The first time I arrived at Takahiko's house, we were welcomed by a tall young man who was cutting wood with an axe, whom I correctly guessed to be Takahiko's younger brother, Wakahiko. Since entering the gates of Takahiko's village, we encountered several people whom Takahiko referred to as his neighbors. Every time we passed them, they congratulated us as if we were newlyweds. It was hard for me to contain my smile because, in the eyes of the neighbors, we seemed like a husband and wife! Even Wakahiko thought the same when he saw us for the first time. I couldn't help but be amazed at how Takahiko kept track of the number of people who congratulated us.

Afterward, Takahiko introduced me to his mother. She appeared older than my own mother but exuded the strength and dignity befitting a mother. There was a familiar grace in her gestures that reminded me of my own dear mother, though my mother had a more playful demeanor. Takahiko had shared that his mother had raised them alone since their father passed away, not long after the death of his younger sister. The wrinkles etched near her eyes, cheeks, and lips only emphasized the hardships this woman had endured.

Without hesitation, I offered my best curtsy as a sign of respect for her warm welcome. "Greetings, ma'am. My name is Sofia. It's a pleasure to meet you,"

"You're the daughter of the tavern master in Goldkorb, the one Takahiko often spoke about, right? It's lovely to finally meet you, dear. I am Takahiko's mother, my name is Ayumu. Takahiko has shared stories about you with us, and we've all been quite curious."

"He did? What kind of stories did Takahiko tell?"

I was genuinely curious about what Takahiko had shared with his mother about me. However, he intervened before his mother could reveal anything more, explaining that we had just arrived and I needed some rest.

"Mother, I understand your excitement, but I think we should let her rest first. We just arrived after all," Takahiko suddenly cut off the conversation before she could tell anything.

"Oh, my, you're right. I apologize, dear. Come, please have a seat here," she graciously invited me to sit in the living room.

Shortly after, another of Takahiko's brothers, Kunihiko, made an appearance. He was slightly shorter than his other two brothers but had a friendly demeanor. To my surprise, he took my hand and invited me to join him for tea. Just as his approach caught me off guard, Takahiko stepped in, seemingly a bit jealous, which caused a slight flutter in my heart.

They engaged in playful banter about my small frame and my appearance, but both of them were soon reprimanded by Ayumu. Witnessing this lighthearted exchange before my eyes, I couldn't help but laugh. It was heartwarming to see siblings who got along so well with each other.

"Sorry for the disrespectful behavior of my sons, Sofia," Ayumu apologized on their behalf.

"No, don't worry, mam. Your family seems fun. I don't have siblings at home, so it's enjoyable to see how you all interact with each other," I reassured her.

"Is that so? If you feel alright with it, you can marry Takahiko and become part of this household. You two seem close already, and I'm sure it will work out just fine,"

Ayumu surprised me with her sudden suggestion. Well, she had thought that Takahiko and I might get married before. It didn't feel like a joke, so I replied with all sincerity,

"If you're fine with me, I will be glad, Mam,"

I stole a glance at Takahiko, who appeared lost for words. He seemed confused and blushed slightly. How adorable.

Soon, Wakahiko appeared, calling us for dinner. The room that I had initially thought was the living room was swiftly transformed into a dining area. The house seemed to prioritize practicality. The brothers headed out to fetch the meals prepared by Wakahiko. I wanted to help, but Ayumu stopped me, reminding me that I was their guest. So, I followed her lead.

As I observed the spread on the table, I was pleasantly surprised. The cooking looked delectable, unlike anything I had experienced at my home. As we all sat together, Ayumu signaled for us to start eating. It was my first time enjoying a meal with so many people in one house. Wakahiko's culinary skills were exceptional, and the dishes comprised a variety of meats, vegetables, and soup. Each bite was delightful!

"Brother Wakahiko, your cooking skills are truly impressive. You could easily be a fine cook in the city," I complimented him.

"Thank you. I've been taught by my mother, as I spend most of my time at home," he modestly replied.

"Among us brothers, he's the most skillful in cooking," Kunihiko chimed in. "But he's also the most serious. If only he could appear more at ease, he'd be even more popular."

I interjected, "Really? I thought Takahiko was the most serious among all of you."

"Some of the village girls have asked me if Wakahiko has a girlfriend or not. They seem interested but intimidated by his serious demeanor," Kunihiko explained with a mischievous grin.

