The news of Master's passing was so sudden that it left the patrons of the tavern in a state of disbelief. Just the day before, he had been full of life, as if he could go on for decades more. I immediately canceled my plans to depart that day and hurriedly prepared letters to inform my customers in other cities about the delay in delivering their goods.
The members of the tavern guild took charge of transporting and washing Master's body, preparing it to be placed in the funeral parlor. The priest was summoned, and soon, many patrons arrived to pay their final respects to Master. Some of them hadn't had the opportunity to attend the celebration at the tavern the previous night. I could only imagine the depth of their regret as I witnessed the heartfelt anguish and tears of the patrons. Men with robust frames and scars etched upon their bodies came forward to console Madam and Sofia. It became clear to me that they were Master's former comrades from his military days, offering their support and solace during this difficult time.
I patiently waited my turn to offer my condolences to Madam and Sofia, fully realizing the magnitude of my promise to Master. When the moment arrived, Sofia spotted me and immediately sought solace in my embrace, her tears flowing freely as she sought to alleviate her pain.
"It's alright, Sofia. Cry as much as you want. I am here for you," I whispered, holding her tightly, hoping I can give some sort of comfort and strength.
"I.. I followed your instructions from last night. He was so happy, sharing stories of the tavern and his famous stews, although he seemed tired. I didn't realize it would be our last conversation," Sofia shared, her voice filled with a mixture of sorrow and realization.
"I understand," I replied softly, the weight of the moment hanging heavily in the air.
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Madam approached us, and we joined together in a shared embrace, tears mingling as we mourn our loss.
"I can't thank you enough for being such a dear friend to my husband, Takahiko," Madam expressed with deep sincerity. "I have come to realize that he was truly content, as if he had just accomplished a great task."
I recalled my promise to Master, and with a gentle voice, I shared, "Master confided in me yesterday about the story behind why he built this tavern. Every memory, all the love, and the cherished friendships that reside within these walls, they all owe their existence to your strength and the joy you brought into his life. He loved both of you deeply."
After a moment of gathering ourselves, Madam excused herself to attend to other patrons, leaving Sofia in my care. She held onto me tightly, not wanting to let go, and I gently stroked her golden hair, offering a sense of comfort and reassurance. Sensing her reluctance, I whispered softly, "Sofia, your friends have arrived."
As I mentioned the presence of her friends, Sofia reluctantly released her grip on me and turned to see Guinevere and Isabelle approaching. They enveloped her in warm hugs and words of solace, their genuine concern evident in their expressions. I stood silently nearby, observing their tender support for Sofia, grateful that she had friends to lean on in this difficult time.
The funeral ceremony proceeded smoothly, a testament to the profound love and respect the people of Goldkorb held for Master. As I walked among the familiar faces of tavern patrons, we exchanged condolences and shared fond memories of Master. It was evident that his presence had touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting impression in their hearts.
With heavy hearts, we watched as the casket was gently lowered into the ground, bidding our final farewell to Master. Though his physical form was gone, we found solace in the knowledge that he was now free from pain and suffering. I believe he must be satisfied at the end of his life.
As the ceremonies drew to a close, we dispersed, each returning to our respective places. However, my commitment to the Master's family remained unwavering. I made the decision to accompany Madam and Sofia back to the tavern, knowing that their journey of healing and adjustment had only just begun.