The Merchant and Tavern Master

Silent Tears

How long have I been unconscious? I recall sitting with Takahiko outside the carriage, the night wind soothing against my skin. I had confidently declared that I wouldn't fall asleep, but it seems my endurance was not yet fully developed. As I opened my eyes, I found myself wrapped in the warm embrace of the new blanket Takahiko had bought for me, and I was lying inside the carriage. Oh, my! That must mean Takahiko carried me! I was princess-carried to the carriage while I was unconscious! It should be a dream come true for every young maiden! I scolded my own weakness and sad for the lost opportunity to feel his embrace.

I gradually woke my body, stepping out of the carriage. There, I saw Takahiko's silhouette sitting on the travel chair facing the fire spot where we had cooked dinner earlier, the warm glow of the fire dancing before him. A playful desire crossed my mind. I wanted to surprise him from behind. It should be acceptable, right? After all, we are not strangers; we have become companions on this journey. Silently, I approached him, taking slow, deliberate steps. His broad back drew nearer, and the sound of crackling fire and the gentle night wind filled my senses. I could feel the warmth from the fire gently warming my skin, but my focus remained on the figure before me.

The distance between me and Takahiko's back narrowed to just one step. He seemed oblivious to my approach, likely due to the crackling sounds of the fire. I took a deep breath, gathering my courage as I extended my arms and placed my palms on his back.

"Boo!" I exclaimed, tapping his shoulder playfully. He startled a little, showing that I had indeed managed to surprise him.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. Your back was just wide open," I said, trying to make light of the situation.

As he turned to face me, it was me who was taken aback. Trail of tears clearly streamed down his cheeks.

"T-Takahiko?" I stuttered, surprised and concerned.

"Sofia? You didn't go to sleep?" he replied, seemingly unaware of the tears in his eyes.

"I... I'm sorry! I didn't intend to make you cry. What have I done?" I panicked, apologizing profusely.

"Tears? Oh, they're mine," he quickly wiped them away with the back of his hand.

"Are you... upset with me for surprising you?" I nervously inquired.

"What? Haha, no, of course not. I could never be mad at you for a harmless prank," he replied with a forced smile. But even in the dim light from the campfire, I could see the sadness in his expression, and it pained me to see him like this.

"Takahiko... I know you're feeling sad," I hesitated before speaking, unsure of how he would react.

"And maybe... you don't feel like sharing the reason why," I desperately searched for a good way to encourage him to open up.

"But..." then I remembered his kindness and support when I was grieving the loss of my father.

"Just like you were there for me during my difficult times, I want to be your strength now too!" I declared, expressing my genuine desire to offer him the same comfort he had given me.

His eyes held a hint of surprise, but with a gentle voice, he replied to me.

"Thank you, Sofia. Please, have a seat here," he invited, gesturing for me to sit beside him.

"Let me share with you the story of a certain woman," he began.

As he wished, I took my place beside him and listened attentively to his tale.

"A woman that I loved so dearly..."

Under the shimmering stars, Takahiko began to share his story with me, recounting the tale of the enigmatic woman named Cordelia. The woman that I never met and will never meet, as I listened intently as he painted a vivid picture of her life. About her tragic past, sold to a brothel as a child by her own parents, but she found liberation through the kindness of a man. She struggled to rebuild her life, and fate led her to cross paths with Takahiko. From strangers to lovers, their bond grew, but her story ended in a heartbreaking tragedy, caused by the very man who had once set her free.

Despite the empathy I felt for her, there was another emotion swirling within me – jealousy. It was a feeling I knew too well, but it pained me to admit it. She had managed to claim the most sacred place in Takahiko's heart, a place that could never be replaced by anyone else. Understanding that fact, my tears flowed unwillingly. I felt my heart was broken.

As I grappled with my emotions, I realized the ugliness of jealousy that had surfaced in my heart. It scared me to think that I could feel this way, and I vowed never to let Takahiko know about this dark side of me.

I was torn between wanting to comfort Takahiko and feeling envious of the love he had once shared with Cordelia. How could I compete with a memory, with someone he had loved so deeply? But then I reminded myself that Cordelia was no longer here. I was the one by his side now, and I had the opportunity to heal his heart.

Still, I felt lost, unsure of what to say or do. I couldn't tell him, "You'll meet someone else in the future," or "Cordelia wouldn't want you to be sad because of her," because I knew nothing about her. It felt wrong to speak of her as if I knew her. I mean, if I'm dead, I want Takahiko to mourn me for at least 10 years!