The Merchant and Tavern Master

As an Adult

The carriage kept running for some time already. The sky started to look darker, I felt a bit bored as I continued to observe the changing scenery without any words exchanged between us. No, I can't give up. Takahiko is starting to see me as an adult, so I also must stop acting like a spoiled little sister. We passed the city gate of Goldkorb, meaning Takahiko meant to take me somewhere I never visited. But since we had dressed ourselves quite elegantly, I guess the place in his mind is not going to be too far like other cities. I wanted to ask him in more detail but I still find myself awkward. I silently closed my eyes and imagined what kind of behavior Lady Helen would do if she wanted to speak in this situation. Alright, I can try this.

"Takahiko, may I ask some questions?" I inquired with a reserved and calm tone.

"Sure," he responded promptly.

"Where are we going?"

"It's an outdoor dining place where you can enjoy a luxurious dinner under the night sky. The name of the place is 'Celestial Nightfare.'"

"Judging by the name, is it exclusively open at night?"

"Yes, you're correct. The place we're headed to for dinner is quite unique; it only operates at night and specifically during the full moon."

"Won't it be risky if, let's say, it suddenly rains at night?"

"Yes, if it's just a regular shower, the place should be safe under a simple crystal barrier. But in the event of a big typhoon or gale, the restaurant usually refunds most of our money."

"Refund? Does that mean you have to pay for the meal in advance?"

"Yes. Essentially, they're selling the 'experience of having a luxurious dinner under the moonlight,' so if they can't fulfill that promise, the restaurant will refund our booking fee."

"That's interesting. I wonder if they face losses with that approach?"

"Perhaps if they frequently mispredicted the weather. But so far, it seems they're still in operation, which means the demand for this experience still exists, especially among the privileged class. They're usually fond of these unique experiences, and they don't hold back if they can find the excitement they seek."

"I see, but then my next question, why do you ask me out to that place? I mean, of course I don't have any objection, but if we're going to just eat, we can find somewhere else, right?"

Takahiko seemed to be pondering for a while, then he answered me.

"Perhaps. But this is my way of trying to learn how to treat you like an adult lady. You don't like it if I keep treating you like a child, right?"

I was surprised. So he was thinking about this and finally decided to take me out to that place.

"I should have done this earlier, but first and foremost, I want to apologize for my behavior toward you the last time."

Did he mean the time when I ran from him after being scolded because he defended the courtesans? Strangely, I don't think I feel hurt about it. Maybe it was thanks to my friends talking about it.

"I... I forgive you. When I confessed my feelings to you, I promised that I would always forgive you, right?"

"Yes, you did. So, please consider this as one way to show my sincerity."

I can't help but smile as I watch his calm gestures. He never lied, so I believe he is truly sincere. I let my body embrace him in the moving carriage.

"Sofia?"

"I'm also sorry for suddenly running like that. I realized my behavior was childish," I grip him with additional strength; I've been missing his scent after all.