Genshin Impact: I Can Obtain Adventure EXP

"Hmm? You have a way?"

Lumine and Paimon raised their eyebrows, surprised that this so-called "local expert" on Ritou could claim the ability to introduce them to the Raiden Shogun.

It was entirely unexpected.

"That's right, I can indeed help you secure an audience with the Raiden Shogun. However…" Thoma coughed lightly before continuing, "such a 'connection' is a valuable commodity. You understand, don't you?"

"Wow, you sneaky guy! Don't tell me you're planning to gouge us like the others!"

Paimon crossed her arms and glared at Thoma with her starry eyes, looking as though her trust had been betrayed.

"Haha, am I that kind of person? Relax, I won't charge you any Mora. I just need a small favor in return," Thoma said with a smile.

"I figured as much. Someone as helpful as you must have something you want us to do. Just tell us what it is—if we can help, we won't refuse," Nolan replied casually, nodding with a grin.

"Haha, as expected, Mr.Nolan, you're sharp.

"You see, I, Thoma, have friends in many places. Recently, one of them has run into trouble, and unfortunately, I don't have the power to help him. That's why I'm asking for your assistance."

Thoma sighed as he explained.

"Wait, even someone as resourceful as you can't handle it?" Paimon tilted her head, stroking her soft white hair in confusion.

"Who is it?" Lumine's amber eyes showed a hint of curiosity.

"…Don't think I'm all-powerful," Thoma said, first addressing Paimon's question before turning to Lumine and Nolan.

"You've already heard about the International Trade Association.

"Their president, Kurisu, is a friend of mine. Lately, he's been troubled by issues related to taxes. Since it involves the Kanjou Commission, there's not much I can do. If you want details, you'll have to talk to him directly."

The International Trade Association and taxes... it was indeed that familiar plot from the original story.

Nolan nodded thoughtfully, remembering the details. It seemed to be another case of corruption and greed among Inazuma's officials. However, the specifics—such as the names of the culprits—were harder to recall.

After all, in the game, these minor characters were unimportant background figures. No matter how strong one's memory, it was impossible to remember someone who had left no impression.

That being the case, it would indeed be necessary to visit Kurisu, the president of the International Trade Association, for more information.

Alternatively, sneaking around and catching the corrupt officials in the act of embezzlement might also work.

"Fine, we'll help. We're used to handling these kinds of situations anyway," Lumine said with a slight sigh, running her pale hand through her golden hair and rubbing her forehead. She pursed her soft lips, her tone tinged with resignation.

"Hehe, thank you. Once you've made some progress, come find me at Old Sakehouse on Ritou," Thoma said with a smile.

"Ugh, at least give us proper directions before you leave!" Paimon exclaimed, crossing her tiny arms in frustration as Thoma started to walk away.

"Haha, my bad, my bad. I forgot."

Scratching the back of his head awkwardly, Thoma pointed and said,

"The International Trade Association is about an hour's walk in that direction.

"By the way, don't use your Wind Glider in the city. If the Shogunate soldiers on patrol catch you, they'll definitely 'fine' you heavily."

With that, he waved goodbye to Nolan and the others and walked off.

"It seems that even in Inazuma, using Wind Gliders freely in the city is prohibited," Paimon remarked, shaking her little head.

"That's normal. Both Mondstadt and Liyue Harbor have similar restrictions," Nolan explained with a shrug.

"Even with a flying permit, there are plenty of rules. For example, you can't just land on someone's house randomly, or they'd have every reason to think you're trying to steal something."

"Alright, alright, Paimon get it! Let's just hurry to this 'International Trade Association' and find their president," Paimon said, blinking her starry eyes.

She was clearly concerned they might miss dinnertime if they delayed any further.

"There's no rush," Nolan said thoughtfully. "It's already evening. At most, we'll find the president and get an understanding of the situation. We likely won't be able to complete the task today."

"True," Lumine agreed. "Let's gather the details first. But no matter what, dinner is non-negotiable."

"Of course," Paimon said seriously.

Nolan and Lumine couldn't help but chuckle at Paimon's determined tone as they started heading toward the International Trade Association.

"Hey, what are you two laughing at?" Paimon asked, her expression puzzled as she hurried to catch up.

"Oh, nothing," Lumine said with a playful smile. "I just thought of something—Paimon, you're always floating. Doesn't that count as illegal flying? Maybe you should walk for a change."

"No way! That's too tiring!" Paimon shot back, firmly rejecting Lumine's suggestion.

---

Ritou, International Trade Association

In the lit office of the International Trade Association, Kurisu, the Fontaine-born president, sat in his chair wearing a black top hat, his face filled with worry.

"Ugh, those scoundrels at the Kanjou Commission are pressuring me for taxes again. And that damned Werner—selling out his conscience to monopolize the Crystal Marrow! What a disgrace!"

Kurisu raised his hand in frustration, almost slamming it on the desk. But just before his palm hit the surface, he stopped himself. No need to take his anger out on an innocent piece of furniture.

As he sat there, lost in thought, there was a knock on the office door. A clear female voice called out:

"President Kurisu, some visitors from Liyue are here to see you."

Visitors from Liyue? Could they be merchants seeking help after encountering difficulties?

Straightening his top hat and tidying his attire, Kurisu responded, "Let them in!"

As soon as the words left his mouth, there was a soft click as the door handle turned, and the door opened.

Standing in the doorway was a local receptionist from the association, Iori Koyuki, with several strangers behind her.

One of them was a young man with short black hair, a rather proper appearance that suggested he was from Liyue. Beside him was a girl with golden hair—more common in Mondstadt than Liyue. Floating next to them was a small, white creature(Pokemon)…

What an odd group.

Normally, foreign merchants who were swindled by Inazuma's corrupt officials on Ritou would come to the International Trade Association seeking refuge. Kurisu assumed these visitors were in the same situation.

Patting his clothes, he stood and walked out to greet them.

"Friends, welcome to the International Trade Association. Let me guess—you've been bled dry by the Outlander Affairs Agency, haven't you?"

"Oh, it seems the president is quite familiar with their tactics," Nolan said, letting out a relieved sigh. "Thankfully, we had a local friend who helped us avoid the worst."

> A/N: The storylines on Ritou are unfolding quickly and will wrap up soon. Things won't follow the original plot entirely moving forward.

(End of Chapter)

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