There was nothing wrong with spending money like this.
It was not about being a sucker or not. It was about money being unable to buy happiness—for Ian, he genuinely wanted to understand the key behind this alchemy technique.
"Alchemy techniques involving time are all exceedingly precious." Ian stood before the three cauldrons radiating mysterious Magic Power Fluctuations, the nausea in his heart long replaced by intense curiosity and thirst for knowledge.
As a top-tier alchemist, he knew all too well how precious and rare Alchemical Artifacts capable of reversing or neutralizing the effects of time's erosion were! This was far more than simply "making meat fresh again." The Time Magic and principles of restoring a substance to its original state involved behind it were unquestionably an extremely advanced field of alchemical research!
"If I can figure out how these cauldrons work, or even get hold of a sample..." Ian's heart gave several disobedient leaps. To him, this thing might be worth more than several chests of Galleons! Whether it was used to restore certain ancient magical items or for his own research into Time Magic.
Items like these had immeasurable uses.
His mind raced, and he immediately came up with an idea. Without drawing attention to himself, he pulled over the attendant who had led him in earlier and went to a relatively quiet corner of the kitchen.
The attendant looked at Ian in confusion, unsure what else this distinguished customer wanted to ask.
Ian said nothing. He merely smiled faintly and turned over his palm. Several gold coins, as readily accepted in the African marketplace as Galleons, appeared in his hand, gleaming enticingly in the dim light. He gently slipped the coins into the attendant's hand, lowered his voice, and spoke in simple English mixed with gestures.
"Brother,