader in the knighthood, the establishment gained popularity among military men, who sought solace within its walls. Adventurers, drawn to Master's wisdom and experiences, soon became regular patrons. Recently, even merchants have flocked to the tavern, recognizing the value of gathering news from the knighthood and establishing connections.
This is also an opportunity that is revealed to me. So I listened attentively to their needs and desires, offering my services to procure the requested goods at fair prices. Starting as a humble peddler, I gradually accumulated profits and reinvested them into expanding my trade. With time, I acquired a horse with a small carriage to transport an increasing variety of merchandise. Nevertheless, I made a promise to myself to always return to this town and indulge in Master's renowned Knight's Table Stew. It was my way of honoring the commitment I had made as one of the tavern's loyal patrons.
