Then, just as quickly as he had reappeared, Takahiko vanished from the tavern once again, leaving me in a state of perplexity and frustration. It dawned on me that these prolonged absences were likely due to his trading ventures, as he would return to the city after a span of six months. His enigmatic demeanor continued to haunt my thoughts, and I found myself growing increasingly fixated on this elusive man.

At times, I found solace in sharing my experiences with the old man, the tavern master of the small tavern named "Rusty Dagger" on the complex where I resided. We had known each other since my days in the brothel, and he was one of the few souls I considered a true friend. Despite the wrinkles etched upon his face, his eyes held a wisdom earned through a lifetime of experiences.

One day, as he observed the inner turmoil consuming me, he approached with a knowing smile. "It appears to me, Cordelia, that you may have fallen in love," he playfully remarked, his words laden with gentle teasing.

Caught off guard, I burst into laughter, dismissing his suggestion. "Ahahahaha, please don't jest, Master, how can I fall in love with a person who doesn't have interest in me?" I responded with disbelief.

"You may have grown accustomed to the male gazes during your time in the brothel, leading you to believe that all men seek only your body. It's possible that your mind has been shaped by this experience, allowing you to manipulate such expectations even after leaving that place behind."

"I don't think you are one of those men, Master." I responded.

"Ah, it's simply because I'm an old man, Cordelia. If I were younger, I might have been one of them," he confessed.

"From your story, this young man is the first who has shown disinterest in you, and you find yourself feeling frustrated as a result. This new emotion might be unfamiliar to you, and that's why you don't readily recognize it," the tavern master remarked with a gentle tone.

"You used to be like a broken doll, shattered and waiting to be discarded. However, since you've been freed from that wretched place, I've witnessed the rekindling of your humanity. Your face has regained its warmth, and it brings me great joy to see someone capable of pulling it out from within you once more," he said with heartfelt sincerity.

His words resonate deeply within me, as I began to recognize the profound impact Takahiko had on my life. I found myself consumed by a burning curiosity, yearning to uncover every detail about this enigmatic man. It was both frustrating and exhilarating to admit that my heart had been unwittingly stolen by him.

I turned to the tavern master for guidance. "What should I do, Master?" I implored, seeking his wisdom in matters of the heart.

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"Well, Cordelia, you've been employing your seductive techniques to manipulate men all this time, haven't you? Sacrificing pieces of your own dying heart to weave lies and dreams to survive, and I understand that. From what you have described, the person called Takahiko appears to be a discerning individual, someone who maintains a constant vigilance in his surroundings. It comes as no surprise that he might perceive you as a threat."

"Ugh.." Somehow the Master's explanation stabbed my heart.

"You must abandon your deceptive techniques and approach him with your true feelings, just as you are," the tavern master advised, "This kind of person is particularly receptive to genuine approaches, in my experience. Moreover, you mentioned he is a merchant, which means his mind is likely always engaged in calculating the benefits and drawbacks before making decisions. If you can demonstrate to him that there is no disadvantage in knowing you, then your chances of winning his heart will undoubtedly increase."

I'm still perplexed, but I can grasp some of the insights the tavern master has imparted. So I decided to approach Takahiko myself with the wisdom Master has imparted within me. After 6 months, as predicted Takahiko appeared again in Pixie Blessing.

"Hi Takahiko, please call me Cordelia. What would you like today?"

No more shall I feign smiles.

"How about trying our Ginger Beers? They possess a bolder flavor compared to Ale, and their invigorating qualities are sure to provide the refreshment you seek."

No more shall I prolong empty words.

"Would you be willing to accompany me after this to assist in procuring some goods for the tavern? Your expertise as a merchant would be invaluable in making the right choices."

I shall bare my honest desire before him.

"Indeed, Takahiko, I would be delighted to learn more about you. If you wish, please come to my humble abode."

I was hesitant at first, but as I followed Master's advice and approached Takahiko in a more genuine manner, I noticed a change in his behavior. He seemed flustered whenever I touched him, and we started spending time together more frequently. I shamelessly asked him out, always providing valid reasons for why he should accompany me, such as market research or observing people's trends to aid his trading ventures. What surprised me the most was how enjoyable it was to connect with him without relying on my seductive techniques. It felt like I was discovering a new side of myself.

I cherished our conversations that often transformed into playful banter. It delighted me to see his face flush with a blush as I teased him, and it appeared that he didn't mind it at all. With each passing day, I found myself falling deeper in love with him. However, the more my feelings grew, the more I was confronted with the reminder of my past as a prostitute.

Takahiko is a promising young man. His serious yet friendly nature, with his talent in calculating and providing needed goods as a merchant undoubtedly promised a prosperous future. On the other hand, I am an older woman burdened by a troubled past. I find myself lacking anything substantial to offer him if I were to seek a place by his side. I am nothing more than a wretched woman, a broken doll with a shattered history. Despite this realization, I swiftly accepted the undeniable truth and made a silent vow to keep my feelings hidden from him. I convinced myself that I would be content as long as we maintained our good relationship, filled with our usual banter.