The Merchant and Tavern Master

City Tour

During the day, Me and Isabelle took Amanda strolling around the city. Isabelle obviously still has some reluctance to meet other citizens that we know, but I can see she's trying her best. But these people are seemingly not aware that Isabelle was scammed by a marriage promise.

"I see, Harbour City certainly has a lot of entertainment, unlike this town. I hope you had fun there."

"Have you tried the cake shop in the central block? I heard it was famous, that it always sold out! You like cakes right?"

"Argh! I'm envious! Staying in Harbour City for 8 months?! I should leave with you! I want to check the latest clothing there!"

Isabelle and I were stunned. I thought everyone here should have realized already that Isabelle was going to be married before she left with that shady man.

"Why does everyone seemingly think I was having a vacation in Harbour City?" Isabelle voiced her curiousness, same as mine.

"I may have a guess, but when you decided to accept that Lysander guy's proposal, how many people did you tell?"

"The only people that were aware of the proposal were my parents, Sofia and Guin. I don't have many close friends besides them."

"I see.." just like she said, madam Ruth didn't spill all the matter regarding Isabelle's missing being scammed by marriage promise. We didn't know anything about it before, so it was the correct decision not to share the speculation. I don't know about her parents though.

"Hey. Hey. What's that building? Can we take a look? Can we?" Our pondering was cut off by Amanda's excitement. I guess this is the first time she ever gets a chance to leisurely observe the city.

"Of course, let's go there," I obliged.

As I took my first step, Amanda suddenly reappeared, clasping Isabelle's hand with her right and mine with her left.

"Uh, Amanda, what are you doing?" Isabelle asked fidgeting.

"I saw some people doing this. It looks fun!" Her innocence shone through her reply.

"But... it... it..." Isabelle stammered, her nervousness indicating she grasped the implication of our arrangement.

I chuckled softly, "It's alright. No need to worry."

"Okay... if you're fine with it... I'm fine too," she responded, a faint blush painted on her cheeks.

So, with Amanda being the shortest among us, in the center, holding our hands, we must have seemed like an ordinary, content family to anyone watching. I'm sure that what these vendors thought as they smiled when they saw us strolled past them.

It was an enjoyable day. I feel content. Amanda smiled and excited like a normal child, and Isabelle smiled like a mother caring her child. Not that I'll sound this to her. We had lunch at an eatery that Isabelle fancy, Isabelle took the opportunity to teach Amanda on how to use the eating utensils with patience. I always forgot that Amanda was an orphan, no one had taught her these things. Perhaps other children we left in the safe house too. I hope they too had an opportunity to learn this.

"I think you're going to be a good father, Takahiko," she suddenly commented to me, as we sat on the shady bench in the town park, after we finished our merry lunch. Amanda is now sleeping, most likely tired from her excitement, with her head on Isabelle's lap.

"You think so?"

"Yes! I can confidently say that when I see her peacefully sleep like this," she said as her hand tenderly stroked Amanda's hair. "I remember the other girls we left in the safe house. Do you think I could take them with me here too?"

"If you truly wish, of course you can. Would you like to take them to have some fun here?" I confirmed with her.

"It's not just about having fun. When you asked for my help in teaching Amanda how to read and calculate this morning, I felt happy. I believed it was something I could contribute to. But as we walked around the town today, the thought of the other girls crossed my mind. It struck me—could I also teach them as well?" Her eyes looked determined.

"Not only reading and calculating, but also everyday skills like using utensils or visiting stores, similar to what we saw with Amanda. I want to provide them a chance to experience all of this," her voice firm.

"Well, in my opinion, seeing you determined like this, I say go for it. But make sure you talk to your parents and friends. While you might be capable of doing this on your own, it's beneficial to consider the opinions of others. You could come across obstacles that you might not have considered, and it would be wise to address those before inviting them here."

"Obstacles?"

"For starters, let's start with where they will stay. Your home is an inn, so you can consult with your parents on that. Next is their food and needs, who will provide them, or will you buy them everyday. Then, when it comes to teaching them, where do you think is a good place for all the girls to gather? These things are things you should consider first. And finally the most important of all, who will pay for all of these?"

"I.. I see. Uh, can't you help me with the fund?"

"I can help until a certain point, but I won't be helping them fully, you know? I helped Amanda because of my own selfishness, just like when I started my journey to find you. I'm a merchant at core afterall."

"I.. I understand. I will think more about this and talk with my parents, Sofia, and Guin too."

"I'm sure you can do it. You have my support."

"Even though you won't help me to fund my plan?" she jokingly confronted my words.

"It's not that there's no value in it, but this is YOUR aspiration, isn't it? At the very least, you should wrestle with it, contemplate, seek assistance, and establish boundaries regarding how far you're willing to go to pursue your aspiration. I believe that's how you grow into a responsible adult," I shared the old wisdom from my previous mentor to her.

"Uh..." It seemed that Amanda had roused from her slumber.

"Good morning, Princess. How was your sleep?" I playfully inquired, noticing her lingering drowsiness.

Yawning, she lifted herself from Isabelle's lap, her eyes still heavy with sleep. With both arms raised, she made a sleepy gesture.I let out a resigned sigh and walked over to her. Crouching down, I offered my back to her. Suddenly, a weight pressed against me as she embraced me from behind. I straightened my body, lifting her up by her knees.

Isabelle watched on, a gentle smile playing on her lips.

"As I thought, you seem to enjoy indulging her, Takahiko," she teased, her tone light.

"I... I've decided to take responsibility for her, so this much is perfectly fine," I responded.

"You keep insisting that your actions aren't driven by kindness, but rather your own self-interest. However, to those on the receiving end, you're still their savior. And to Amanda, you're quite like her father..."

"Can't you at least say I resemble her big brother? Do I truly appear that old to you?" I shot back, eliciting a laugh from Isabelle.

We returned to Dragon's Paw, fulfilling the promise we made this morning to give a full explanation to the people that care for us. It is usually almost near midnight when the tavern is going to close, but apparently Madam Ruth announced that only today the tavern shall close earlier for family events.