13 This Hero and His Replacement!

"All your items together total up to 87 juns, Rono-san."

"Ah, here you go Kenji-san. Have a good day."

I took the 87 juns from Rono-san, who is one of the shop's regulars, and placed it within the register. It is almost time to start closing today, so Rono-san is my last customer.

As if he could hear my thoughts, Biar-san came out of the side room, clapped his hands together, and announced to me.

"Time to start closing! Kenji-kun, help me with inventory!"

"Yes sir, Biar-san."

Biar-san went to the front door and flipped the "open" sign to "closed" as I went over to commence the process of inventory for the shop. This action has been repeated ad nauseam, so I can complete it with the help of Biar-san at a fraction of the time it used to take me.

"We'll need another order of apples and plumric tomorrow, Biar-san."

"Got it. I'll write that down and Reese will send the order."

Biar-san went behind the counter and pulled out a small sack that made the noise of metal clanking against metal as it moved around. This was my pay for the week, my final pay from this job. I slowly extended out my hand and took the pouch. It was only when I reached out did I realize that my hand is shaking. I am anxious about what I am about to do.

"You alright, Kenji-kun? Do you need to sit down for a moment?"

My mouth is dry, but I need to speak right now before it's too late, so I forced out my words.

"Biar-san… where is Reese-san right now?"

"Reese? She ought to be in the side room right now managing our bookings. Why, whaddya' need?"

"Can you and her sit down in the side room for a few minutes? I will be back shortly and I need to talk to you all about something important."

"If it's got you this worked up then sure. Don't hurt yourself or anything."

With that, Biar-san left for the side room and I stepped out of the front door and onto the lively streets of Ruks. I have a specific destination to get to so I cannot dawdle. I immediately went down the street to my right and followed the path I memorized. After 2 minutes, I arrived in front of a small house and its wooden door.

I collected myself for a moment and knocked on the door.

"Terry-san, are you here?"

Shortly after I asked this, I heard the sounds of multiple locks being undone and then saw the door in front of me open.

"Ah, Kenji-san! Is today the day?"

In front of me is a man that is notably shorter than I am. His unkempt hair showed that he had spent the day sleeping or that he simply didn't care to fix it. His clothes were well made, however, and aside from his hair he had a professional air around him. This is the man I have chosen to succeed myself to work at Biar-san's shop.This man's name is Terry. He is a bit younger than I am and can also read.

"Yes, Terry-san. Are you able to come with me now?"

"Yes. You lead the way!"

Thankfully, Terry-san has enough energy for the both of us. Without him, I doubt I'd be able to do this and would instead get cold feet. I gave a faint smile and led Terry-san to Biar-san's shop.