After teasing Thoma right to his face, Beidou finally prepares to introduce Luo Li and the others.
Before she can speak, Thoma smiles warmly.
"The reputation of the outlander Traveler travels farther than even the storms beyond the sea. I've long heard of you. I've been looking forward to meeting you."
Paimon scratches her head shyly.
"Hehehe, you flatter us. It's not that exaggerated…"
Lumine shoots her a side glance.
Did Venti infect you or something?
After the pleasantries, Thoma turns to Luo Li.
"And this gentleman is?"
"Luo Li."
Thoma nods politely and greets him with equal courtesy.
Although the Traveler is clearly the key figure here, Thoma doesn't underestimate anyone. To him, processing two or three entry permits makes no difference. He firmly believes in making more friends rather than fewer.
Luo Li studies the blond young man briefly.
If he remembers correctly, this Mondstadt-born youth is now the housekeeper of the Kamisato Clan — one of the Three Commissions of Inazuma.
Seeing everyone acquainted, Beidou claps her hands.
"My job as middlewoman ends here. The crew's waiting on me, so I'll leave you to it."
She turns and bids farewell.
"Traveler. Mr. Luo Li. Next time we meet, we're drinking properly."
"Of course! Bye, Captain Beidou!"
Lumine and Paimon watch her stride away.
Registration at Ritou
"Let's not stand around. We should register at the inspection station first."
Thoma leads them toward the Ritou checkpoint.
Under the Sakoku Decree, entry procedures are strict. Without proper documentation, one becomes effectively stateless — unable to move freely, possibly even expelled.
At the port inspection office, a woman named Inagi handles the paperwork.
With Thoma's connections smoothing things over, the three of them pass the initial entry check easily.
However, entry alone isn't enough.
To remain in Ritou, they must register at the Outlander Affairs Agency under the Kanjou Commission.
Along the way, Luo Li observes the surroundings carefully.
Ritou has not changed much from five hundred years ago.
There are more merchants now. More goods. More variety.
But something feels different.
The locals' expressions.
There are fewer smiles — especially when foreigners pass by. The looks are… strained.
Not welcoming.
Thoma apologizes gently.
"Because of the Sakoku Decree, Inazumans aren't very friendly toward outsiders."
Lumine nods in understanding, though she and Paimon still admire the scenery.
Scarlet maple leaves decorate the island beautifully. In the distance, clusters of pink sakura bloom faintly.
The architecture is wooden, yet distinct from Liyue's style.
On many public buildings along the main roads, an intricate emblem is carved.
Paimon points.
"What's that symbol?"
Before Thoma answers, Luo Li speaks calmly.
"That is the Raiden clan's crest — the Triple Tomoe of Thunder. Only renowned generals and elite retainers may bear that insignia."
Thoma looks surprised.
"You know quite a bit about Inazuma. Yes, that is the Shogun's crest. Only the Okujou and bannered troops are permitted to display it."
Paimon murmurs in amazement.
"So strict…"
The Outrageous Fee
They arrive at the Outlander Affairs Agency.
The official in charge is another woman — Hiiragi Chisato's subordinate, named Momoyo.
She greets them with a polite smile.
"You're here to process residency permits?"
Thoma nods.
"Yes, for all three."
Paimon glances around happily.
They're including her too!
For once, she isn't being treated as a floating pet.
Her mood improves instantly.
Until—
"Please pay the processing fee. Three million Mora. One million per person."
Paimon freezes.
"…What?"
Three million Mora?!
That's not a fee. That's a robbery.
Even combined, they don't have that much.
Lumine and Paimon go completely blank.
This isn't just overcharging — this is bleeding them dry.
Luo Li remains calm.
Ritou is no longer what it once was when Hiiragi Hiroshi first established it. These so-called "processing fees" are simply a private revenue stream. Whatever amount is paid ultimately fills certain officials' pockets.
Paimon rushes to Luo Li's side and whispers urgently,
"Do something! Weren't you important here five hundred years ago? Don't you know anyone high-ranking who can help?!"
He replies leisurely,
"That was five hundred years ago. No one would recognize me now."
Paimon nearly faints.
Is Thoma working with them to scam us?!
Wait until Beidou hears about this!
Just moments ago he seemed so friendly!
And Luo Li — always acting untouchable — suddenly silent when money's involved.
Unreliable!
Before despair fully sets in, Luo Li finally speaks calmly.
"Relax. The local snake hasn't spoken yet."
Paimon looks up.
Thoma steps forward with an easy smile and begins negotiating.
Three million Mora becomes six hundred thousand.
"…Still too expensive!" Paimon protests.
Before she can finish—
Six hundred thousand becomes nine hundred Mora.
Nine.
Hundred.
Mora.
Lumine and Paimon stare in absolute shock.
You can bargain like that?!
Does Inazuma have a completely different concept of money?!