Change

In the mystical village of Coinholt, you stand behind the counter of your bakery, arranging a fresh batch of pastries. The door creaks open, and in walks Denara, a skilled merchant with a keen eye for quality goods. After a quick meal, she slides a shimmering coin across the counter, representing a value of 100 units.

You smile, taking the coin, and glance at the total cost of the meal: 88 units. That means you need to return 12 units in change.

Denara holds out her hand expectantly. "Just give me the fewest coins," she says with a smile. "My pouch is already full, and I don't want to risk losing them on the road."

You know you have a few options. "We have Lumis (worth 10 units), Viras (worth 5 units), and Zenth (worth 2 units) available for change."

You quickly calculate the possibilities in your head:

• one Lumis (1 × 10 units) + one Zenth (1 × 2 units) = 2 coins total
• two Viras (2 × 5 units) + one Zenth (1 × 2 units) = 3 coins total
• six Zenth (6 × 2 units) = 6 coins total

"The best choice is two coins: one Lumis and one Zenth," you say, handing her the change.

Denara smiles, clearly impressed. "As always, you've got it right."