The Merchant and Tavern Master

Dinner Invitation

We managed to pass the night with merriment and joy, thanks to Guinevere's delightful interference. She made each of us share our side of the story, starting with Isabelle's past where she was deceived by that Lysandro or Lysanthium, I didn't remember his name, and brutally assaulted by people she described as 'monkeys.' She was then transferred to the creepy old man with a maid, whose tongue was cruelly cut off. After that, she was thrown to the place where she met the children, including Amanda, and survived the cruelty of the bad people. That's when Takahiko managed to rescue her, even though it was only by Amanda's testimony. She claimed that she actually developed feelings for him when she realized Takahiko had nightmares because of killing the beast that assaulted her, and then she became aware that she didn't have repulsion towards him.

Then I shared my story about when Takahiko confessed to me about his infidelity, by sleeping with two courtesans because he had no clue how to investigate Isabelle's whereabouts. I told them exactly what happened the night I ran from him. I thought I hated him, but thankfully that was not the case. If you asked me whether I love him or not, even after this time, I will definitely say I do. Isabelle made me realize this when she kinda threatened me by saying if I don't forgive Takahiko and break our engagement, she would seriously pursue him. She decided not to pursue him at the moment, which I appreciated, but at the same time, I felt a pang of guilt. If Isabelle was never cured from his fear of men, she will never be married.

Yes, it's true I was hurt by Takahiko's confession, but I'm not that dumb to not recognize his responsibility and honesty by confessing his sin to me. He could have hidden it to protect my heart, but he decided to tell me anyway. In fact, I can say I already forgave him. But somehow, I still feel unsatisfied, and I don't know what to do with this feeling that appeared in my heart after hearing Takahiko's confession.

"This is just my suspicion, but I think I understand why you felt upset, Sofia," Guin said to me that night.

"What is it?" I asked.

"You were sad and angry, but there seemed to be an undercurrent of jealousy in you," Guin continued.

"Of course, I would be jealous! Is it strange to feel that way when the man you love is involved with another woman you don't even know?" I replied.

"No, no, that's not what I meant. What I'm saying is, you felt jealous because these other women succeeded intimately with Takahiko when he only knew for a short time, while you had to endure a three-year wait until your marriage. In short, you're ardently unfulfilled because you can't do it with Takahiko. Am I right?"

What? You mean, I was just frustrated because I can't be intimate with Takahiko? Am I really that desperate?

"What, what do you mean? There's no way I felt that way, it's not like I am a pervert or something? I definitely am not!" I protested Guin's accusation.

"The more you deny it somehow makes you look more suspicious," Guin continued.

"What is your basis for accusing me like that, Guin?"

"Alright, hear me out. When Isabelle confessed her feelings towards Takahiko, you were calm and able to maintain your composure. It was frightening even for me to be honest."

"..." Isabelle just silently listened to Guin's explanation.

"Then when it was your turn, remember how you shared your story with us?"'

"..."

"You were complaining that Takahiko never wanted to kiss or touch you indecently, and then you were disheartened when Takahiko admitted he also has an affection for courtesans. Takahiko did not approach you and plead for your forgiveness. You were speaking unclearly about his preference for courtesans over you. It seemed as if you desired him to court you, seek your forgiveness, and entertain the idea of an intimate relationship with you. However, he simply departed the following day to resume his journey."