The Merchant and Tavern Master

Doubts and Conviction

I've done it.

I've brought tears to Sofia's eyes.

The very girl I vowed to shield from sorrow.

There's no excuses. I've caused her tears. That's an indisputable truth.

My heart felt heavy, but I still forced myself to walk.

I must take responsibility.

When I arrived at Dragon's Paw Tavern, there was only my mother and Madam Ruth sitting on the bar stool.

"Hey, Takahiko. Thank goodness you've returned," my mother called me first.

"Do you know what happened to Sofia? She seemed rushed, not like usual," my heart ache as Madam Ruth asked me her question. Still, I didn't intend to run away.

"It, it was my fault," I answered her. "I made her cry."

My mother got off her seat and hurriedly came to me.

"What do you mean, Takahiko? What have you done to Sofia?" She rushed me to answer her.

"..."

I took a deep breath, preparing myself. Certainly, I couldn't escape from the consequences of my action.

"I told her the truth when I was looking for clues about Isabelle's whereabouts. I was involved with two courtesans in Harbour City."

"!!"

The two women's eyes widened, surprised by my confession.

"Can you tell us in detail, Takahiko?"

"Of course. That was my intention after all."

I gave them a rough explanation on how I was involved with Serafina and Bella. About my encounter with Serafina, when she agreed to help me, then my first time met with Bella as I didn't have any ideas how to do my search, since I didn't have any clues. Then about how thanks to Serafina's sacrifice I managed to get clues about Isabelle, and then she asked me to accompany her just for a day. Then I told them about how tonight, I confessed to Sofia.

"Did Sofia run away because of your confession?" Madam Ruth asked me further.

"I think she walked away because I scolded her, because she accused the two courtesans of just pretending to seduce me."

SMACK!

My mother's right hand slapped me hard.

"Did you realize what you have just done?"

"..."

Of course I know. I didn't voice the answer, though.

"She's your betrothed! The girl you vowed to wed, Takahiko! She's cherished you innocently for many years! How could you shatter her heart like this?"

I know! But what should I do? Hide it from her forever?

"..."

I still didn't give her replies. I knew that whatever answer I gave, it would only sound like an excuse. I made the choice to look for Isabelle. If I told her my reason, it would sound like I blamed Isabelle for my action. I don't intend to let Isabelle shoulder that guilt. Hence, I kept my silence.

"Was there truly no other way to look for Isabelle?" my mother kept asking me.

"I don't know. Maybe there was, but I didn't have enough wisdom to know."

"Ayumu, that's enough," Suddenly, Madam Ruth stopped my mother from accusing me further.

"I appreciate your honesty, Takahiko. And I also knew that you're not the kind of man who willingly gets involved with courtesans. My husband trusted you, so I believe in his judgment as well about your character."