The currency began with bronze and rose all the way to precious stones used for barter. Each recorded stone carried a fixed value in the market.
Between gold and the stones, however, lay another form of currency—platinum. A single platinum plate was worth ten thousand gold coins.
For ordinary folk, even owning one was unthinkable. A single plate could equal a lifetime's earnings.
So when the woman chose platinum as payment, no one was surprised. After all, settling one million gold coins was impossible.
Two large men descended from the upper room, each carrying sealed, locked boxes in their hands.
All eyes in the inn followed them, awe and disbelief spreading as the deal unfolded right in front of everyone—and the payment was made on the spot.
The old woman stood with her hands on her hips and looked Hades in the eye. "I'd be surprised if you don't get robbed."
