After Cordelia's funeral, as I had foreseen, my journey became incredibly arduous. In the past, I was accustomed to solitude during my trading ventures, finding solace in slumber within my unassuming carriage under the watchful gaze of the starry night sky. With each new dawn, I would resume my travels with a simple plan to sell my goods and steadily accumulate my wealth. However, these recent nights have been torturous for my weary mind, haunted by the weight of regret from the past. Countless "what-if" scenarios played out relentlessly in my thoughts. Should I have returned to Vermina earlier? Could I have persuaded her more forcefully to accompany me? Could her tragic demise have been averted? But deep down, I know that such futile pondering lead to naught.
Nonetheless, I managed to redirect my wandering mind when I immersed myself in work. Arriving at the merchant guilds, I dutifully submitted my trading records, engaged in buying and selling at the bustling market, meticulously calculating the sum of wealth I had amassed. Each time, I stamped the outcome onto my identification plate before moving on to another city, repeating the cycle anew. It had been my way of life for so long, but where once I pursued this routine to achieve my goal of increasing wealth, these days, it felt more like a means of escaping the overwhelming grief of losing Cordelia.
With those thoughts lingering, I found myself losing track of the passing days amidst my travels. It became apparent that I had veered significantly from my usual trading routes, causing delays in the delivery of goods, but on the bright side, it had opened up new avenues for trade as a small merchant. Now that I've realized how much time has slipped away, it may be the opportune moment to return home and pay a visit to Goldkorb. I'm certain Sofia will be furious with me for missing her birthday celebration. How old is she again? Fifteen? I must prepare a thoughtful present for her and offer my sincere apologies. Additionally, Wakahiko should be ready to undertake the assessment test to become a knight in the capital, making it an appropriate time for Kunihiko to embark on his own ventures. I must inquire with Madam about the possibility of hiring my mother as a tavern helper.
With my future plans now decided, I quicken my journey. I can't help but feel a tinge of sympathy for my loyal old horse, faithfully pulling my small carriage since the day I acquired it. Despite its age, it appears to be in good health, and I hope it will continue to live a long life. I arrived at the harbor city just as before to look for some items that i can present to my family, madam and Sofia. I browsed some exotic items, weapons, utensils, dried food, clothings, and ornaments, and finally purchased the items I considered suitable for all of them. When I'm thinking about them, somehow my heart felt not so weighted, but then again, after I moved the goods on my carriage, started my journey again, when I'm alone in my carriage, the dreadful feeling of missing Cordelia started to haunt me again. I missed her so much.
Her memory remained a constant presence in my thoughts, and while I cherished the remembrance of her, the cruel reality of her absence in this world filled me with discomfort. My heart still struggled to accept the truth. The passing of the Master in Goldkorb was something I could reconcile and move on from, yet with Cordelia, it felt a bit different. Reflecting on it now, my master lived a fulfilling life, and I was fortunate to be by his side on his last day. Perhaps that's why I became so fixated on Cordelia's untimely demise; I couldn't bear the regret of not being there for her when she needed me the most. My mind replayed countless scenarios of the horrific moment when Sir Geoffrey assaulted her, and each time, it made me sick to my stomach for not inflicting more pain upon him.
With a heart laden with memories, I finally arrived at the grand gates of Goldkorb city. The guards, familiar with my face, greeted me warmly, and I reciprocated with the usual pleasantries, allowing them to carry out their customary procedures. We exchanged a few words about the city's current state and their well-being before I continued on my way. As was my routine, I made my way to the merchant guild to report my trading activities, ensuring everything was in order. Then, I parked my carriage, secured lodging for myself, and with my bag in hand, I headed towards the familiar Dragon's Paw tavern.
YOU ARE READING
The Merchant and Tavern Master
FantasíaIn 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...
