Elder's request

Feeling a wave of weariness washing over him, Zane made his way back to the cozy inn. The comfort of a warm bed beckoned him, and he longed for a rejuvenating nap to restore his energy. As he entered his room, he couldn't help but ponder the matter of his clothes. Borrowing clothes from Sigrid would only impose upon her further, so he resolved to purchase new attire instead.

Lying down on the soft mattress, Zane closed his eyes, allowing the weariness to consume him. Thoughts of new clothes danced in his mind as he drifted into a peaceful afternoon slumber.

***

Upon awakening, I rose from my bed, feeling refreshed and determined to fulfill my plan. I dressed in my current attire and made my way downstairs on the wooden staircase. As I descended, I inadvertently overheard a conversation between Sigrid and someone.

A pleasant but unknown voice rang in my ears.

Female: "I was able to find all the necessary supplies, and I also picked up some items to repair the broken things in the inn. Here's the change from the purchases."

"God is truly watching over us," Sigrid remarked gratefully, her voice filled with appreciation.

"Thank you, Liv. You always find a way to take care of us. It's a true blessing."

Liv: "It's not just me, Mother. You are the one who work tirelessly"

Sigrid: "Sending guests to us during these months of heightened monster raids. We are truly blessed. Liv, my dear. Maybe the gods haven't abandoned us yet!"

"Let's focus on repairing the broken items in the inn. It's our responsibility to provide a comfortable stay for our guests."

As I quietly listened to their conversation, a wave of emotions swept over me. Gratitude filled my heart for their kindness, yet a hint of sadness lingered as I realized the challenges they endured. They had welcomed me with open arms, and now I yearned to show my appreciation and give back in any way possible.

Ever since I arrived, their warmth and generosity had touched me deeply. I felt an immense thankfulness towards Sigrid and her daughter, knowing how they had taken me in without hesitation.

Quietly slipping out of the inn, I made my way outside, not wanting to disturb the conversation between Sigrid and her daughter. With a sense of purpose, I strolled through the lively market, guided by Bjord's previous directions. I soon found the shop he had mentioned, a quaint establishment tucked amidst the bustling stalls.

Entering the shop, a friendly shopkeeper greeted me with a warm smile.

Shopkeeper: Good day, sir! How can I assist you today?

Me: "I'm in need of some new clothes."

Shopkeeper: Certainly, sir. Let me show you our collection. Take your time and let me know if you need any help "

He showed me the various clothes on display, and I couldn't help but feel a bit overwhelmed. I kept my uncertainty to myself, not wanting to appear inexperienced in matters of fashion. However, the shopkeeper seemed to sense my hesitation.

"Take your time, friend. I can see you're not quite used to this whole clothes shopping thing, am I right?" he said with a friendly grin.

I nodded, appreciating his understanding. "You're right. I was provided my attire until now"

The shopkeeper reassured me, "No worries at all! I'm here to help. Let me give you some suggestions based on what you're looking for."

Shopkeeper: "Alright, alright! We've got a range of options here, from fancy to more affordable ones. So, what tickles your fancy, my friend?"

Thinking fancy meant costly, I opted towards affordable.

I thanked him for his assistance and began carefully examining the different sets of clothes. As I pondered over my choices, I decided to opt for something more affordable. The shopkeeper noticed my inclination and said, "Ah, smart thinking! Let me show you some comfortable and reasonably priced options. Let me know if anything catches your eye."

After trying on a few sets, I settled on four outfits that felt comfortable and suited my taste. I approached the shopkeeper with my selection and said, "I'll take these four"

Each pair consisted of a shirt, wide tunic, and woolen pantsThe shopkeeper's face lit up with a smile. "Good choice, my friend!As a token of my appreciation, I've got a special offer for you. I noticed you don't have any boots, and I reckon they'd complete your new look. How about I toss in a pair of sturdy leather boots with your purchase? Consider it a gift from me."

I was taken aback by his generosity. "That's ... good", I said.

With the deal settled, it was time to discuss the payment.

Shopkeeper: " Now, let's calculate the total amount for your purchase. The cost comes to 8 silver coins and 40 copper coins."

As I rummaged through my coins, I realized that I didn't have any silver coins on hand.

I hesitated for a moment before mustering the courage to ask, "I apologize for the interruption, but I'm afraid I don't have any silver coins at the moment. Could you let me know the equivalent in gold coins?"

The shopkeeper chuckled warmly.

Shopkeeper: "No problem at all, my friend! To convert the total amount to gold coins, you'll be needing one gold coin. I'll sort out the change accordingly. Just so you know, 100 copper coins make one silver coin, and 10 silver coins make one gold coin."

I nodded, grateful for his explanation. "Thank you for clarifying. Here's one gold coin for the payment."

I handed over the gold coin to the shopkeeper, who quickly counted out the change. "Much obliged, my friend! Your change comes to 1 silver coin and 60 copper coins. I hope you enjoy wearing those new clothes and boots. If you ever need anything else, don't hesitate to ask. Have a splendid day!"

As I walked through the town square, I noticed the Elder Chief sitting near a majestic tree, watching the lively scene of children playing. The Elder Chief smiled warmly and waved me over, indicating that he wanted to speak with me. Intrigued by his gesture, I approached him, feeling a mix of curiosity and reverence

Elder Rigmir: "Greetings, Mr. Sage. How are you faring during your stay in our humble town? I trust everything has been to your liking?"

Me: "Good day, Elder Rigmir."

Elder Rigmir: "I'm glad to hear that, Mr. Sage. As the winter season approaches, we face the challenge of snowfall and its impact on our daily lives. I wanted to discuss a matter with you. You see, in the nearby city, I witnessed a remarkable invention used by the nobles to clear the snow from their paths and homes. It seemed almost magical, melting the snow and ice instantaneously, creating a clear path for their luxurious carriages."

with a slight pause he added further.

"We need a solution that helps us tackle the snowfall without the need for excessive power or resources. Something practical and effective for our small town."