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...
I diligently carried out my usual tasks at the guild in this bustling city. As a member of the esteemed merchant guild, it was our responsibility to meticulously document our expenses, provide comprehensive details of our purchases, update our current inventory, and record the number of coins we acquired and deposited in the banks. All this tidings was meticulously maintained on our guild identification plates, which we had to be careful not to misplace.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Fortunately, the guild mage cast a sealing spell whenever we updated our reports, ensuring their security and providing a practical solution. This spell alleviated the need to carry excessive amounts of coins, reducing the risk of falling prey to robbers along the treacherous roads. Perhaps I have been blessed with good fortune over these past five years, for I have managed to avoid any encounters with thieves or burglars during my trading expeditions. This could be attributed to the relative proximity and safety of the cities along my established trading route.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Typically, it would take me several hours, either half a day or even an entire night, to meticulously complete my report before finally submitting it to the guild. And just as expected, after the arduous task of reporting, the night arrived and I found myself heading towards the familiar establishment, the Dragon's Paw. I presumed that the Master would still be confined to his bed, recovering from his illness. However, to my astonishment, the tavern was alive with an energetic buzz. Military personnel and intrepid adventurers alike filled the space, relishing their meals and reveling in the atmosphere of joyous camaraderie.
"Good evening, Takahiko! Have you completed your tasks?" Sofia's cheerful voice greeted me as I entered the bustling tavern.
"Hello, Sofia. How is your father's condition? Is he showing signs of improvement?" I asked with genuine concern.
"Yes! He seems to be doing better, and I believe the medicine you gave Mother last night has helped," she replied with a grateful smile.
"It wasn't medicine, just a blend of herbs to aid your father in finding restful sleep. The physician mentioned the importance of ample rest, right? Herbs can provide a natural supplement for that purpose."
"I see... I wasn't aware of the distinction. Oh, and also..." Sofia blushed slightly while fidgeting. "...thank you for the gifts. The dresses and ornaments are beautiful."
"You're welcome. I hope they fit you well, as I selected them solely from my memory."
"They fit me perfectly. I'm really excited to show them off to my friends during the upcoming festival."
"Festival?" I questioned, intrigued by the mention.
"Yes, it's the city's founding festival. It's happening next week, and everyone is eagerly anticipating it."
Although I had heard about the annual festival in this city during my previous stint at the tavern five years ago, I never had the chance to experience it firsthand due to my financial constraints at the time.
"If you're still in the city, why don't we go to the festival together? I'd love to introduce you to my friends," Sofia suggested.
I pondered silently, realizing that it might indeed be a good idea. Unlike five years ago, I now possessed a reasonable amount of wealth, so there was no harm in indulging myself and enjoying the festival.
"Well, alright then. I will make time for the festival," I agreed.
"Great! It's a promise, right?" she asked, her expression forceful yet endearing.
I smiled at her and couldn't help but wonder if this was what it felt like to have a cherished younger sister.
"Oh, and I apologize for forgetting... What would you like tonight?" Sofia asked apologetically.
"The usual, please," I replied.
"Alright, one Knight's Table Stew and one glass of Morning Dew Ale, right?" she confirmed, eagerly relaying my order to the kitchen.
Shortly after, my ordered dish and drink were served. I couldn't help but notice that the taste was slightly different from what Master usually served.
"How is the stew?" Sofia asked eagerly, awaiting my response.
"Maybe it's just me, but the flavor seems a bit different from before," I replied honestly.
Sofia's expression turned dejected. "I knew it. I can't make it just like Father did."
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"So, you're the one who made this stew?" I inquired.
"Yes. I followed Father's instructions, but for some reason, I can't replicate the taste exactly," she explained with a tinge of frustration in her voice.
"I see. It may not be a consolation, but it's not as bad as you think," I reassured her.
"What do you mean?" she asked, curious to hear my opinion.
"Master's stew has a rustic feel to it, as if he didn't pay much attention to the precise measurements and cooking time. It had a sense of 'freedom' to it. On the other hand, your version is different. It feels like you've put great care and precision into making it. It may not taste exactly the same, but it's likely the closest to the original flavor. If you continue making it in your own way, I'm sure you'll come closer to replicating Master's version, or even surpass it. That's just my opinion, though," I explained.
"Hmm... I see," Sofia murmured, contemplating my words, "Thank you for your input, Takahiko. I promise I will strive to make the stew just like Father did, or perhaps even better."
I smiled and gently stroked her hair, "I look forward to it."
