Lumine never expected that from Mondstadt to Liyue, and now to Inazuma, people would treat Mora as if it weren't real money.
It wasn't printed paper currency.
It was literal alchemical currency.
No matter how she thought about it, she couldn't understand.
Only after they completed their residency paperwork under Momoyo's supervision and exited the Outlander Affairs Agency did Thoma explain.
"Don't think it's easy. Without local connections — and if you're a soft-hearted foreign merchant — you really might have been extorted for that full amount."
Lumine and Paimon fell silent.
Luo Li, however, understood.
"When you're a stranger in a foreign land, you're at a disadvantage. With Inazuma under lockdown, outsiders have few options — at best, they can only band together for warmth."
Even the term used for foreigners — outsiders — said enough.
Thoma smiled.
"I'm glad Mr. Luo Li understands. Even the International Trade Association can only barely survive. And under the current Kanjou Commission… well, never mind."
He shifted the topic.
"So, what brings the three of you to Inazuma? If there's anything I can help with, I'll do my best."
Lumine answered directly.
"I've come to meet the Raiden Shogun."
Thoma gave a dry laugh.
"That's… quite an ambitious goal."
Three unofficial arrivals wanting a personal audience with the Electro Archon.
Ordinarily, that would be absurd.
But considering what they accomplished in Mondstadt and Liyue… perhaps not impossible.
"And you, sir?"
Luo Li gazed toward Inazuma City in the distance.
"I'm here to meet some old friends I haven't seen in a long time."
"You've been to Inazuma before?"
"In a sense… much earlier than you might imagine."
Before Thoma could probe further, Luo Li continued,
"You should have a method to introduce Lumine to the Shogun. Why not explain it?"
Thoma chuckled awkwardly.
"I can't hide much from you, can I? If I use all my connections, there is a way. But connections are also resources… and resources require exchange. You understand?"
Lumine and Paimon: "…"
Just say you need us to run errands.
Why did it feel like everywhere they went, they ended up working for someone?
After a long pause, Lumine sighed.
"Fine. What do you need?"
Thoma brightened immediately.
"It's nothing major. The International Trade Association's president, Kurisu, is a good friend of mine. He's run into some trouble. If you could help him resolve it, I'll arrange the introduction."
"You're the local expert. Why can't you solve it yourself?"
Thoma laughed sheepishly.
"I can't compare to the hero who saved Mondstadt and faced down gods in Liyue."
Then, more sincerely:
"I truly want people here to coexist peacefully — not drown in suspicion and schemes. Please help."
Lumine pressed her fingers to her forehead.
What choice did she have?
Without assistance, reaching Tenshukaku would be impossible — unless she fought her way in, which would be suicide.
"…Alright. I'll help."
Thoma smiled knowingly.
"I'll be waiting for good news."
Lumine turned to leave with Paimon — only to notice Luo Li hadn't moved.
"Eh? Aren't you coming?" Paimon asked, confused.
They arrived together. Of course they'd act together… right?
Luo Li smiled faintly.
"You go ahead. I have matters of my own."
"Ah?!"
Paimon blinked in shock.
But Lumine, surprisingly, didn't seem surprised at all.
Luo Li looked at her calmly.
"I trust in your ability. You'll meet the Raiden Shogun eventually. There may be obstacles along the way — but remember why you started."
He removed a jade pendant from his waist — crystal-clear, engraved with the ancient character "Li."
"As a blessing for our journey thus far… keep this with you. I believe it will protect you."
Lumine didn't fully grasp the deeper meaning in his tone.
But she accepted it solemnly and placed it close to her heart.
"I won't lose it."
Paimon leaned closer, whispering,
"It looks expensive… how much Mora do you think it's worth?"
Luo Li smiled in a way that was not entirely reassuring.
"You're free to sell it. Just be careful of the consequences."
Paimon waved her hands frantically.
"I was joking! Totally joking!"
Lumine shook her head at her companion's hopeless fixation on money.
She could sense it — Luo Li would never give her something meaningless.
The jade pendant felt warm against her chest.
She tapped Paimon lightly on the head.
"Let's go."
"Ow! Don't hit my head! I'll get dumber!"
"You're already dumb enough."
"I am not!"
Their bickering voices gradually faded into the distance.
Luo Li nodded to Thoma in farewell.
The Kamisato Clan's loyal retainer would guide the Traveler toward Inazuma City — toward challenging the Vision Hunt Decree itself.
There would be trials.
But none of that concerned Luo Li.
With their ability, they would manage.
Besides, without certain external interference delaying her at Ritou, leaving the island should not be difficult.
He could let her proceed alone.
When she meets Raiden Ei, perhaps she will unknowingly lay the groundwork.
So that when he appears…
It won't feel abrupt.