The group then meet again while heading back to Guyun Stone Forest where the Alcor, The Crux Fleet's flagship is anchored.
Beidou disembarks with Aether, Paimon and Sekai at Ritou before being greeted by one of Beidou business associate.
His name is Thoma. Thoma outfit is a fusion of Western-style attire with part of samurai armor. He wears a decorative, red and black cropped jacket over a black shirt, along with a pair of silver dog tags hanging around his neck. The buttoned cuffs of his gold-trimmed kote-like sleeves are patterned with a fleur- de-lis design. He wears a black metal headband on his head, with gold-accented horns resembling the maedate (front crest) of a kabuto helmet. He wears a Pyro Vision on his belt, in addition to a kusazuri (tassel) adorned with flaming Kamisato Clan crests on the other hip. The same crest is marked on the poleyns of his boot-laced suneate (shin guards) with tabi shoes. He also has small, red studded earrings.
Thoma: Ahoy, there! So, you finally made it. You sure kept me waiting, Captain. And it appears we have few stowaways… or perhaps I should say—honored guest
Paimon: "Hey! Shush!"
Paimon scolded nervously as Aether shook his head, even Sekai looked at him with a deadpanned look.
Beidou: "You can blame your Almighty Shogun. The tempests around Inazuma have been growing all the fiercer lately. Though the fleet was fully up to the challenge, the inclement weather still caused some delay. Now then, let me introduce everyone. This is Thoma, a trade partner that I've gotten to know recently."
Thoma: "Heh, you don't know how long I've been waiting to see you." Thoma smiled
Beidou: "Thoma, these three are—"
Beidou was about to introduce them only to be cut by Thoma,
Thoma: "No need for introductions, their reputation precedes them. Seems even the stormy seas can't keep rumors of these outlanders' sterling deeds at bay."
Sekai: "The rumors are spreading out so fast. I just hope it was a good one at least…"
Aether: "Surely the rumors exaggerate. You think they know about our shenanigans at that time?
Sekai: Hope not…
Paimon: "Hehe, it's sure nice to hear you say that~"
Beidou: "Ha, with any luck, it'll give you a head start here. You three, Thoma's resided on Ritou for quite some time now. It wouldn't be going too far to say he's the fixer around these parts.
Beidou: If you run into any problems here, just talk to Thoma. But if he tries to pull any moves on you, I'll be sure to deal with him personally the next time I'm around."
Thoma: "Hehehe, no need to worry. I'm sure we'll get along just fine."
Beidou: Good. Then if it's all settled, I'll be going. I wouldn't want to be caught with my sails down here, I do have a wanted fugitive on board, after all.
Paimon: Oh, right. Kazuha...
Beidou: Until next time, Travelers. Remember to give it your all, no matter what perilous "storms" you may encounter.
Aether: We got this.
Sekai: Look forward to seeing you again Boss.
Paimon: Fair seas, Captain Beidou! Bye-bye!
Beidou then went back to Alcor.
…
Thoma: Now then, first things first, we need to go get you registered at the border checkpoint.
Paimon: Um, Paimon thought we were supposed to be keeping things on the down low... Are we just gonna walk into the government's hands?
Thoma: Haha, don't underestimate the reaches of the Sakoku Decree. You wouldn't be able to avoid inspection even if you tried. So, we have to play by the rules... even if we're kind of bending them.
Aether: Oh... Okay then...
As the group walked around then met the inspector named Kageyama
???: Hello, please state your name, identity, and the purpose of your visit. Oh, except you, Thoma. You must be... new here.
Paimon: (awkwardly laughed) "Heh..."
???: Excuse me? Please provide the information requested, and also declare any goods you are carrying with you.
Aether: (nervous) We are here to... apple cider. And ore."
???: Currently, only members of the International Trade Association are authorized to engage in the import and export of goods. Do you have your trader's permits?
Paimon: (stuttered nervously) Um... uh... w-we-uh...
???: "My apologies, but I'll have to ask you to—"
The officer got interrupted
Thoma: Here are their entry papers, for your kind perusal.
Paimon: What!? Ugh, take your time! No rush or anything!
Thoma: Haha, I just wanted to see what you'd say... sorry about that.
Kageyama: ...I see, okay. Your papers are all in order. Welcome to Ritou.
Paimon: Pheeeew... So, where do we go next?
Thoma: The Outlander Affairs Agency. They only check entry permits here. If you want to remain on Ritou, there's a process you have to go through with them.
Paimon: Sheesh, so it is super strict, just like everyone says.
Thoma: Well, let's not forget that to everyday folk in Inazuma, people from everywhere else are referred to as "outsiders." As the word suggests, outlanders aren't very welcome in Inazuma with the in force. Not even on Ritou, where they've established an Outsider Settlement.
