My last day of work had gone on like any other. People had come and gone, products had been purchased, a lizard-man had purchased his usual amount of meats. Everything was normal.
"All your items together total up to eighty seven juns, Rono-san." I declared as I looked over all of Rono's items.
The older gentleman in front of me reached into his pocket and pulled out an assortment of golden coins. "Ah, here you go Kenji-san. Have a good day." He said as he held his hand out towards me.
I took the eighty seven juns from Rono-san, who is one of the shop's regulars, and placed it within the register. The familiar metallic clinking noise reverberated throughout the amber colored shop. As Rono-san left, I looked out the window towards the sky. It is almost time to start closing today, so I've decided that Rono-san will be 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!"
I nodded. "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." I declared as I looked over the ledger.
"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.
Biar-san noticed my shaking hand as he looked towards me, pulling back the bag a small amount. "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?" He raised his eyebrows. "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."
Biar-san eyed me suspiciously for a moment before he finally shrugged. "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 loudly, ensuring that the occupant could hear me.
"Terry-san, are you here?" I shouted out.
Shortly after I asked this, I heard the sounds of multiple locks being undone and then saw the door in front of me fly open.
"Ah, Kenji-san! Is today the day?" Terry smiled widely as he greeted me.
In front of me is a man that is notably shorter than I am, standing at around one hundred and sixty eight centimeters. His unkempt hair showed that he had either spent the day sleeping, or that he simply didn't care to fix it. His clothes were well made. Their appearance greatly departed from the notably cheaper clothes that I personally dressed in. Aside from his hair, he had a professional air around him, as if he was ready to get down to business. This is the man I have chosen to succeed myself to work at Biar-san's shop. His name is Terry. He is a bit younger than I am and can also read.
I met Terry-san about a month ago as I was shopping for books after I was paid one day. When I saw him reading, I immediately approached him and asked what he was up to and if he had a job. As it turns out, his parents have been pushing him to look for a job. He told me his woes about how since his family was rather wealthy that he shouldn't have to work a menial task and that he would much rather have a job that required him to be able to read as studying and reading things has always fascinated him. I decided on the spot that this man would be the best possible successor to my job.
I nodded to him in response to his question. "Yes, Terry-san. Are you able to come with me now?"
"Yes!" He hopped up in excitement. "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.