The Merchant and Tavern Master

As a Mentor

I did mention in the past that I learned my trading skills from a merchant I met in my village when I was a teenager, didn't I? Perhaps this is a good time to share a bit about that person from my memories, as I haven't had the chance to meet him again since I set out on my peddling journey from our village.

The merchant's name was Celas, a grown man with a warm disposition and a radiant smile. He exuded confidence and had a knack for addressing every query posed by his customers, or at least he possessed the art of steering conversations skillfully.

He never pressured his customers into buying his goods; instead, he would often ask casual questions about their daily lives and current concerns, always showing genuine empathy. It became clear to me that, when he had the exact item his customers were looking for among his diverse selection, he would offer it at a reasonable price. Granted, the customary practice of haggling with his patrons prevailed, yet he remained open to negotiation.

When I asked him how to become rich like him, he laughed at me, but not in a mocking way. He seriously answered to me,

"I'm not rich, I just have a decent amount of money for me to live several days ahead, and I love traveling and seeing new places. But if you do want to get rich, trading is the most common way for common people like us."

I held great admiration for this person during those times, since while he may not have possessed the wealth of the village lord, Celas never displayed the fear or submission commonly associated with those who served nobility.

"Even though my wealth and his are unequal, he needs something, I provide it, he pays to get that something from me at a fair price. As long as he fulfills his obligations according to the agreement we made together, he is a good customer. You don't need to feel embarrassed about how small your wealth is compared to his, because in this situation, you are the one who provides the solution to his needs. As a trader, you and your customers are equals. You understand why 'scales' are a symbol for traders, right? Not because you're as rich as him, but when the transaction happens, both merchant and customer find harmony through mutual benefit, fair and balanced."

He agreed to let me join his trading journey for half a year, following his usual route and taking me as his assistant. By being his helpers, I learned about complex calculation, reading, talking with strangers, and even haggling prices. I often wonder if he's still alive, as I've never crossed paths with him again. I did ask about Celas at the merchant guild, but it seems he's no longer active in this region, suggesting he may have ventured far from the Kingdom of Vermina.

So, anyway, the reason why I gave that brief introduction about Celas was I am currently trying to memorize everything he has taught me at the beginning as much as I can, write it down on the parchment, and give it to Amanda. Thanks to my recently unpacked schedule, due to the decrease of my trading route, I spent my time mostly on Dragon's Paw tavern to write, and stayed at Isabelle's Inn to follow up on Amanda's education progress. Thanks to Isabelle's patience and skillful guidance, Amanda became more fluent in expressing thought in writing, also she was able to count and calculate bigger numbers in her mind already. I think it's the right moment to fulfill my promise to her of bringing her as my assistant.

"Congratulations, Amanda. You're now able to read, write, and calculate the test I just gave you. I think you now have the basic skills I expected. So, I will fulfill my promise to you, do you still want to become my assistant?" I asked the smug looking Amanda after hearing my praise.

We're sitting on the desk of my designated chamber which was granted by Magnus family as their appreciation for rescuing Isabelle and returning her to them.

"Thank you for the praise Takahiko. It was thanks to Isabelle teaching and Mr. and Mrs Magnus care for me all this time. Of course, I still want to become your assistant, that's my reason to learn all this time," She even understood how to give appreciation to her supporters and conveyed them words in a more adult-like manner, unlike before.