As the sun began to set, Magnus realized he needed to find a place to stay for the night. He made his way to the residential district, where he had heard there were several inns catering to travelers. The streets here were quieter, the air filled with the scent of freshly baked bread and the sound of laughter from nearby taverns.
He eventually found an inn called The Gilded Gear, its sign adorned with a brass cog and glowing crystals. The building itself was a mix of stone and wood, its windows framed by intricate metalwork. Magnus pushed open the door and stepped inside, the warmth of the hearth immediately enveloping him.
The common room was cozy, with wooden tables and chairs arranged around a central fireplace. A few patrons sat at the tables; their conversations hushed. Behind the bar stood a burly man with a thick beard and a brass arm, polishing a glass with a cloth.
Magnus approached the bar and cleared his throat. "Excuse me," he said, his voice soft. "Do you have any rooms available?"
The man looked up and nodded. "Aye, we've got rooms. Two Valoriums a night, meals included."
Magnus hesitated, unsure of the purchasing power of Valoriums. He had found a small stash of them in the Adams' hidden treasure room, but he didn't know how much they were worth. Still, he needed a place to stay, and he could always figure out the currency later.
"I'll take a room," he said, pulling out two Valoriums from his satchel and placing them on the counter.
The man nodded and handed him a key. "Room's upstairs, second door on the left. Dinner's at seven. Don't be late."
Magnus thanked him and made his way upstairs, his exhaustion finally catching up to him. The room was small but clean, with a bed, a desk, and a window overlooking the street. He set his satchel down and collapsed onto the bed, his mind still buzzing with everything he had seen.
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After a brief rest, Magnus decided to explore the town further and scout out places where he could subtly shop to learn the purchasing power of Valoriums. He started in the market district, where the stalls were still bustling with activity despite the fading light.
He approached a fruit vendor, his stall piled high with apples, oranges, and other produce. "How much for an apple?" Magnus asked, trying to sound casual.
"Two coppers," the vendor replied, holding up a shiny coin.
Magnus nodded and handed over a copper coin, noting the exchange rate. He continued this process at several stalls, buying small items like bread, cheese, and a cup of tea. By the end of the evening, he had a rough idea of the purchasing power of Valoriums—one Valorum was equivalent to about 100 coppers, making it a relatively high-value currency.
Satisfied with his findings, Magnus returned to the inn for dinner. The common room was now filled with patrons, their laughter and chatter creating a lively atmosphere. He took a seat at a table and was soon served a hearty meal of stew, bread, and ale.
As he ate, he couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. He had made it to the town, found a place to stay, and begun to understand the local currency. It was a small step, but it was a step forward. And for now, that was enough.
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