The Merchant and Tavern Master

Untanglement

Several weeks had passed since the day I brought Isabelle back to her parents' home. I had deeply wounded Sofia with my confession, and I couldn't help but wonder if our betrothal would be dissolved upon my return. I had come to terms with this as the inevitable consequence of my earlier decisions, particularly my involvement with the courtesans. I couldn't deny my actions.

During those weeks, I resumed my duties of buying and selling goods throughout the kingdom's region, just as I had done before. Many people had inquired about my prolonged absence, and I had simply explained that I had been hired to perform some tasks for a noble in the capital of Vermina, which, technically speaking, wasn't entirely untrue.

Another detail I haven't yet mentioned is the sudden, significant increase in the amount of money deposited into my bank account. According to the guild clerk, it was labeled as the 'service fee and completion rewards from the House of Dawnheart,' which I immediately recognized as the promised reward from Miss Dawnheart.

Just how substantial is this reward? Well, let's put it this way: if I stopped doing any work and had no other income source, I could manage to sustain myself for approximately 7 to 8 years, living alone. For a humble merchant like me, this level of wealth is astonishing. I mean, even considering my existing assets, I could be considered quite prosperous now. Naturally, I understood that if I didn't start utilizing this fund to acquire more assets, the sum would dwindle away rather quickly. Up to this point, I hadn't formulated any concrete plans regarding it, so I resolved to contemplate the matter at a later time. I want to discuss it with Sofia, my future spouse, but since our relationship has turned sour at the moment, I am withholding that notion.

Now I'm at the capital of Vermina, after I made a visit to the merchant guild finishing my duty as usual, I went to Rusty Dagger to meet with Mr Rusty. Thanks to his warning and guidance as an experienced person, I have made it through from the syndicate alive.

"Good evening, master Rusty. How have you been?"

"Takahiko! Thank the gods, you're saved!" His widened eyes couldn't hide his surprise at my sudden appearance at his tavern door.

"It's all thanks to your advice that I have managed to survive. I'm forever grateful to you." I said this to him while taking an ample place at the barstool.

The tavern didn't have many patrons, and I couldn't help but be worried about his monetary situation.

"I'm glad to announce that the girl that I searched for has been found and returned safely to her parents. Also, the syndicate has been eliminated. I don't know how far the king's dedicated corps can trace them, but I decided not to get involved more than this."

"That's a good decision. Unless you're really determined to fight them, you shouldn't be involved if possible. But, I'm glad you're safe! Order any drinks you like, it's on the house!" Contrary to his scary looking form, he's actually like a doting father. No wonder Cordelia, my late lover trusted, him thoroughly.

"Thank you, master. I'll accept it with gratitude. And here's something for you too," I took a bottle of the high quality wine I purchased yesterday.

"Wow, that's not a cheap one for sure!" He seemed to understand the value of this thing, so it's worth giving him this gift.

"Feel free to sell or enjoy it as you like."

"Are you kidding me? This thing should be enjoyed right away. Hahaha! Oy, Rocksteed! Come here and bring three glasses!"

His waiter then came to us and provided exactly that. He also congratulated me for succeeding in my task of finding Isabelle, so we celebrated by sharing the first gulp of the wine I brought.