Chapter 289: Paimon

Lumine never expected that from Mondstadt to Liyue, and then to Inazuma,

the people she encountered didn't treat Mora as currency. This wasn't printed paper money; it was a genuine alchemical product.

No matter how she pondered it, she couldn't figure it out.

It wasn't until the group finished their residency procedures accompanied by Baihua and emerged from the Yuanguojian Office that Thoma explained the reason under the two's gaze.

"Don't think it's easy. If you don't have local friends and are just a weak-willed foreign merchant, you'd likely be ruthlessly extorted for a huge sum just like that."

Lumine and Paimon were speechless.

Hearing Luo Li, however, could understand: "Being a stranger in a strange land, and with Inazuma now under a closed-border policy, outsiders truly have no other way; at most, they huddle together for warmth."

This could be seen from the fact that outsiders were called 'foreigners'.

Thoma smiled: "It's best that Mr. Hearing Luo Li understands. Even if those outsiders form the International Trade Association, they can only barely survive, and under the current Kanjou Commission... forget it, better not to say more."

Changing the subject, he asked with full goodwill what the three's purpose was.

"I don't know what business brings the three of you to Inazuma. If there's anything I can help with, I will certainly go all out."

Lumine replied: "I came here to meet the Raiden Shogun."

"Uh... that is truly a grand goal for you all."

Thoma laughed dryly. For a few stowaways to want to personally meet the Raiden Shogun was, logically speaking, simply wishful thinking.

However, considering the great feats they had achieved in Mondstadt and Liyue, it didn't seem entirely impossible.

"And this gentleman?"

Hearing Luo Li gazed toward Inazuma City at the far end of Ritou and said leisurely: "Naturally, to see some old friends I haven't met in a long time."

"Has Mr. Hearing Luo Li been to Inazuma before?"

"In a certain sense, it should be even earlier than you imagine."

Without waiting for Thoma to ask, he continued: "You should have a way to introduce Lumine to the Raiden Shogun, so let's hear it."

Thoma chuckled: "I really can't hide anything from you, sir. Well, if I use all my resources, there is indeed a way, but before that, connections are also a resource that needs to be exchanged. You understand what I mean, right?"

Lumine, Paimon: "..."

You might as well just say you need a tool person.

They were puzzled; why were they being ordered around and needed everywhere they went?

Although their goal of seeing the Archon was indeed not simple, the thought of having to run around again gave them a headache.

"Fine, I understand. What are the requirements? Let's hear them."

After a long while, Lumine finally compromised helplessly.

There was no other way; relying solely on themselves without any outside power to enter the Tenshukaku in Inazuma City to meet the Raiden Shogun was no less than a pipe dream.

Unless they fought their way there, but that would be pure suicide.

Thoma seized the opportunity and quickly said: "Actually, it's nothing major. The person who needs help is the International Trade Association I mentioned just a moment ago. Its president, Kurisu, is a good friend of mine. He has been troubled by a problem recently and hopes you can help him solve it."

"Aren't you the local expert? If even you can't solve it, why do you need me to go?"

"Haha, aren't you the hero of the dragon disaster and the one who fought the Archon? How could I compare?"

After a wave of flattery, Thoma said with a very sincere expression: "I truly want everyone to live in harmony, rather than being full of deceit and calculation. I hope you can help me, Traveler."

Holding her forehead, Lumine felt extremely helpless.

Since things had reached this point, what other choice did she have?

"Fine, I agree."

Thoma seemed to have known all along that she couldn't refuse, and with a happy smile, he said: "Then I'll wait for your good news."

Lumine shook her head slightly, preparing to set off with Paimon, but as she turned, she noticed Hearing Luo Li remained unmoved.

"Eh, Mr. Hearing Luo Li, aren't you coming?" Paimon was very puzzled.

Everyone came together, so of course they should act together; you can't just slack off here waiting.

Who knew that Hearing Luo Li was truly thinking exactly that.

"You go ahead; I have my own things to do."

"Ah?"

Paimon was greatly shocked, but just as she was about to say something, she noticed Lumine had an expression of having expected this all along.

Hearing Luo Li smiled slightly, looked at Lumine, and said: "I believe in your ability. Sooner or later, you will be able to see the Raiden Shogun. There might be some twists and turns, but just remember your initial purpose..."

"As a blessing for having traveled together for so long, take this with you. I believe it should be able to protect your safety."

Handing the crystal-clear jade pendant engraved with the ancient seal character 'Li' hanging at his waist to Lumine, Hearing Hearing Luo Li words were profound, and at this moment, Lumine did not yet understand.

She treasured the jade pendant and tucked it into her bosom. Although she didn't know the deep meaning, she understood that Hearing Luo Li could not possibly harm her.

"Okay, I understand. I definitely won't lose it."

Seeing this, Paimon muttered on the side: "It looks so valuable. I wonder how much Mora it's worth?"

Hearing Luo Li said with a half-smile: "You are welcome to take it and sell it, just be a little careful about the consequences."

Paimon waved her hands sheepishly and quickly shook her head.

"That, I was just joking, hehe."

Lumine had nothing to say to her companion who only had eyes for money.

Mr. Hearing Luo Li would never give her something useless for no reason; it seemed this item would play an important role in the future.

Feeling the warm jade pendant pressed against her heart, the girl tapped Paimon on the head.

"Alright, we should go."

"Ouch, that hurts! Don't hit my head, you'll make me stupid!"

Paimon watched Lumine's retreating back and quickly followed, muttering in protest while flying.

"Paimon is already stupid enough; it doesn't matter if you make me a little stupider."

"I'm not!"

As the sound of the two bickering gradually faded away, Hearing Luo Li nodded to Thoma in farewell.

This close servant of the Heron Princess would likely guide the tool duo to Inazuma City to reform the wind of the Vision Hunt Decree set by the Raiden Shogun.

Of course, before that, there would be some tests, but that had nothing to do with Hearing Luo Li.

With the ability of the tool duo, passing the tests would not be a problem.

Furthermore, without Signora giving orders to Hiiragi Shinsuke of the Kanjou Commission to delay Lumine, it shouldn't be difficult for her to leave Ritou now.

Therefore, Hearing Luo Li could completely rest assured and let her venture out on her own.

When she meets Raiden Ei, he would provide a heads-up in advance, so that when he appears, it wouldn't seem so abrupt.

Anyway, since they are tool people, it shouldn't be a problem for him to use them, right?