The Merchant and Tavern Master

Tavern Master & Merchant

Months have passed, turned into years.

I'm now a full fledged tavern master, inheriting the tavern from my mother in law. I already have the basics of handling the tavern business, and I am also well known among the frequent patrons, since I have known them since the day when I was friends with Sofia, where her father is still alive. Some old patrons already passed away, the visitors slowly reduced. It's not as merry as before, and it made me feel melancholic. Younger patrons now tend to visit Sofia's new coffee shop, where adults and young people love to hang out there, because the atmosphere is more energetic. Dragon's Paw tavern is more rustic, and feels more calming, so it's still suitable for weary adults or veterans who need a rest. That's exactly the Dragon's Paw that I always remember since I was first invited by Sofia's late father, master Maximus.

I wonder if he saw me now, would he complain that his tavern isn't attracting new customers? But in order to increase the number of patrons, that means I have to change the tone of this tavern into something different. That means it will be in competition with Sofia's newly developed coffee house, so I won't do that. Just as Master Maximus trusts the younger me, I will trust Sofia's new cafe, Cafe Maximus, to be able to serve the new young customers. I'll take care of Dragon's Paw as much as I can, as long as there's a customer who needs a rest, I'll be here to serve them a drink.

The door suddenly clink, signaling a coming guest.

"Good evening, master.."

Somehow I felt nostalgic when I heard the male voice calling me.

"Good evening, sir..." I can't finish my answer.

When I saw the incoming guest, I was surprised.

"..Sir.. Celas?"

"Oh, you know me, Master? Have we met before?"

No wonder he forgot. It was a long time ago. He's not as young as I remember, wrinkles and gray hair adorn his face, but his stature and attire are still as dignified as I remember. He was my mentor. I calmed myself, just as he had taught me when I was a budding merchant.

"Yes, Sir Celas. I was indebted to you," I said.

"Hmm, I visited this town once in the past, but I think the tavern keeper shouldn't be as young as you, and he should have a daughter, not a son," his memory was still intact, so he might still remember me.

"Hahaha, you're right, master. That daughter is now my wife. I was the brat from Eldenwald village who wanted to be a rich man back then. I asked you to train me to be a merchant," I replied calmly.

His surprise was obvious.

"If I'm not mistaken... Then... Takahiko? You're that Takahiko?"

"That's right, Sir Celas. I'm Takahiko," I was genuinely happy when he remembered me.

"Wow, that's really surprising! You're running this tavern now? Have you stopped being a merchant?"

"Well, in a way, I'm still a merchant, you know. My wife was supposed to inherit this tavern, but she's now running a coffee shop in different parts of town," I explained.

He was amused, "So you don't travel anymore?"

"I plan to one day, with my wife. Right now, my trading business is being run by my apprentice, and she's doing well, if I may say so."

"Wow, you even have your own apprentice. I am impressed, Takahiko," he praised me as I invited him to sit on the barstool.

"But is this tavern okay? I see that this place is kind of desolate compared to other places," his assessment is correct.

"Yes, because it's my insistence to keep the original atmosphere for the existing customers. You see, I'm running this tavern in honor of my parents-in-law, who opened this tavern for veterans, adventurers, and old working adults. Most of the old patrons have passed away now, but some of them still come here often just to rest and have a quiet moment. That's why I will try to keep it as long as I can, you can say it's also my personal reason. I love the original atmosphere of this place.

Master Celas remains silent for a while.

"As a merchant, I would like to give you some tips on how to improve this place, but after hearing your reasoning, it seems like you know what you're doing, so I won't. But it's true, this place looks almost the same as it did in the past, only it's more solemn, and you're right, it's a suitable place for tired adults to relax."

"Will you be staying here longer, Sir Celas?"

"No, I'm thinking of going beyond the sea this time. I've visited the farthest region I can visit in this land, so I'm curious to see what's out there in the new world beyond the sea."

"So you plan to go to Harbor City after this?"

"That's right," he said happily.

I just laugh, realizing that my mentor is still the same man I know.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I haven't offered you a drink since you arrived. But is there anything in particular you want now?" I offered him.

"Give me something you made. It's been a while since we've been apart and it seems we have a lot of time. I want to hear your story, will you entertain me, Takahiko?"

I smiled at him.

"Of course, Sir Celas," I replied as I prepared the original cocktail of this tavern.

When I decided to accept the position of Tavern Master from my mother-in-law, I asked her permission to let me train for a period of time with a more experienced Tavern Master I knew, the Tavern Master of Pixie Blessing. I'm not aiming to become a seasoned bartender like he was, but I want to possess the skill decent enough to serve my patrons with my drinks.

The base was a smooth blend of aged rum, tinged with hints of vanilla and oak, the warmth of the spirits mellowed by a touch of honey infused with lavender essence. To this, I added a splash of freshly squeezed citrus, its zesty notes dancing with the sweetness, creating a symphony of flavors. As I stirred the cocktail into an elegant and refined glass, it seemed almost too delicate for a tavern, yet it cradled the creation perfectly. It's not a common drinking tool for a tavern, perhaps I unknowingly started to treat this tavern like a pub. The liquid transformed, taking on a captivating gradient, transitioning from a deep, velvety red to a vibrant, sun-kissed orange, capturing the essence of a setting sun. And finally, I adorned the concoction with a delicate dusting of exotic spice, adding an alluring aroma that teased the senses.I slowly pushed the finished drink forward, its colors shimmering under the ambient tavern lights, presenting not just a cocktail but a piece of my soul infused into a glass.

"Please enjoy, this is my original creation."

As Sir Celas took a thoughtful sip, his eyes twinkled with approval, acknowledging more than just the flavor in the glass. He smiled, a silent tribute to the journey that had brought me here, to this tavern, to this very instant.

"Wonderful! Now tell me about your journey, Takahiko."

With a newfound sense of contentment, I began to recount my adventures, weaving the string of events from the time he left me after my apprenticeship with him ended into threads to the present. As I unfold my tale, I am reminded once again, every twist, every encounter, and every turn has led me here, to this very instant, sharing stories over a drink with a mentor who had once guided my steps. And in that moment, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the path I had walked, for the lessons I had learned. 

=== THE END ===