Marionette [2]

The bell above the door of the Resource Emporium chimed as Noah stepped inside, his boots clicking against the polished wooden floor. The shop was a peculiar mix of cluttered and organized, its shelves lined with everything from rare potions to enchanted trinkets. The faint scent of aged parchment and herbal tinctures filled the air, and behind the counter stood Old Man Wilfred, hunched but alert, as though he'd been expecting him.

"Noah," Wilfred grunted, barely looking up as he scribbled something into a thick ledger. "Took you long enough. What brings you to my shop today?"

Noah strode forward, his hands stuffed into his coat pockets, his usual arrogant smirk firmly in place. "Our shop, Wilfred. Or have you forgotten I'm a shareholder now?"

Wilfred snorted, finally glancing up, his sharp eyes gleaming with something between amusement and irritation. "Shareholder, sure. But don't think that gives you the right to come in here like you own the place."