"And I'm more concerned about how you come to know about the girls' inquiries about him, Kunihiko. What are you up to, really?" Takahiko asked, slightly amused.

"As I said, I'm practicing my conversational skills, just as you instructed me, brother," Kunihiko defended himself playfully.

"Boys, please finish your food soon. It'll be harder to clean up if it gets too late," Ayumu interjected, the practical motherly figure in the midst of their banter.

Their playful banters over the meal were delightful to witness. If I could become a part of this warm and lively family, it would truly be wonderful.

After we finished dining, Ayumu kindly told us to go out and leave the utensils to her. I couldn't bear to let her handle the dishes alone, so I offered to help.

"Please, let me help, Mam," I insisted.

"Oh, dear, you don't have to do that. You're the guest in this house," she gently declined, but I was determined to contribute.

"I understand, but please allow me to help anyway. Takahiko already considers me a family member, and I want to contribute as one," I explained, surprising Ayumu with my response.

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After a moment's consideration, she relented. "Alright, Sofia, if you're that insistent, please help me take the plates to the back of the house. We'll wash them there."

"Yes, Mam," I replied, eager to assist.

Kunihiko seemed keen on taking his brothers for another drink outside, but Takahiko decided to stay to consider my presence. However, I assured him that I'd be fine with Ayumu's company. Wakahiko also suggested taking me along, but Ayumu quickly rejected the idea.

"Don't be ridiculous! Liu's tavern at night is not suitable for girls! You boys can go, I'll keep Sofia company. Is that okay with you, Sofia?" she asserted, leaving me curious about this tavern they mentioned.

"Yes, I would love to chat more with you, ma'am," I supported her decision, and Takahiko finally agreed to go with his brothers.

With just the two of us remaining, Ayumu asked me to assist her once more. We began by cleaning the tables, folding them, and placing them against the wall. Then we gathered the eating utensils and carried them outside to a water basin area. It resembled a smaller version of the washing service depot I had seen at the rest area. The area was sufficiently lit, ensuring we could see clearly as we worked. Ayumu brought out the cleaning supplies, which looked similar to those used in the tavern.

The washing process was surprisingly swift, and the utensils gleamed with perfection. Ayumu's movements were graceful and effortless, reminiscent of a seasoned martial artist honing their skills over the years. By the time I finished my part, Ayumu had already completed more than I had managed. Clearly, she would be a tremendous asset to the tavern. Together, we carried the cleaned utensils back into the house.

Afterward, Ayumu kindly invited me to take a bath with her and assist each other in cleansing our bodies. Despite being older than my mother, I noticed that her physique was still remarkably well-maintained. Her body posture was not typical of a common woman of her age. Lines of wisdom adorned her face, etched with the tales of triumphs and struggles she had endured. Yet, beneath her serene exterior, one could glimpse a fierce protectiveness and boundless love she showered upon her sons.

After our soothing bath, Ayumu invited me to her bedroom for a little chat. As we settled down, she broached a question that caught me off guard. "So, Sofia, what's the story between you and Takahiko?" she inquired directly, causing my heart to race with panic.

"I... I admire him," I stammered, not expecting such a straightforward question. "We've known each since I was a child, ever since my father was still alive. Takahiko seemed to be close to him."

"I see," Ayumu nodded understandingly. "His father passed away when he needed a strong father figure the most." Her words struck a chord with me, as Takahiko had mentioned several times that he considered my father as his second father.

Ayumu's words seemed to leave no room for evasion. She probed further, "But you don't see him as a sibling, correct?" Her intent gaze bore into me, making it challenging to deflect the question. "The way you look at him is not how a sibling would see. Your eyes clearly reflect the eyes of a maiden in love," she observed with a gentle smile, while a blush spread across my cheeks. The heat rose to my face once again, and I couldn't help but feel a bit flustered. Today had been filled with such moments, and I wondered if my lack of experience in concealing my feelings was becoming apparent.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself to admit the truth about my feelings for Takahiko to Ayumu, his mother. "Yes, you're right, Mam. I find myself in love with Takahiko, your son," I confessed, my voice steady despite the inner turmoil. I couldn't run away from this conversation, so I chose honesty. Ayumu's gentle eyes continued to gaze upon me, and I felt a sense of reassurance despite my vulnerability.

"You are still young and beautiful, and Takahiko is much older than you, you know? Don't you think you might encounter other good young men closer to your age?" she gently questioned, seemingly concerned for my well-being.

