The Merchant and Tavern Master

Arrived at Home

As the morning sun graced the horizon, we bid farewell to the rest area after a satisfying breakfast, ensuring we left it as tidy as we found it. With the cooking utensils safely packed, we resumed our journey, which flowed seamlessly without encountering any significant obstacles. Sofia's mood seemed to brighten, and I noticed a glimmer of happiness in her eyes whenever I sought her assistance, always mindful of her capabilities.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we readied ourselves for another night on the road. Together, we prepared a simple yet hearty dinner, the kind I usually enjoyed when traveling alone. Sofia insisted on spending the night outside, not wishing to sleep alone within the confines of the carriage. Though her companionship warmed my heart, I couldn't help but worry about the discomfort our sleeping arrangement might cause us in the coming days.

Contemplating the situation, I realized it might be prudent to invest in a traveling tent. Such a shelter would provide us both with a good night's rest, ensuring our bodies remained well-rested and ready to face the challenges of the journey ahead. Fortune smiled upon us, sparing us from rain or the wrath of a typhoon. Perhaps the lingering summer season shielded us. In the days that followed, we would venture into the embrace of autumn's beauty.

As we journeyed closer to the village, the road gradually emptied of bustling crowds and wagons, revealing a more serene landscape. Familiar sights greeted my eyes, and in the distance, the village gate came into view. It's late afternoon where the heat from the sun subsided significantly.

"We shall arrive shortly. That's the village gate," I pointed out.

Observant as ever, Sofia noticed the vast fields that stretched around us. "I see many fields here. Is this region known for producing grains?" she inquired.

You're right. The lord of this village owns the vast land, stretching from that hill to there. Generations ago, their family was granted these fertile lands by the previous king. They have since been tasked with producing grains, making the most of the bountiful soil in this region."

"Takahiko, you mentioned that the lord owns the land here. Does that mean the people living in this village don't have their own land?" Sofia inquired.

"You are correct. You grew up in the city, so you may not be familiar with this. The villagers here are mostly descendants of those who once served the land's owner. They are permitted to live here in exchange for their labor in cultivating the land. My own family was among those servants in the past," I replied, sharing the knowledge I had gathered over the years from the stories passed down by the lord.

"If you hadn't chosen to become a merchant, you might have stayed here as a farmer, and our paths would never have crossed. It's truly remarkable how fate has brought us together," Sofia mused.

I nodded in agreement. "Indeed, fate can be a mysterious force. My merchant mentor once imparted some wisdom to me about becoming a successful merchant. He said that to seize opportunities, we must first be aware of them when they arise. That awareness comes from knowledge – the knowledge of how to raise and manage our capital wisely, for example. And lastly, there's the importance of connections. Merchants cannot thrive in isolation; we rely on other people and relationships. That's why my mentor encouraged me to learn how to communicate fearlessly and earn the trust of others, as strong connections are the foundation of success. You could say that connections are the most vital of the three factors."

I shared this knowledge with Sofia, hoping it might prove helpful to her in her future endeavors. The road to success is not always straightforward, but having awareness, knowledge, and strong connections can pave the way for great opportunities.

"Thank you for the valuable lesson, dear teacher," Sofia playfully expressed her appreciation, but her sincerity was evident in her eyes.

"You're most welcome. I'm excited to see what the future holds for you, dear pupil," I replied in jest, matching her playful tone.

Our laughter filled the air as we bantered back and forth.

Upon passing through the gates, I was greeted by some familiar faces – my neighbors.

"It's been a while, Takahiko! Where have you been?"

"You've got my goods, right?"

"And who might this be? Your wife? She's young and beautiful! I'm jealous of you! Hahaha!"

Their teasing remarks were all in good spirit, though Sofia seemed a little embarrassed by the last comment, her cheeks flushed a rosy hue. I quickly reassured her, "Don't mind them. They are just teasing, and you have nothing to be embarrassed about."

"I... I don't really mind," Sofia replied with a nearly silent voice, her face radiating joy. How endearing.

As we passed by several more neighbors, they all asked about Sofia by my side. Though she was a bit fidgety, she responded with a warm smile, showing that she didn't mind the attention.

Finally, we reached my humble house, and there was Wakahiko working diligently outside, cutting woods. His strong and toned figure showcased his unwavering labor, and I noticed that he had grown even taller, possibly surpassing my height now. He looked up, noticing my arrival.

"I'm back, Wakahiko. How have you been?" I greeted him warmly.

"Oh, it's you, brother Takahiko... Oh... have you found yourself a wife?" he asked with a hint of amusement.

Sofia couldn't help it anymore and covered her face with her hands, her adorableness shining through.

"You're the sixteenth person to ask the same question," I replied with a light-hearted retort.