The Merchant and Tavern Master

Return of The Lost Daughter

The morning in Goldkorb was still in its early stages when we arrived. After enduring a 3 day journey from the city of Vermina, the kingdom's capital, we reached Goldkorb. I decided to return Isabelle to her parents first. Despite her evident apprehension, she carried a resolute determination to seek forgiveness. Guiding the carriage, we made our way toward her family's residence—an establishment known as "The Golden Hearth," a modestly sized inn.

The lobby stretched out as a spacious expanse, its vacant nature accentuating the hushed tranquility of the early morning. On one of its walls, a grand, intricately designed fireplace commanded attention. Though now dormant and devoid of its previous warm glow, traces of yesterday's lively flames lingered in the soot and ash. The room seemed poised with an almost palpable anticipation, as if it were gathering its energy for the interactions that would soon fill its atmosphere. Heavy curtains, usually concealing the windows, stood drawn apart to welcome the sun's initial beams.

Upon our entry, an elderly gentleman met our gaze with an expression of surprise, his countenance marked by the wear of years. His wrinkles and thinned white hair, and mustache spoke of the life he had led. He called his wife when he saw Isabelle who stood in front of us. When his wife emerged from the background, an old lady with blonde hair tied up with a head cover, she, too, bore the marks of time in her wrinkles and a fatigue that spoke of shared burdens. These were the faces of Mr. and Mrs. Magnus, Isabelle's parents.

"Father, I'm so sorry! I was wrong! I should've listened to you!"

Isabelle couldn't even bring herself to meet her father's gaze. She dropped to her knees in a prostrating position. She dropped to her knees, her head bowed in apology. Thankfully, this took place within the safety of their home—a cozy inn in the city of Goldkorb. In the quiet lobby, only her father, mother, Amanda, and I were present to witness Isabelle's heartfelt plea for forgiveness.

"..." the father's countenance was a mix of emotions—anger, sadness, relief, and perhaps even a touch of happiness.

"..Dear.. please.. forgive her.. you should direct your anger to me.. for I should have helped you persuade her when she wanted to follow that young man.." her mother covered trying to shield her daughter from the full brunt of her father's wrath.

"No, Mother, it's not your fault. It was my choice, my mistake. I'll accept whatever punishment awaits me." Isabelle didn't move from her prostrating, but her voice was firm. She already made her mind since our departure from the safe lodging in Harbour City.

"..." the father closed his eyes, taking a moment to rein in his emotions.

"Hey, Takahiko," Amanda, standing next to me, tugged on my shirt and whispered, "You mentioned before that her father would welcome her back and forgive her, didn't you?"

"Yes, that's what I said back then," I answered her, keeping my voice low so only the two of us could hear, "but I only speak in general, as I'm not a father myself, it's impossible for me to comprehend what he feels at this moment."

The father then moved to approach her prostrating daughter. Isabelle trembled, submitting herself to the impending judgment, awaiting her fate. He crouched down, aligning his level with Isabelle's bowed form.

"You realized what you have done?" he inquired with a composed tone, yet I could discern a quiver in his voice.

"Yes, Father.. I.. I.." a little sob heard from Isabelle, "I have made you and mother worried.. I.. have troubled Takahiko..sob for finding me.. I.. I have ruined my future myself..sob"

"When I heard that you might have been abducted to the underworld, I despaired.. Unsure what I should do.. I'm angered by my own incompetence as a father..."