Chapter 13: Passionate Thomas

Compared to the typically reserved people of Inazuma, this foreigner was noticeably more adept at dealing with others.

He warmly engaged in conversation with several soldiers, subtly performing some small gestures that soon had them smiling—an uncommon sight on Ritou. Foreigners usually only faced exploitation from these "vampires," never friendship.

Due to the Sakoku Decree, Ritou had nearly severed all connections with the outside world. Aside from the few who possessed travel permits, no one came near this area.

So when Bai Luo approached leisurely from a distance, the soldiers quickly took notice.

The man from Mondstadt exchanged a few words with the soldiers, pulling something from his coat. The soldiers initially put up a show of polite refusal, but soon they discreetly pocketed what he offered. As Bai Luo drew nearer, he seemed to become invisible to the soldiers, who now regarded him as nothing more than air.

After thanking the soldiers, the man from Mondstadt strode toward Bai Luo.

"Hey there, friend! Heading to Ritou?" His bright golden hair and red-accented outfit exuded a warmth that seemed to radiate from his entire being. Standing next to him felt like basking in sunlight, making one want to trust him completely.

But Bai Luo didn't fall for it. He knew exactly who this seemingly friendly man was.

Thoma, originally from Mondstadt, was now the housekeeper for the Kamisato Clan of the Yashiro Commission, one of the three great Commissions in Inazuma. He was also Kamisato Ayato's most trusted confidant.

Bai Luo had expected that as a Fatui Harbinger, his arrival in Inazuma would immediately catch the attention of the sly fox at the Grand Narukami Shrine. But to his surprise, the fox hadn't made any moves yet—while the Kamisato Clan, through their trusted retainer, had already set their sights on him.

First, there was the little ninja from last night, and now they had sent their top aide.

Tsk tsk...Does he believe that I will kidnap his own sister in advance?

"What's the matter, friend? No need to worry—I've already smoothed things over for you. Just follow me, and we'll get you in without any trouble." Seeing Bai Luo's silence, Thoma tried to strike up the conversation again.

Such enthusiasm might seem strange coming from an Inazuman, but Thoma's Mondstadt heritage made his actions feel perfectly natural. His free-spirited behavior gave him a unique charm, making even the traditionally rigid Inazuman attire he wore seem lively and vibrant.

This ability to connect with others was one of the reasons he had built such a strong network in Inazuma. No one wanted to reject someone as warm as Thoma.

"Thank you," Bai Luo replied, neither too cold nor overly familiar. After offering a polite thanks, he followed Thoma into Ritou.

As they walked, Thoma kept up a cheerful stream of conversation, seemingly unaware of Bai Luo's true identity. He enthusiastically pointed out the sights of Ritou, sharing the stories behind them.

"Legend has it that hundreds of years ago, Hiiragi Hiroshi, an official of the Kanjou Commission, miraculously transformed this barren island into a thriving trade hub that even impressed the Shogun. That's what Ritou is today. Not just Ritou—across the water, the village of Konda also became prosperous through its dye exports. Lord Hiiragi even once proposed building a corridor to connect all of Ritou... but sadly..."

At this point, Thoma trailed off, not finishing the tale. Both men knew what had happened next. During the years of the Sakoku Decree, while the Kanjou Commission's halls remained brightly lit, the once-bustling foreign traders had vanished, leaving the port desolate.

Perhaps this was the best metaphor for human endeavor. What rises in an instant can fall just as quickly. But it's always the common people who suffer the most.

"Enough of that," Thoma said, shifting the topic. "Even though Ritou has declined a lot, the crimson leaves and cherry blossoms here are still a rare and beautiful sight. If you want to learn more about this place, I'd be happy to show you around. I know some great spots!"

Without realizing it, Thoma had positioned himself as the host. In some ways, he had taken control of the situation.

"I appreciate the offer, but I'm here to find someone," Bai Luo replied coolly, glancing at the Vision on Thoma's waist. If Thoma had been nothing more than a genuinely friendly person, Bai Luo might have considered befriending him. But it was clear Thoma was fishing for information.

For most people, the situation would have become awkward, but Thoma didn't seem the least bit anxious.

"I see. Well, if you ever want to meet up, just let me know. I have a bit of influence around here, so feel free to reach out if you need anything."

Sensing something, Thoma wisely ended the conversation and excused himself. The reason he had managed to build such an extensive network in Inazuma wasn't just because of his boundless enthusiasm—he was also highly skilled at reading the room.

Noticing Bai Luo's subtle change in attitude, Thoma had tactfully withdrawn before the situation could worsen. With this connection established, future interactions would be much easier.

As Thoma disappeared down the street, a figure quietly appeared beside Bai Luo. In truth, ever since Bai Luo had returned to Ritou, Ah Qi had been trailing them, remaining unseen except to Bai Luo, who had marked him earlier.

"Boss, should we investigate this guy?" Ah Qi asked directly, skipping over pleasantries and getting straight to the point. He could sense that this Mondstadter was somewhat unusual.

"No need. I know what he's up to," Bai Luo replied. He was well aware of the Yashiro Commission and Kamisato Ayato, while they knew little about him. Sending Ah Qi to investigate might only complicate matters. After all, Thoma was no ordinary person; as a Vision bearer, he was far from weak.

"Understood." Ah Qi nodded but hesitated, clearly wanting to say more.

"Is there something else on your mind?" Bai Luo asked, noticing Ah Qi's unease. As one of his most trusted aides, Ah Qi rarely kept anything hidden from him.

"Boss, we just received word last night that The Balladeer will be coming to Inazuma soon."

Scaramouche, the Sixth of the Fatui Harbingers, was Bai Luo's senior in the organization. However, during his time in Snezhnaya, Bai Luo had never met him. Not even when the Tsaritsa had announced Bai Luo's promotion to Harbinger—Scaramouche had been absent.

"Didn't the Tsaritsa say that Inazuma was my responsibility?" Bai Luo asked, sounding more amused than angry, much to Ah Qi's surprise.

"The Balladeer has other matters to attend to. He won't interfere with your work. He just hopes that you'll cooperate with him if necessary."

"Tch, I see," Bai Luo replied, losing interest now that he knew Scaramouche wasn't coming to replace him. After all, Inazuma was more suited to Scaramouche, not only because it was his homeland but also because, as the Raiden Shogun's brother and Ei's son, he was unlikely to face any serious threat here.

Maybe... he should try to rope him in?