The Merchant and Tavern Master

Homecoming

I have returned to this place several times already, and each time, the familiar countenance of the previous tavern master, Maximus, greeted me from behind the bar counter. Now that he has departed to the other side, it's now Madam Ruth, his widowed wife, who stands in his place. My mother, now living with her family, also welcomed me warmly. It's still early in the morning, so they usually prepare to tidy and clean the place and prepare the ingredients for the upcoming opening hour.

"Thank gods, you're safe, Takahiko!"

"Don't suddenly send us that kind of surprise next time, alright?"

Their attention then shifted to Isabelle and Amanda, who accompanied me.

"Uh.. hi Mrs. Ruth, and Takahiko's mother.. I'm Isabelle.. Takahiko has rescued me.. So.. I mean.. I.. I'm sorry for bothering your family.."

Madam Ruth approached her, and hugged her gently.

"Thank you for making it through. I can't fathom the experiences you've been through, but I'm relieved to see you again, Isabelle."

"T..thank you, Mrs. Ruth.." she hugged her back, appreciating the kindness.

"My mother embraced her warmly, offering comfort even though it was their first meeting— perhaps the camaraderie between women.

"And where's Sofia?"I inquired. "I don't see her."

"She's at the market with Guin, placing orders for ingredients," Madam Ruth replied. "They should be back soon."

"Oh, and who is this young lady, Takahiko?" My mother turned her attention to Amanda, who had been holding my hand since we entered the tavern, her curious gaze peeking from behind my back.

"This is Amanda—the girl I rescued while searching for Isabelle. Don't be shy, Amanda. Allow me to introduce you: this is my mother, and beside her is Madam Ruth." I gently nudged her to greet them. Being her first encounter with them, I was aware that she might feel a bit uneasy. It would likely take more time for her to become comfortable around them.

My mother and Madam Ruth appeared to comprehend the situation, refraining from approaching Amanda forcefully. Instead, my mother squatted down, aligning her gaze with Amanda's.

"Hi, Amanda. I'm Takahiko's mother, Ayumu. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," she greeted warmly.

Amanda still clung to my clothes, peeking out from behind me, though I sensed that she wasn't feeling afraid at the moment. She was shy.

"And I'm Ruth, the tavern master here. It's a pleasure to meet you too, Amanda," Madam Ruth added, bowing and offering a warm smile.

"I... I'm Amanda... Nice to meet you," she finally managed to respond properly. Gradually, she let go of her grip on my clothes and stepped forward. With the grace we had taught her back at the safe house, she performed a gentle curtsy before them.

Isabelle observed the heartwarming scene with a gentle smile.

"Ta.. Takahiko?", a familiar sound called my name.

I turned my sight to the voice.

There stood the cute figure, one I recognized instantly. Her blonde hair, gleaming like gold, was neatly tied and framed by her head covering. The astonishment in her blue eyes still held the same innocent charm that I had always remembered. Clearly taken aback, her expression conveyed a mixture of emotions: relief, joy, and a hint of yearning. Before I could even respond, the bundles she was carrying slipped from her grasp, and she hurried towards me, wrapping her arms around me in a warm embrace.

"It's... It's truly you, Takahiko! I've missed you so much!" Her voice, filled with relief, resonated within the confines of the tavern.

I wrapped my arm around her in a gentle hug, reciprocating her embrace. It struck me then, as I held her close, that she had grown even taller since we last met. The realization hit me—I had missed her birthday once again.

"I missed you too, Sofia. I'm back," I said softly, my heart warming at the reunion.

"Hey, Sofia, be careful with those things! Why are you... Oh... Takahiko, you're back?" Guinevere's surprised voice echoed from the tavern's entrance. Her eyes swiftly found the person she had been most concerned about.

"Um... hi, Guin... I... I'm home," Isabelle greeted her with a touch of awkwardness, the unexpected encounter catching her off guard.

Guin also dropped her belongings, hastening her steps toward Isabelle, resulting in Isabelle's frightened face. Guin's hands clamped onto the neckline of Isabelle's garment, as though she was straining to restrain herself from striking Isabelle.

"DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH YOU MADE US WORRIED!!"

Her voice, brimming with anger, reverberated through the space, leaving everyone startled. However, we all understand the depth of Guin's emotions.

"I.. I should stop you from following that scum.. But you looked so happy, I hesitated..." Guin's head drooped against Isabelle's shoulder, her voice tinged with regret.

"..." Isabelle's countenance emanated her guilt over the distress she had caused her friend. She cautiously extended her hand, wrapping it around Guinevere in a tender embrace.

"I'm sorry... I was foolish back then... You have every reason to be angry with me. I sincerely apologize for causing you worry, Guin."

"You better be, you dummy.. And.. welcome back.." Guin managed to calm herself, and genuinely welcomed Isabelle back. Their long formed bond can be clearly witnessed.

"Sofia, Guin, I understand you two are relieved, but for dropping those ingredients, I hope you're prepared for the consequences," my mother's stern voice interrupted them, putting a halt to the emotional reunion.

The two of them then resumed their tasks, urging us to vacate the area. I led Isabelle and Amanda outside, assuring them that we would return once their work was finished. Suddenly, a warning from the caretakers at the safehouse regarding Isabelle and Amanda's treatment sprang to mind.

"Isabelle, Amanda, please wait for a moment. I forgot to leave a message for my mother and Madam Ruth."

"Of course, Takahiko. We'll wait," Isabelle replied.

I called my mother and madam Ruth.

"Mother, madam. I won't disclose what happened to Isabelle and Amanda exactly, but I'm sure without me saying it, both of them just survived terrible things. Amanda is making a swift recovery, and Isabelle appears to be doing alright for now. However, I need to emphasize that Isabelle is still in the midst of her recovery. If possible, I would appreciate it if you both could assist me and be mindful of certain matters. Can I count on your help?"

"Yes, Takahiko. Let us know how we can help," my mother replied, followed by an affirmative nod from Madam Ruth.

"Please refrain from making a grand announcement about Isabelle's return to the patrons. I'm concerned that those unaware of her situation might ask uncomfortable questions that could trigger memories of her distressing experiences. She still has nightmares occasionally, and I don't want her to feel threatened in her own town."

"You don't have to worry, Takahiko. We never told anyone the details of Isabelle's disappearance since the beginning, you see. But thank you for letting us know beforehand," Madam Ruth acknowledged, displaying her understanding.