The Merchant and Tavern Master

Future Plan for The Tavern

As the closing time approached at Dragon's Paw, the bustling tavern gradually started to wind down. The last of the guests had bid their farewells. Only a few dedicated helpers remained, diligently cleaning and organizing the tables, while the soft clinking of glasses and plates echoed faintly. In the cozy corner of the tavern, illuminated by the gentle glow of flickering candles, sat the four of us—madam, Sofia, my mother, and me. The weariness from the day's work had lifted, replaced by a sense of contentment and accomplishment.

"First of all, thank you, Mrs. Ayumu, for your invaluable help today, even though it's your first day here," madam Ruth warmly expressed her gratitude to my mother. "As Takahiko mentioned, you have the experience and composure to handle a busy crowd, even during peak hours. I would love to hire you right away."

"Thank you for your kind words, madam Ruth," my mother humbly replied. "I've heard many stories about this tavern from my son, and it lives up to all that he described—a place full of life and vigor. I am sincerely honored to have this opportunity."

"I'm willing to offer you a salary of 150 silver coins for your service, to be paid monthly, and this includes covering the meals for the helpers and guild welfare," madam generously proposed.

"I find the number quite satisfactory, madam. Rest assured, I will put forth my utmost effort to ensure the value of your investment," my mother replied with gratitude.

"Excellent. It's agreed then. Tomorrow, I'll have the written contract prepared, and we'll head to the guild to record it officially," madam confirmed.

"Thank you for this generous offer," my mother bowed, expressing her appreciation.

"Now that the recruitment talk has concluded, I'm curious to hear your story, Takahiko and Sofia. You two seem closer than before," madam said with a playful grin, noticing how we were sitting very close together. I knew she was already aware of what had transpired, but it was important for me to share the news personally.

"Yes, I have decided to take Sofia as my wife," I announced, and Sofia beamed with a triumphant smile, as if she had just won a tournament. "But there's a condition. I will marry her only if her feelings for me remain the same after three years," I clarified, ensuring everyone understood the gravity of the decision.

"I see. Congratulations, Sofia. Your wish is almost fulfilled," madam gracefully congratulated her with a warm smile. "I have always wondered when you two would get together, especially since I know Takahiko has always seen you as a sister."

"I still see her as a sister even now, madam," I interjected, wanting to make my perspective clear. "That's precisely why I'm asking for time to carefully consider our feelings."

"Of course, I understand. But you did promise me that you would still marry me even if, after three years, your brotherly feelings for me haven't changed, right?" Sofia reminded me with a playful yet meaningful look.

"That's right. Therefore, during these three years, I want you to keep pursuing your dreams of developing this tavern, meeting a lot of people, and expanding your horizons. Remember how many new things you experienced during our last journey? It sparked inspiration within you, didn't it?" I reminded Sofia of the transformative experiences we had. "Whatever the result and however your feelings may evolve during that time, it doesn't matter. If you still want it, then we can get married."

"Takahiko, are you implying that my feelings for you won't stand strong during those three years?" Sofia's eyes locked with mine, and I could see a determination in her gaze. "We've grown so close that I somehow understand the way you think. I'm telling you, my feelings will definitely not change." She declared confidently.

I just smiled at her "Then it's settled, right? So, that's the situation between us, madam. I hope for your understanding, for not rushing the marriage talk. Granted, like I said to Sofia, there's also the new law by the king about the marriageable age for woman that pushed to 18, where it's fit with the timeline of our agreement"

Madam seemed thinking when she listened to our conversation. Then she gently smiled at us, but she's speaking to Sofia, "You are truly loved, Sofia. Now it's up to you to guard your heart if you still want to be with Takahiko."

"Yes! I will succeed, mother. And Ayumu, please guide me so I can be a good wife to Takahiko," Sofia earnestly asked my mother.

"Of course, Sofia. Takahiko may be stubborn in some ways, but I assure you he never means anything bad for you," my mother replied gently.

Madam suddenly remembered something and asked, "Oh, and I almost forgot, where do you plan to stay, Mrs. Ayumu?"

"I don't know yet. It's my first time in this city, so I'm relying on Takahiko's guidance."

"I planned to find you a rental house nearby, but for tonight, I'll take you to the inn," I answered.

"In that case, how about staying with us? As you may already know, my husband has departed, so we have extra space for another person." madam offered.

"Is that permissible?" my mother confirmed first.

"Of course, since my mother already said so, and also I would love for you to teach me how to make ramen while you're staying here. I still can't forget the taste of the ramen I ate at Uncle Liu's tavern," Sofia added, sharing her reason for wanting my mother to stay with us.

"In that case, I gratefully accept your offer, madam, Sofia. Thank you for granting me this much kindness. Please let me do the household chores as well so I don't become a burden to your household," my mother expressed her gratitude with a bow.

"Not to worry. If our children get married later, that means we're going to be family," madam concluded with a warm smile.

"How about you, Takahiko? When do you leave?" Sofia inquired about my plans.

"I will be staying another day here, as I need to do some research about the prices."

"I just want to ask, can we have time for ourselves tomorrow night?" Sofia asked with a bit of blushing.

"In that case, let's go together tomorrow, after the closing hour."

She happily obliged. After that, I returned to the guild lodge alone, finishing my guild report and writing the introduction letter for my mother to join the tavern guild, as madam will take her to be registered as a member. Then, exhausted from the events of the day, I fell asleep peacefully.