Brown with a tinge of green... Could it be some kind of radioactive mineral?
That was Angel's first reaction, but she quickly recalled that a certain type of Copper Mine had exactly this coloration. Unlike chalcopyrite, known as "fool's gold," this was a mineral one could tell at a glance was different from gold.
She stepped closer, trying to confirm it, but this alerted Layton. He took two steps back, put the "gold ore" back into the bucket, held it protectively against his chest, and asked in a low voice:
"Is something wrong?"
At his words, the temporary miners working nearby all glanced over, their eyes filled with undisguised wariness and rejection.
Angel shook her head, no longer trying to argue with these people who were clearly somewhat abnormal.
"No, I was just curious. Is this the first piece of 'gold' you've dug up?"
"Of course not. We get several hauls like this every day. By my estimate, once we find someone to separate and refine it, we'll bring in more than a hundred pounds a day. Split evenly, we'll already be making thirty pounds this week. This is a great job with an annual salary of over a thousand pounds!"
Really? I thought that chunk of copper ore wouldn't even sell for a few soli...
Angel looked at the small bucket of ore, momentarily at a loss for words.
No wonder this group had arrived so happily and started digging with such enthusiasm. They had mistaken worthless copper for gold and believed they could get rich overnight. It would have been fine if they really could dig up gold, but the problem was...
She sighed inwardly, forced out a smile, and said:
"Then I hope you dig up a few more pieces today."
Looking at the mine shaft they