I shook my head firmly. "I don't even want to think about it. Takahiko was there for me when my father died, and he has been my strength, guiding me through my grief and helping me find my purpose. Though I've only recently come to fully understand these feelings, I talked to my mother about it."

"Oh, so your mother also knows that you consider Takahiko as a potential suitor? And she approves of him?" Ayumu seemed surprised by this revelation.

"Indeed. It seems that even my father spoke to my mother before he passed away, expressing his approval if Takahiko were to take me as his wife," I explained, feeling a mix of relief and nervousness as I shared this intimate detail with Takahiko's mother.

"That's wonderful. If you and your family don't oppose this, then what's holding you two from getting engaged? Takahiko is already an adult with enough wealth to wed you," Ayumu pondered, her curiosity evident. I hesitated, unsure whether to share the reason with her. I bit my lip nervously, but ultimately, I decided to be honest.

"Takahiko... he already had someone he held dear in his heart," I revealed. Ayumu seemed taken aback by this revelation.

"He never told me this," she mused, her brows furrowing with concern.

"I believe it's not my place to disclose the details, as I never met that person myself," I explained. "It wouldn't be right for me to divulge more without his consent."

"I see. Well, I'll have to ask him to bring the woman next time we meet," Ayumu replied thoughtfully.

"That may not be possible," I said, my voice softening. "The person Takahiko loved has already passed away."

"WHAT?!" Ayumu exclaimed, her surprise genuine and heartfelt.

"The occurrence is still relatively recent, perhaps less than a year ago. But one thing is certain, Takahiko is still unable to forget about her. And I don't believe it's fair or possible to ask him to forget someone he held so dear. It's akin to asking me to forget my dear father, which I would never be able to do," I confessed, sharing the perplexity that weighed heavily on my heart. As I remembered the undeniable truth of that single fact, I felt only sadness."I will never be the only one in his heart, mam."

Ayumu's compassionate gaze softened as she understood the depth of my emotions. "I see, Sofia. It must be painful to love someone who still carries such strong feelings for another. You are a strong and brave young woman to confront your feelings and the reality of the situation," she said, her voice gentle and comforting.

"But," she then continued, "it doesn't matter with his feelings now. What I want to know is your heart. Your desire. Despite knowing all of this, do you still want to be with Takahiko, dear?" Ayumu asked me with a serious but kind voice. "At this point, as I said, you still have a long way to go, meet other men, maybe one of them will care for you better than Takahiko does, and you might get your happiness. It doesn't have to be Takahiko, you know?"

I remained silent, contemplating the weight of her question. My mother had also inquired about the same matter, their concerns only stemming from a place of love and care. Can I even bear to imagine standing beside someone who is NOT Takahiko?

"..."

A profound sadness washed over me, the mere thought of another person before me, slipping a wedding ring onto my left finger, and having to recite vows before the priest to someone that is NOT Takahiko...

My heart ached, the pain searing through me.

"Sofia, dear?"

Tears welled up uncontrollably, as if they sought to wash away the pain. I couldn't stop the sobs that choked me.

"..hic!.. Ugh!..no.. I.. I.. sniff!.. "

The pain was relentless.

Ayumu gently embraced me, pulling my head to her bosom, offering comfort and understanding.

"It's okay, dear.." her hands gently caressed my hair..

"I.. I DON'T.. Hic!.. I DON'T EVEN WANT TO IMAGINE IT, MAM.. I CAN'T.. Hic! ..Huaa..!"

My emotions overwhelmed me, and I couldn't control my tears. It was just a baseless imagination, but the thought of my future NOT with Takahiko felt too painful to bear.

Ayumu continued to caress my hair, offering comfort. "I'm grateful that Takahiko is loved so deeply by you. Thank you, Sofia."

"Uh.. hic!.." I tried to stop crying, but it seemed impossible.

"You still have an opportunity. I will help Takahiko to face you seriously. But in the end, whatever his choice, are you ready to face it?"

"No, I don't! I only want him to say yes to me! I want him to love me too! I want him to only think about me! I don't want to be anyone else but him!" I confessed, not caring how raw and ugly it sounded.

"I understand, Sofia. Then you have no choice but to tell him yourself. Share all your feelings and desires, and never let him run away. Make him aware that your feelings are as great, or even greater, than the grief he felt for the one he lost."

I cried for several minutes in the gentle warmth from the mother of the man I loved. I felt so in ease after crying that I fell asleep.