The Merchant and Tavern Master

His Sorrow

The Dragon's Paw tavern had closed its doors for the night, and the workers had returned to their dwellings. Within the tavern's comforting embrace, the pair of mother and daughter had donned their sleepwear, ready to seek solace in the realm of dreams.

"Sofia," Madam called out to her daughter.

"Yes, Mother?" Sofia replied, turning her attention to her.

"Have you noticed that Takahiko seemed to be sad today?" Madam inquired.

"Takahiko was sad?!" Sofia was taken aback. The young man she admired was usually imbued with a vibrant spirit, akin to that of her departed father.

"Yes, I did converse with him, and he disclosed that his recent journey bore a sorrowful encounter. Yet, he did not divulge further details," Madam elucidated.

"I... I was unaware..." Sofia's heart sank, feeling a pang of regret for not sensing his distress.

"You needn't burden yourself with blame, Sofia. Your heart is innocent," Madam reassured her daughter with a gentle tone. "I inquired because I wanted to ascertain something."

"And what is that, dear mother?"

"You like Takahiko aren't you?"

"Yes, of course I like him."

"As an elder sibling, or perchance as a potential suitor?"

Caught off guard, Sofia's cheeks flushed even deeper, and she fumbled for a reply. Her feelings were evident, yet she herself remained unsure.

"Wh.. what.. Why are you asking this, Mother?"

"As I ponder your reply, I must offer you guidance that could sway the course of your relationship with him. Being fifteen years of age, it is an opportune time for such considerations. Should you regard him as a sibling, there may be no need to pursue him too insistently. Instead, be a steadfast presence in his life. However, if your intentions lean towards winning his heart, a different approach may be required."

Sofia stood there in contemplative silence. She had always cherished Takahiko, as she had admitted, but the true nature of her feelings had remained a mystery until her mother posed that pivotal question.

"Dear mother, how can I distinguish between the two?" she inquired.

With a gentle smile, Madam imparted her wisdom, drawing from her own life experiences. "Imagine, my dear, if Takahiko were to come to us with a woman at his side, declaring his intention to marry her. Picture yourself in that moment and see how your heart responds."

Sofia felt a painful twist in her heart at the thought of such a rejection. The mere idea of Takahiko with another woman shattered her inner peace, leaving her heartbroken.

"Can you sincerely offer your blessing to Takahiko and the woman he loves? Be true to your heart, and you shall find your answer," Madam gently probed.

Tears welled up in Sofia's deep blue eyes, a clear reflection of the turmoil within her. The realization weighed heavily on her, stirring a whirlwind of emotions.

"Why does it hurt so much?" she questioned, struggling to understand her own feelings.

Madam observed her daughter's reaction with a tender smile, recognizing that Sofia had truly blossomed into a young maiden. She was not yet a fully-fledged woman, but she was beginning to navigate the complexities of love—the beauty and the cruelty intertwined in its embrace.

As Sofia sobbed, she began to realize that her feelings for Takahiko ran deeper than mere sibling affection. She longed to have him for herself and couldn't bear the thought of him being with another woman. It was a selfish feeling she had never known before, and she didn't want Takahiko to ever find out about it, fearing he would see it as a "bad" side of her.