The Merchant and Tavern Master

Isabelle's Confession

When I saw her for the first time after her return, I could hardly contain my feelings towards her: anger, happiness, and finally relief. I could tell from her eyes that she must have had a horrible experience. During my work as a waitress at Sofia's tavern, I have met several adventurers and soldiers who have that "accepting their fate" gaze. Sometimes I managed to make them share their experience, even for a moment. I neither judged nor praised them. I just listened to them, and they commended me for being a good listener. I can only imagine what she has gone through to possess that kind of gaze at her 16, the same age as me and Sofia.

Takahiko's presence seemed to have become a source of strength for her. He also brought along a little girl named Amanda. She was obviously attached to Takahiko. Unfortunately, we couldn't talk that morning, as we were preparing the tavern. Their return was that night. I was curious as to why she had suddenly become so close to Takahiko when they were walking together with Amanda, just like a normal family of three. Even before Takahiko shared his experience, Isabelle casually sat by Takahiko's side, which ignited sparks of jealousy from Sofia.

"Perhaps you're unaware, but Takahiko and I are already betrothed. I won't allow any woman to deliberately take my rightful place beside him," Sofia stern voice rebuked her.

"I'm well aware. Takahiko informed me of your engagement with him during our journey back here." Isabelle replied with a calm tone. 

That's strange. 

I knew she was always concerned about finding boyfriends before, but why now she seemed like a possessive girlfriend to the man she learned already had a fiancee?

"Then why did you intentionally choose to sit beside him?" Of course, Sofia won't stay silent with that.

"Oh, don't worry. There's nothing inappropriate happening between us, right Takahiko? I simply feel safe near him. Since the day he saved me, I've found comfort in his presence. His other side is still unoccupied; you're welcome to take that spot."

My curiosity became suspicion. Her gaze towards Takahiko looked like someone I knew. Oh, right. It was like Sofia's gaze toward Takahiko!

After Takahiko and she shared their experiences, I could only offer my heartfelt gratitude to the gods for preserving her life, despite the horrors she endured. I gained a newfound respect for Takahiko because it's true – if he hadn't been so determined to find Isabelle, she might not be here with us today.

I comprehend her strong attachment to him as her savior. Given the path their bond has taken, it's quite understandable if Isabelle were to develop affection for Takahiko. Naturally, I empathize with her in this regard. Being rescued by a prince or gallant knight is a dream many girls harbor, akin to the tales we find in fairy tales. But it's not quite the happy ending she might expect, as she already knows Takahiko is Sofia's betrothed.

I requested a private conversation, just the two of us, as Takahiko was occupied looking after Amanda. I sensed that Sofia harbored some resentment towards Amanda because that child dominated Takahiko's attention. I hope there won't be a catfight.

"Hey, are you truly alright?"

"I believe I'm recovering. Thanks to Takahiko and Amanda, I'm certain that I'm getting better," she answered.

"I hope I'm wrong, but you're not deliberately approaching Takahiko, yes?"

"What are you talking about? I already knew about him and Sofia, so I won't do anything stupid like that," I didn't feel any lie from her words. She didn't even fluster.

"That's good then," I thought I was already clear.

But after they walked me to my home, contemplating about it for a time, I decided it was not my concern anymore. Isabelle won't deliberately start a catfight against Sofia, that's for sure. So I decided to believe her.