The Merchant and Tavern Master

Finding Clues Thereafter

It had been several weeks since the encounter with Bella. Determined not to subject myself to the emotional turmoil of forming a bond with a courtesan only to sever it abruptly, I opted for a different approach in my quest. I now entered each establishment, inquired about a girl resembling Isabelle, and swiftly departed if the result was naught. For those places that claimed to have such a girl, I requested the attendants to bring her forward without requiring me to enter their private chambers, as I had done with Bella.

My financial needs were still met by the consistent delivery of gold coins, not mere silver, in accordance with my dual roles. The persona of 'Percival Blackthorn' proved to be an asset in this endeavor. I acquired new garments to align with my refined image. I diligently describe the insides of every establishment, the estimation of the workers, and their process of payment. If the establishment resembled Serafina's place, I wouldn't hesitate to part with a few gold coins to engage in pleasant conversations with the courtesans about their needs. Yet, despite my efforts, I remained utterly clueless about Isabelle's whereabouts. Even her family name, 'Stormborne,' never surfaced in my inquiries. Honestly, the desire to abandon this search weighed heavily upon me.

I found myself growing increasingly concerned about my long-delayed trading ventures. If this investigation continues to consume my time, I might be forced to postpone my search for Isabelle. Her safety and whereabouts could be at even greater risk as a result. I let out a sigh as I pondered this dilemma, acknowledging that there was little I could do to alter the situation. Recalling Serafina's promise to aid me in my quest, I decided it was time to reach out to her for assistance. Today seemed like an opportune moment to do so. With that thought in mind, I made my way to the location where I had first encountered her.

The sun still hung high in the sky, marking the hours after lunch. I had paid another visit to Gordeon for his flavorful ramen before heading straight to Serafina's establishment. Concern for Serafina's well-being had been quietly lingering in my thoughts. I couldn't help but worry whether our interactions might lead to an intimate situation similar to what had transpired with Bella. Did I hold reservations against such a possibility? Undoubtedly, a degree of restraint existed within me, but I had come to realize that my self-control was far from steadfast. Despite my constant reminders of a waiting fiancée, my efforts to remain steadfast had faltered. Once again, I found myself slipping back into the tendencies of my original Takahiko persona.

I visited 'Velvet Serenade,' the establishment where she works. The women at the front of the store were not Serafina, but they were diligently enduring the thankfully moderate weather. I approached the two ladies.

"Good day, ladies. Is Miss Serafina available today?" I inquired.

"Serafina? I believe she's resting inside. Would you like to see her, Sir?" one of them responded.

"Yes, please lead the way."

"Of course, please follow me."

I followed the lady in front of me as she led me to an empty barstool. After I said my appreciation, the lady went to another chamber, presumably to fetch Serafina. Inside the room, there were no visible patrons aside from me. It wasn't surprising, considering it was still daytime. If I were to seek her out during the nighttime, she would likely be attending to other customers, hence my choice to come at this hour.

"Ah, as I suspected, it's you, Sir Percival," a voice tinged with a touch of nostalgia reached my ears.

"Good day, Miss Serafina," I greeted her with a polite nod, my gaze drawn to her attire that resonated with modesty and elegance. However, a subtle weariness seemed to cast a faint shadow across her features, lending a hint of paleness to her complexion. It was evident that she had been exerting herself, and I couldn't help but inquire, concerned lacing my words, "You appear a touch pale... Are you feeling well?"

Her lips curved into a tired yet appreciative smile, her voice attempting to muster a semblance of enthusiasm despite the evident fatigue that permeated her being. "Ah, yes... I am managing. This week has demanded quite a bit from me."

Despite her efforts to maintain her composure, her subdued aura spoke volumes. It was as if the weight of her responsibilities had left a tangible mark upon her, evidence of the difficulties she encountered in her line of work.

"Master, I would like to reserve Serafina for the entire day. What would be the cost?" I directed my inquiry to the bartender, who had been observing our exchange with a quiet presence.

"Ten times the value of the Goddess Kiss," came the succinct response, and without hesitation, I retrieved the precise sum of gold coins needed from my purse. While the price seemed extravagant, my intention was clear: to provide her with a well-deserved day of respite.

"Sir Percival.. You.." Serafina's voice trailed off, a mix of surprise and gratitude reflecting in her eyes.

"The payment is settled. Shall we proceed, Miss Serafina?" I interjected, offering her a reassuring smile and gesturing toward the exit. It was a small gesture, a mere token of my appreciation for her assistance and a momentary escape from her demanding routine.

"Yes, sir," she acknowledged, her voice tinged with gratitude. With a quick nod, she sought permission to retire briefly and change into more subdued attire. After a brief interval, she reemerged, adorned in garments that exuded modesty and humility. Despite the shift in attire, her innate elegance remained, and her gentle disposition shone through, undiminished by the fatigue that had previously marked her countenance.

Gently, she looped her arm through my right arm, a subtle yet firm gesture that conveyed her readiness to accompany me. As we made our way out of her establishment, I caught sight of her colleagues offering warm greetings.

As our steps carried us beyond the confines of 'Velvet Serenade', thoughts swirled within my mind about securing a suitable inn for Serafina to rest. However, before I could voice this intention, she offered a subtle yet inviting gesture.

"Sir Percival, would you consider visiting my residence? It's a secluded space where we can converse without fear of prying eyes," she proposed gently.

"Certainly, let's proceed," I responded, devoid of any reason to decline her invitation. After all, what better place for her to find respite than within the confines of her own home? We rode the 'public carriage' to reach her abode. Upon arriving at a designated carriage halt, we disembarked and began our walk towards the complex where she resided. The structure of her residence comprised a collection of towering edifices, each spanning three floors. It brought to mind memories of Cordelia's dwelling in Vermina, yet this abode was on a grander scale, boasting its own expansive grounds that resembled a palace. The sheer magnitude of the place was astonishing, and I could only speculate about the exorbitant rents individuals must pay to secure a place within its walls.

Her evident fatigue began to concern me, as she unintentionally dozed off a few times during our carriage ride. After arriving, she led me to the second floor of one of the buildings and warmly welcomed me as she opened the door to her abode.