Chapter 13

Unlike the somewhat rigid Inazumans, this foreigner clearly knew how to handle people.

He enthusiastically chatted with the soldiers, making some subtle gestures that gradually brought smiles to their previously stern faces.

Before long, he had completely won them over.

This was a rare sight in Ritou.

Foreigners were usually only exploited by these "vampires," not treated as friends.

Due to the Sakoku Decree, Ritou had almost completely lost contact with the outside world.

Aside from the very few who had special permits, almost no one came near this area.

So when Bai Luo strolled over from a distance, he immediately caught their attention.

The Mondstadter whispered a few words to the soldiers and pulled something out from his pocket.

The soldiers from the Kanjou Commission initially pretended to refuse but then discreetly accepted what the Mondstadter handed them.

To them, Bai Luo, who was walking leisurely toward them, might as well have been invisible.

After thanking the soldiers, the Mondstadter walked straight toward Bai Luo.

"Hey there, heading to Ritou?"

Just like his golden hair and his red-themed attire, the man radiated a kind of warm, sunny energy.

Standing next to him felt like basking in sunlight.

It made you feel lazy and inclined to trust him completely.

But Bai Luo wasn't fooled.

Because he knew exactly who this seemingly warm and friendly man was.

Thoma, born in Mondstadt, currently served as the chief retainer of the Kamisato Clan, one of the three commissions, and was the most trusted confidant of the Kamisato Clan head.

Bai Luo had thought that as a Fatui Harbinger, he would immediately draw the attention of the sly fox from the Grand Narukami Shrine upon arriving in Inazuma.

But before the fox could make a move, the Kamisato Clan had already set their sights on him.

First, the little ninja last night, and now their most trusted retainer.

Tsk tsk...

What if I just kidnap your little sister ahead of schedule?

"Hey, friend? Don't worry, I've smoothed things over. Just follow me in."

Seeing Bai Luo's silence, Thoma took the initiative to strike up a conversation again.

Such a friendly gesture would have been unusual coming from an Inazuman.

But Thoma had Mondstadt blood, and his appearance inherited his mother's Mondstadt traits, so his behavior didn't feel out of place at all.

This free-spirited demeanor gave him a unique charm.

Even the traditionally rigid Inazuman attire seemed lively and vibrant on him.

This was one of the reasons he had built such an extensive network of connections.

No one could resist someone so warm and welcoming.

"Thanks."

Bai Luo didn't act too cold, but he also didn't get overly familiar.

After thanking Thoma in a perfectly normal tone, he followed him into Ritou.

Along the way, Thoma acted as if he had no idea who Bai Luo was, enthusiastically introducing the sights and stories of Ritou.

"Legend has it that hundreds of years ago, Hiiragi Hiroshi of the Kanjou Commission miraculously built a thriving trade center on a barren island, earning the Shogun's admiration. That's how Ritou came to be. Not just Ritou, but even Konda Village across the way prospered from exporting dyes. Hiiragi Hiroshi once proposed a plan to connect all of Ritou with corridors, but unfortunately..."

At this point, Thoma stopped speaking.

Because both of them knew what happened next.

During the Sakoku Decree, the Kanjou Commission's offices remained brightly lit, but the foreign merchants had dwindled, no longer bustling as they had a century ago.

Perhaps this was the best representation of mortal endeavors.

What rises in a night can fall in a morning.

But it's always the people at the bottom who suffer the most.

"Anyway, even though Ritou has declined, the red maple leaves and cherry blossoms here are truly a sight to behold. If you want to learn more about this place, I can show you around. I know some great spots."

Unconsciously, Thoma had positioned himself as the host.

In a way, he had already taken the initiative.

"Thanks, but I'm here to find someone."

Glancing again at the Vision on Thoma's waist, Bai Luo replied coolly.

If Thoma were genuinely just a friendly guy, Bai Luo wouldn't mind making friends with him.

Unfortunately, this guy was clearly here to fish for information.

If it were anyone else, they might feel incredibly awkward in this situation.

But Thoma didn't show any signs of discomfort.

"I see. Well, let's catch up another time. If you need anything, feel free to reach out. I have a bit of influence around here."

Sensing something, Thoma decisively ended the conversation with Bai Luo.

The reason he had built such an impressive network in Inazuma wasn't just because of his boundless enthusiasm.

Reading people was an essential skill.

Realizing that Bai Luo's attitude toward him wasn't quite right, he wisely withdrew before things could escalate.

With this foundation, future interactions would be much easier.

Thoma understood the importance of playing the long game.

After he disappeared down the street, a figure quietly appeared beside Bai Luo.

In fact, A-Qi had been following them in stealth ever since Bai Luo returned to Ritou.

But aside from Bai Luo, who had marked him, Thoma hadn't noticed a thing.

"Instructor, should we investigate this guy?"

A-Qi didn't ask where Bai Luo had been last night or bring up anything unnecessary. Instead, he straightforwardly volunteered to investigate Thoma.

Because even he could tell that this Mondstadter was a bit suspicious.

"No need. I already know enough about him."

The current situation was that Bai Luo knew a great deal about the Yashiro Commission and Kamisato Ayato.

But the other side knew nothing about him.

Sending A-Qi to investigate might just complicate things.

After all, Thoma was a Vision holder.

He was no ordinary person.

"Understood."

After responding to Bai Luo, A-Qi hesitated, as if he wanted to say more.

"Is there something else?"

As one of his most trusted subordinates, A-Qi could never hide anything from Bai Luo.

So his unease didn't escape Bai Luo's notice.

"Instructor, we received news last night. The Balladeer is coming to Inazuma soon."

The Balladeer, the Sixth of the Fatui Harbingers, was undoubtedly Bai Luo's senior.

But during his time in Snezhnaya, Bai Luo had never met this colleague.

Even when the Tsaritsa announced his promotion to Harbinger, the Balladeer hadn't shown up.

"Didn't the Tsaritsa say that Inazuma was my responsibility?"

A-Qi had expected his instructor to be angry, but Bai Luo's tone didn't sound upset at all.

In fact, he seemed almost... happy.

And he wasn't trying to hide it.

"The Balladeer has other business to attend to. He won't interfere with your work, but he hopes you can cooperate with him when necessary."

"Tch, is that so?"

Hearing that the Balladeer wasn't here to replace him, Bai Luo visibly lost interest.

After all, the Balladeer was the one truly suited for Inazuma.

Not just because it was his homeland.

As the Raiden Shogun's older brother and Ei's son...

No matter how much he messed around, he wouldn't get struck down.

Maybe... I should try to trick him?