Vivian entered the Adventurer's Guild and was carrying a package wrapped with a thin piece of cloth tied with a knot. In addition to that, she also had a thin black rod about 2ft long on her hand, a satchel hanging over her shoulders and was wearing a pair of boots with metal plates covering the tip.
She headed straight to one of the receptionists, specifically, the one who helps adventurers in reading quests.
"Hi, can I ask for some information?"
"Hello, of course, how may I help you?"
"Where do adventurers keep their other belongings while they're out on a quest?"
"They keep it inside a room they rent from an inn or wherever place they're staying."
"But what if it's rare or expensive items?"
"If that's the case, some they keep at a local bank, while others keep it at a bank run by the Temple they're part of."
Vivian's brows knitted together.
A Temple they're part of...?
Although she wanted to ask the woman to explain further, she didn't dare to because she wasn't sure if it was something like common knowledge and she would appear very suspicious if it was and yet had no idea about it.
However, she was still very curious and tried to find a way. After all, as a broke person, having a stable source of income and protecting it was one of her main concerns.
"Which is safer, keeping them at a local bank or at the bank run by the Temple that an Adventurer is part of?"
"It depends on the situation.
"When it comes to a kingdom or city's bank, it's open to everyone. However, the problem with it is that it's tied to the host kingdom or city. So if the host kingdom or city is unstable, problems could arise concerning the coins and other items deposited there.
"Meanwhile, for the Temples, it's only open for the followers of the temple. However, there are two issues.
"The first issue is that all not places have all of the Temples. So if you belong to a Temple that isn't present in the place you're residing in, you have no choice but to go to a place country where the Temple that you belong to is present.
"The second issue, at least here in Luxen, although we have most Temples, that doesn't mean all Temples hold the same influence and power -- if you know what I mean."
"I see."
So an adventurer must join a Temple in order to avail of its bank or storage-like services...?
Wait...!
So it's like a guild…?
But has a religious undertone…?
I mean, they call it a Temple…
"What about the interest rates? I mean, there's got to be a daily or monthly fee if I store my coins and other rare or expensive items on those banks, right?"
"Yes. What's your Class by the way?"
"My Class? Thief."
"Thief? Well, it's not a bad Temple."
"What do you mean?"
"It's a decent Temple -- not too big, not too small either. Anyhow, about the interest rates, from what I know, it's more or less on par with the bank of this city, at least with coins. But for rare or expensive items, I have no idea."
"I see. But if you were in my shoes, which bank would you choose?"
"About that, between the bank run by the Temple of Thieves and the bank here in Luxen, both are reliable. That's all I can say."
Although Vivian had only spoken to this receptionist only a few times, based on her conversations with her, she had a feeling that she was the type who liked to gossip or get into other people's business.
I can tell that this woman wants to say more…
But the mere fact that even if this kind of woman doesn't want to explain even further already speaks volumes...
Although I now have a rough idea of what these Temples are, I'm still not 100% sure but I can't press even further…
And plus, do I really need a bank now…?
I don't even have rare and expensive items...
All I want is a place where I can keep my other belongings, like clothes, while I'm out on a quest…
"You mentioned that adventurers rent a room from an inn and whatnot to keep their other belongings there. Can you recommend me an inn or something that's safe for women to stay long term?"
The receptionist thought about it for a minute.
"If it's long-term, I know a couple of lodging houses here. How much are you willing to allocate for your monthly budget for lodging?"
Vivian thought about it for a minute before finally answering.
"Aside from safety, I want a place that's quiet and has some privacy. As for the toilet, I don't mind if it's communal as long as it's not too shabby."
"I know a place like that. The landlady is a friend of mine and only accepts female tenants. But I'm not sure if there are any vacancies. I can ask her if you like."
"Please do if it's not too much of a bother. And by the way, how much is it?"
"A shared room is 1 gold coin per month. Meanwhile, if you want your own room, I can't exactly remember but I think it was around -- 3 gold coins…?"
"3 gold coins is 30 silver coins, right?"
"Yes. You want to rent your own room?"
"Well, in case there are no vacancies in the shared rooms. But I prefer a shared room."
"True, it's better to rent a shared room, especially for your rank, because it's the fastest way you can build a network -- And oh, some tenants there are adventurers up to Gold Rank. Who knows, you might end up teaming up with them," the receptionist said and nodded with a satisfied look on her face.
Vivian didn't say anything and simply nodded as well.
Truthfully, Vivian doesn't want a shared room. She wants her own room to get some privacy, and have some alone time to ponder, relax or shut her brain down from everything even just for a moment.
And as for building a network, she understands how important it is, but she also believes in the saying: Tell me who your friends are and I'll tell you who you are.
But in this case, she was just fishing for some information. There was no way Vivian could afford that kind of rent, even the 1 gold coin per month shared room. Because as far as she knows, renting a place requires an extra 1-month deposit. So basically, assuming she will take the shared room, she will be paying 2 gold coins in the first month. So when this receptionist tells her that there's a vacancy the next time they meet, she can just say that she doesn't have that kind of money.
"By the way, are there other taverns, inns or hotels nearby that are affordable and safe to stay at, especially for women? I want to know in case there are no vacancies at Shirley's Tavern."
"Yes, there's --" the receptionist mentioned a couple of names and gave some directions.
"Thank you so much. You don't know how much you saved me. Unfortunately, I have to go because I got to reserve a room and I want to finish the quest I took before the day ends," Vivian said and flashed a friendly smile.
"No problem. I'm always happy to help. Good luck," the receptionist replied and smiled as well.
***
Vivian stepped out of the building and immediately turned to the left.
Okay, the first one I have to check is The Silver Wing Inn…
I believe she mentioned that it was this way around the corner…?
She began walking.