The Merchant and Tavern Master

Our Story From Now On

I couldn't believe how calm he was! I had expected him to be embarrassed by my direct approach. Summoning all my courage, I gave him my first kiss! But, as he rightly pointed out, he's experienced and the adult one, and I can't change that. I feared it might create an awkward atmosphere between us, but fortunately, it wasn't as uncomfortable as I had imagined. His radiant expression showed that he had already found closure within himself.

But the most important thing is, I managed to get his promise to marry me! 

But three years... 

Even though I want to savor our newborn love life, just like the stories I've read in the book he gave me three years ago.

"Sofia, before you get any strange ideas, I still see you as my sister, you know. So it would be better if you didn't try to kiss me like before. Let's take our time and focus on building each of our aspiration first," he suddenly said.

"Huh? Why? If you've already promised to marry me, aren't we practically engaged already? There's nothing wrong for a fiancée to have a loving relationship," I questioned, feeling a bit puzzled by his reluctance.

"I've mentioned it before; you're still young, and deciding your future with me just like that is too hasty. What I want for you is to keep working on your dreams first. Remember how you wanted to develop your tavern and try out many things in the future?" he reminded me.

"Do you hate being kissed by me?" I inquired, trying to understand his reservations.

"Well, I don't dislike it," he admitted.

"Then..."

"I understand what you feel. But if you become too physically invested in me right now, it will make things harder for you to work on your dreams. Well, it's kind of difficult for me to explain as well... but trust me, it's better if we don't rush into that aspect", he said with a hint of reluctance.

"I don't understand," I said, feeling a bit confused.

"Well, if you just want to be pampered, I don't mind fulfilling that for you," he added, trying to lighten the mood.

We walked side by side back to his home. I knew he was still reserved about kissing, but holding hands should be permissible, right? Summoning my courage, I reached for his left hand with my right. He seemed surprised, but his smile reassured me that he didn't dislike it. I scolded myself internally for being the only one flustered like this. After all, he was an experienced adult, and I was just a teenager with no romantic experience. As far as I knew, his only past love experience was with Cordelia. I couldn't help but worry if I could ever replace her in Takahiko's heart.

No, I can't let myself be disheartened. I've given my all up to this point, and now I'm the only woman standing beside Takahiko. I'm sorry, Cordelia, I don't know you, and I don't harbour any ill feelings towards you, but I'm determined to heal Takahiko's grief over losing you. I believe you truly loved Takahiko when you were alive, so watch over us from heaven and allow me to take your place in his heart for Takahiko's happiness.

As we arrived at his home, Ayumu spotted us and flashed a teasing smile, seemingly understanding what had transpired between us. I felt sincerely grateful to her because she had encouraged me to be honest with my feelings for Takahiko.

"You know, Takahiko is a serious person, right? He is perceptive and can easily tell if someone is trying to play or lie to him. But if you're honest without hiding anything, he would likely be willing to seriously answer you," Ayumu had advised me earlier that morning before we went for our walk. She even arranged for us to have some time alone together. I was truly grateful for Ayumu's support in my pursuit of my feelings for Takahiko.

"Yes, Mam! It's all thanks to your help, Takahiko now promised to marry me three years later" I replied to her with a smile.

"Not really. You see, I came to realize that I still love her as a sister. So I asked her to wait for three years. If, after that time, she still feels the same for me, I agree to marry her. But until then, I don't think our relationship will change all that much," Takahiko calmly explained to Ayumu, how can you stay calm explaining like that?

"You're really too serious, Takahiko. Aren't you afraid that during those three years, she might get bored with you and someone else will steal her heart?" Ayumu inquired. That's right! You should love me more, otherwise I will be gone.

"If that happens, then it means her feelings for me are just that far. I'm okay with that," Takahiko replied calmly. Why?? Does he not love me in the same way?

"No matter what form it takes, I still wish for her to be happy, whether it's with me or without me. As long as she is happy, I am content. That's the essence of my love for her," Takahiko added. I.. I don't understand! Don't you want to be with me, Takahiko?

"Uh, Takahiko, do you understand that Sofia wanted you to love her as a woman?" Yes, Ayumu understands me!

"I know, that's why I asked her to wait for three years. You see, all this time, even though we're not related by blood, I've cared for her like my own sister. Do you think it's normal for a brother to love his own sister as a woman?"

"!!"

I see now. I was mistaken. I thought our love would be smooth sailing after he promised to marry me.

Ever since I lost my father, I've yearned for a strong figure like him in my life. I truly cherish his kindness and care towards me all this time, and I appreciate it immensely. But now, I've come to the realization that he has never seen me as a woman.

But, he promised to marry me after three years even if his feelings for me as a sister don't change, but why? Doesn't it mean he doesn't oppose the idea of marrying me, right?

Wait...

He said '..as long as your feelings for me remain the same.' That means the only way our agreement will be broken is if my love for him during these three years diminishes! 

Oh! Does he doubt that my feelings cannot withstand for merely three years?

That's infuriating!

"Takahiko..." I gently tugged at his shirt, and his gaze turned towards me.

"I definitely will make you fall for me," with my gaze staring into his eyes, I declared my intention to him.

He silently observed my face for a moment, then a smile graced his lips once more.

"Do your best," he replied.

However, it's going to be challenging—at least, that's how I feel now. I thought the feeling of being in love should be sweet and fluffy, but why does the love I'm experiencing now feel like a declaration of war?