After a moment of thinking the kid's words over, you look him dead in the eye. "If you're serious about your wish, then you should chase it. But be careful, because the world is brutal out there. I'd suggest grouping up with people you can trust, rather than striking out on your own or, Gods forbid, hiring mercs to protect you. Those bastards just care about your money, not you."

You continue to ramble on a bit about your general dislike of mercenaries and their ilk. The shopkeeper doesn't stop you out of respect, but you can tell he doesn't care for your rant about how they'll drink all your alcohol if you have it. Eventually, your throat gets sore anyhow, so you stop. You don't think you've talked this much in ages.

"I'll be sure to not hire mercenaries then, Sir Kit. I've got a group of friends who are interested in adventuring as well, and we all have some level of combat experience. We're not gonna go on an adventure like you did, just explore. But..." He bites his lip nervously. "I don't know who will manage the shop while I'm gone. I don't want to lose it."

You nod, having expected that. Having encouraged him, you feel the need to help him with this so he can get his ass on the open road. The question is, who could take over the shop? You ask, "Any idea who could manage it for you?"

He nods. "I have an idea, yeah. There's another store across town, I'm sure they'd be happy to manage the shop for me. Though I am a bit worried about them... They might try and permanently take over the shop, if you know what I mean. They need to expand to get all the customers they can get after all."

You hum. That can't be the only option though, right?

You ... Maybe you could run it for him?

... You're going to hate yourself for this, but you voice your thoughts after a moment: "Frankly, I don't trust the other store to manage this place well. Like you said, they might try and steal the place from under your nose."

The shopkeeper considers your words for a bit, before nodding. "Yeah. You're right... But who will run the shop?"

Oh you're really gonna hate yourself for it. "... I could run the store for you."

His eyes immediately widen. "Y-you would? Really?"

With a groan, you reply, "Yeah, really. Don't get too mushy, I'm still not sold on the idea myself."

As if ignoring your warning, he immediately goes in for a hug. Awkwardly, you pat his shoulder. "Thank you, Sir Kit!" He pulls away, wiping a tear from his eye. "I can't believe it! I finally met my hero, and now I'm going to go on an adventure of my own!" He beams at you.

You give a cough. "... Just get going. Grab your things, gather your friends. I'll take over from here."

He nods, heading to a backroom. You hear him shuffling with things, you assume his gear and supplies, and soon after he exits the room with a knapsack strapped to his back alongside a longsword. You point at it. "Know how to use that thing?"

He nods. "Of course! My father taught me how, in case I ever needed to defend the store from thieves. But now, I'm gonna put it to better use!"

You chuckle. "Alright, kid. Get going. Oh, and don't forget the key for me."

He nods, tossing you a small key. "Thank you for this, Sir Kit, really! I'll be back before you know it!"

You chuckle, and say, "I'm sure you will." Then, you look around the store, trying to figure out how the hell you're gonna do this. Sighing, you just decide to head behind the counter and take a seat. When it's late, you head to the backroom and collapse into a bed there, falling asleep before you know it.

The next day, you get up, head to the counter, and wait. This time, a customer actually comes in. He looks around, asking about lantern oil, and you oblige, showing him the way to it. He thanks you profusely, saying something about how he needed it because his pet rat accidentally spilled all of his yesterday. You listen intently, sort of bored, but it pays off. The customer leaves, oil in hand, with a smile on his face.

You continue on like that for days. People come in, you give them good service and listen to them patiently when they explain why they need this or that. They all leave with smiles on their faces. You're not sure why, as all you're doing is staying silent while they ramble, but they enjoy it. The customers increase their traffic, probably due to recommendations from friends, and you find that the store is now getting a more healthy amount of customers than what the last owner was speaking of.

These days spread to weeks, then months. You still have yet to hear back from the owner, but you assume he's having fun. When the months spread to years, you assume he might have passed away, or decided not to head back after all. Whatever reason, you never see him again, and consider the store under your sole ownership now.

It's a nice life to live. Soon, you've integrated into the city so well, that "Louie's Supplies" is a name long forgotten; after all, now it's "Kit's General Store". You're known for serving customers with a smile on your face and a positive attitude. Strange how things end up.

You pass away in your sleep silently a few decades later, and the whole city mourns your death... For a few days, that is. Soon enough, the other store that the shopkeeper had mentioned long ago moves in to fill the gap you left, and eventually, even "Kit's General Store" is forgotten. Still, at least you were able to enjoy your last years on the world in peace.

THE END