Capítulo 73: Bank Visit
The next morning, the first light of winter painted the sky a cold, unforgiving gray. The manor's grand windows framed the scene outside, the once-vibrant gardens now a canvas of withered brown and white.
There were clothes laid out for Aldwyn beside his bed, a collection of garments that whispered of luxury and nobility. A tailored black overcoat, a crisp white shirt with intricate black lace, and a pair of dark trousers that had been expertly stitched to his measurements. The fabric was of the finest quality, the threads weaving together to form a tapestry of shadows.
With a grimace, he pulled on the shirt, feeling the fabric cling to his still-healing wounds. The pain was a constant reminder of his recent battles, a ghostly echo of the chaos he'd left behind in Helgarde. Each movement sent a shiver through his body, a reminder that his strength had not fully returned. Despite this, he felt a sense of resolve growing within him. The weakness was temporary; he would regain his power.
He stepped into the trousers, the fabric sliding over his legs with surprising ease.
Once dressed, he approached the mirror with a sense of trepidation. The reflection that stared back at him was not quite his own. His skin was paler than it had been, almost translucent, with a faint blue tint that made him look as if he had just risen from the dead. His shoulder-length black hair was unruly, a stark contrast to the meticulously maintained beard that framed his chin.
But it was his eyes that truly captured his attention—they had changed. The silver irises had a new depth to them.
Lila's voice pulled him from his introspection, "Aldwyn, I've made a list of things we need to do today." She stepped into the room, her expression full of excitement.
„Wow not even a good morning or anything..." He thought to himself.
"Good morning, Lila," Aldwyn said, his voice gruff but not unkind. He took the parchment she offered, his eyes scanning the neatly written list.
"We'll start with the bank," she said, her tone brisk and efficient. "During the time you were in the coma, the capital Garanom started a revolution... Well, at least something like that,"
"The Iconi Empire has decided to abandon the outdated coin currency and has switched to banknotes. It is more practical and symbolizes the progress of our empire." She added.
Aldwyn nodded thoughtfully, the implications of such a shift not lost on him. The ease of transporting large sums of money would make commerce and warfare more fluid, and could also serve as a tool for political control. He folded the list and slipped it into his pocket.
They made their way outside, the brisk air biting at their cheeks. The manor's grounds were a stark contrast to the bustling city streets beyond the gates. Aldwyn felt a twinge of pain with each step, his legs wobbly from disuse. Despite his weakened state, he was determined to keep up appearances. The world had not stopped moving in his absence, and he couldn't afford to appear vulnerable.
The light snow fell in delicate flakes, dusting the cobblestone path as they approached the city's heart. The air was filled with the scent of burning wood from nearby hearths, and the distant murmur of merchants setting up their stalls. The clack of horse hooves and the occasional jingle of sleigh bells pierced the quietude.
The bank was a towering edifice, a bastion of marble and granite that stood as a symbol of Vellaris wealth and power. The massive doors were flanked by two stone lions, their eyes carved with an eerie lifelike quality that seemed to follow Aldwyn and Lila as they approached.
Inside, the air was warm and thick with the scent of ink and parchment. The walls were lined with shelves, each stacked with ledgers that contained the financial secrets of the city's elite. The tellers behind the counters regarded them with a mix of curiosity and wariness.
"Welcome," a well-dressed man with a neatly trimmed mustache and spectacles greeted them. "How may I be of service?"
Aldwyn summoned from his bag the small, round bank medallion with a golden emblem embossed on the front. "I would like to get my 6000 gold." He replied as he handed the medallion to the man.
The teller took the medallion, scrutinizing it before nodding to one of his assistants, who scurried away to retrieve the funds. "Your gold has been safely transferred to the new banknotes," he said, his voice measured. "Please go over to my colleague at the other desk, he will give you the banknotes."
Aldwyn nodded and took his medallion back. He put it back in his bag with a wave of his hand and went to the other desk.
The assistant returned with a leather-bound booklet, the pages thick and crisp. "Your gold has been exchanged for 100 fifty-banknotes," he said, and there was a hint of awe in his voice. "Also 5 hundred-banknotes, 10 twenty-banknotes, 20 ten-banknotes and 20 five-banknotes."
The fifty-banknote had a purple and gold color. The image was an impressive castle surrounded by a sparkling river and shimmering lights. The back was a detailed figure of the royal family of Garanom in traditional garb.
The hundred-banknote had a rainbow color with white accents. The image was a radiant unicorn walking majestically through a forest of glowing lights. The back was a scene of squirrels dancing in a radiant light.
The twenty-banknote had a dark blue and silver color. The image was an open book with shimmering pages depicting spells. The back was a scroll held by an old wise man telling stories.
The ten-banknote had a deep red color with golden accents. The image was of a majestic dragon in full flight, surrounded by clouds and lightning. The back was a depiction of a dragon's lair with precious stones.
The five-banknote had a soft pink and green color. The image was a detailed depiction of the fairy flower with delicate petals and highlights. The back was a scene of elves gathering around the flower and extracting fairy dust from it.
Aldwyn took the booklet and counted the notes meticulously, feeling the weight of the new currency in his hands. After checking it twice, he put it in his bag with a wave of his hand.
He also summoned his remaining 409 gold and 80 silver from his bag and exchanged them as well.
In exchange, he received 4 hundred-banknotes, 1 ten-banknote, 1 five-banknote and 2 one-banknotes.
The one-banknote had a light yellow and white color. The image was a radiant ray of light emanating from a morning circle. The back was larch trees standing alone, representing new beginnings.
With the transaction complete, he slipped the leather booklet into his bag and turned to Lila. "Let's get some supplies," he said, his eyes scanning the street outside.
They stepped out of the bank, the cold air hitting them like a slap in the face. The city was alive, a cacophony of sounds and smells that assaulted the senses. The market was a riot of colors and movement, with traders shouting their wares and people bustling to and fro. Lila led the way and Aldwyn followed.
Status de energia semanal
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Poder