The Merchant and Tavern Master

The Day He Left

As evening settled in, the city seemed to belong to only Takahiko and me. We strolled through the quiet streets, the night breeze brushing against our faces. I nestled against him, holding onto his arm. He never rushed ahead, adjusting his pace to match my shorter strides. It was one of the many reasons I cherished him – his thoughtfulness that spoke volumes without words.

Our walk carried a tranquility that didn't necessitate constant conversation. It felt as though we had known each other for an eternity, allowing us to share comfortable silences. I observed the contentment in his expression, the mere act of being together seemingly bringing us happiness.

However, the silence couldn't shield me from the truth: he would be departing tomorrow. Despite my inner conflict, I felt the growing urge to make him stay, to satisfy my own desires.

"You're setting off tomorrow morning, aren't you?" My longing to keep him near finally burst forth.

"Yes, indeed," his response was honest; as I expected. He never could bring himself to deceive those he cared about, a trait that both warmed and saddened me. My emotions were indeed a perplexing blend.

"I won't be able to accompany you this time," I couldn't help but voice my sense of helplessness.

"No, you won't. Your responsibilities here at the tavern and mine as a merchant demand our attention," he reminded me of our distinct roles and commitments. As thoughts of his frequent travels resurfaced, I began to contemplate our future...

"Even after we are married in the future, will your extensive travels continue?"

"It's not easy to tell. I'm still in the process of building my wealth, and I cannot foresee the circumstances three years down the line. If I manage to attain the level of prosperity I'm striving for, circumstances might alter. But, to be honest, I can't offer a definitive answer," he replied after a moment of reflection.

His words held me in place, and he stood there, awaiting my response.

"Is there a chance that you might choose to settle down?" Hope pulsed within me as I posed the question.

"Absolutely. I mean, I'm not going to remain youthful forever. Your father always encouraged me to explore far and wide, to amass wealth while my legs could still carry me," his words echoed wisdom inherited from my own father, an argument I couldn't refute. Even as my heart yearned to be with him, I searched for any shred of possibility that could unite our desires.

"I've been wondering, would you ever entertain the thought of having me accompany you on one of your extended journeys?"

He regarded me, as if seeking to discern the depths of my inquiry.

"Besides your aspirations of eventually taking over your father's tavern, there's truly no reason for me to decline such an idea. But would that mean relinquishing your dream to travel alongside me?" he questioned.

"No, not at all! I will always honor my father's legacy. It's just that I'm pondering the possibility of having both – you and the tavern. My ideal scenario would be for us to settle in Goldkorb and manage the tavern together. However, I understand that my wish could potentially not be in accord with your aspirations... That's why I'm seeking a way for us to be together without giving up on either of our dreams," I confessed, hoping to find a middle ground and avoid rejection.

"I have an idea. What if we bring the tavern along on your travels? I know it might sound unconventional, but I got inspired by the outdoor rest area and the orange juice we encountered. We could source the beverages and ingredients and operate the tavern while we continue our journeys. We could set up more travel-friendly seating and tables, essentially creating an open-air tavern experience," my words were impulsive, but the idea had captivated me. I was surprised even myself.