The Merchant and Tavern Master

End of Journey

Not much happened after we left Vermina. The trip went as planned. We arrived in Harbour City, visited the safe house where Isabelle and Amanda had been treated, and met with the caretakers and the children we left behind last time. Their camaraderie is still there, as they still remember each of their names. I remember their faces, but I always had a hard time remembering people's names when I rarely met them. After living here for several weeks, their faces look more alive. I think maybe it's a good time for them to start moving out.

When the children saw Amanda, as expected, they were surprised at how much Amanda had changed and suddenly they also aspired to be like her. Isabelle's bait to get them interested worked. She offered to take them back to Goldkorb where she and Amanda will teach them some basic skills and common knowledge for their survival. Although it's a harsh reality, Isabelle told them that they can't stay in the safe house forever, so she wants them to learn how to survive. The children didn't seem to understand exactly what Isabelle was intending, but it's understandable. They're just children, younger than Amanda. And thankfully, Amanda was there to explain that they were going to have fun in Isabelle's hometown. Isabelle was surprised at how easily Amanda persuaded her to follow, and learned for the first time the difference between talking to young children and older children.

When Sofia and Guinevere were also introduced to them, Guin fit in easily with the children and quickly became friends with them. Sofia, on the other hand, seemed confused about what she was doing. It occurred to us that Sofia was too used to interacting with adults, thanks to her home being a tavern, and she's an only child like Isabelle. While Isabelle bonded with the children because of their shared experience, Sofia didn't have that kind of experience interacting with children. Apparently it's because she couldn't understand their minds. I comforted her and told her that she didn't have to rush and that she could take her time and learn slowly. Although reluctant, she finally decided to try to mix with them, even though she still feels awkward.

We hung out in the safer part of Harbor City, bought some clothes and necessities for the children, and then finally headed back to Goldkorb. I also bought an extra tent to accommodate the number of children we brought along during the trip. Thanks to Sofia and Guinevere acting as cooks and helpers, we were able to give the children food to eat. They seemed to enjoy camping outside. Isabelle was worried about the cost of the food and the tent and all the extra fees since we also stayed at the rest area for bathing. I told her it's alright and she just needs to focus on her mission to help the kids.

There's a lot I could say when we arrived back in Goldkorb, but basically Isabelle realized there were more things she needed to consider for the children's welfare. Fortunately, she has all the support she needs, and thanks to the help of their parents and their friends, the children we brought from Harbor City can look forward to their future. Some wanted to be like Amanda, others seemed to want to be like Guin. Sofia was depressed because she felt she couldn't form a meaningful bond with the children, but I assured her that it was okay. She still has to learn, because when we get married in future, of course, we will have children of our own, so this will serve as her training for that time. After she heard my reasoning, she tried to approach the children again, but this time I asked her to consult with her mother and my mother.

Speaking of marriage, after enduring 3 years since the day of our promise, Sofia and I finally tied the knot a week after her 18th birthday. She's grown remarkably well, even I was in a state of disbelief that I was going to be married to her. Of course she's getting taller, the innocence in her face still remained, but this time it was adorned with the grace of an adult charm. I memorized her image on her wedding dress as she truly looked like a goddess just descended from paradise. But when I see her smug smile, as if to say, "See, I told you," referring to her statement that she would continue to love me when she confessed her feelings to me. I surrendered, she's still basically the Sofia I know and cherish. Friends and family blessed our union. Even Isabelle shed tears, while Guin, still teasing, congratulated us. Amanda, she comforted the crying Isabelle and seemed to say something to Sofia.