Aether: Welcome or not, we don't have a choice.
Thoma: Hehe, I like how you think. I've got a feeling we're going to get along very well. Now. Let's head over to the Outlander Affairs Agency. Most of the current rules were put in place by the administration of Ritou - the Kanjou Commission."
Thoma shared as they walked to their destination
Paimon: The Kanjou Commission?
Thoma: Yes, one branch of the Tri-Commission of Inazuma. Responsible for growing and managing the nation's wealth. Um... you really haven't heard of it before?
They shook their heads and continued to walk in silence until they arrived at Outlander Affair Agency. They got to know the staff name call Yurika. Which Sekai seriously want to mark this lady as simper…
Yurika: You've completed the entry procedures, yes? And now you want to apply for residency? Both of you?
Paimon: Yes, please!
Yurika: Okay. The processing fee will be two million Mora.
This statement made them shocked except Thoma, that kind of bullshit right. Sekai suspect that this office is somehow emblaze their income for something. Just add another 1 million they can get Incense for Morax Rite of Parting and they need that amount just for processing fee…
Paimon: {shock) T-Two million! For a processing fee? Are you serious!?
Yurika: That's right, one million per applicant, which makes two million total. Don't worry, you can trust my math.
Yurika said with a smile but that doesn't help them better
Paimon: Paimon wasn't so much questioning your math as... Ugh...
Thoma: Hahaha... Ma'am, these three here are good friends of mine. I think you'll find I'm one face you recognize."
Yurika: Ah, Mr. Thoma, it's you. By way of courtesy, allow me to reduce it to 400,000 Mora total.
Aether: (sweat-dropped) That is a major discount...
Thoma: Thank you ever so much, Miss Yurika. But as this is just a processing fee... I think 600 Mora should cover it if I'm paying on their behalf? I'll treat you to dinner, too. How does that sound?
Paimon: That's not how you haggle! By all means, bargain the price down, but—
Yurika: (nodded) Alright then. As you wish, Mr. Thoma. I will make a record.
Thoma: Hee-hee, much obliged.
He laughed as the group looked at the two with incredulous gazes
Sekai: Hmph… simper!
Yurika leads them inside the building
The residency application is processed smoothly at the Outlander Affairs Agency Thoma and the group leave for the entrance to the Agency
Paimon: (unease) What!? She went from two million down to 600? There's something seriously wrong with people's sense of finance around here!
Sekai: I think it's about more than the Mora.
Aether: Reminds me of someone else with Mora...
Thoma: Hehe, it's not as mind-boggling as you think. "Processing fee" is just a figure of speech. The way some here at the agency see it, the fees are easy money, so it becomes a question of how much they can make. So, when the day comes that some poor merchant from overseas with more money than sense gets stuck here and needs to apply for residency..."
Paimon: Then they'll milk them for all they're worth!
Thoma: (nodded) Exactly. It's at times like this that having a local friend really comes in handy."
Aether: (frown) That's blatant oppression against outlanders... Doesn't anyone push back?
Thoma: Yes, but when you're an outlander in Inazuma, far from home, in this closed- nation era, there's very little that can be done about it. The most that overseas merchants can do to look after themselves is stick together. That's how the International Trade Association came about.
Paimon: So, it's a trade association built by and for outlanders?
Thoma: Yep, and as well as advancing commercial interests, the association provides help, support, and structure for outlanders trying to survive on Ritou.
Aether noticed Sekai have a pondering face, so he asked him what bother him right now.
Sekai: No… I just think if it was time for Phantom Thief to strike again… I mean… with how many Mora this Outlander Affair Agency emblazed from outlander… just imagine the amount they kept for themselves…
Aether: (Making a knowing smile) You mean…
Thoma feeling both travelers were planning to do something bad start to intercept.
Thoma: Ahaha… please do mind your action travelers… they just do what it takes to survive…
This make the silver knight frown, not liking Thoma word… was that means it was right to oppress other then?
Sekai: Herm… don't you think someone who take advantage of other difficulty a good person then Thoma?
Thoma: … no… but I mean…
Sekai: Then why should I not take advantage on that kind of person, after all they not a good person… for me they are no different than treasure hoarder. In fact, they were much worse than them...
Thoma: That sound far stretch from truth, isn't it?
Sekai: Heh… let's think it from other view then… They got this job and get paid by Inazuma Government… but what they do was taking advantage of people. Doesn't that kind of betraying the trust of Almighty Shogun? They didn't follow what their shogun asked, and life leisure upon misery of other… maybe behind the Shogun, they just trample and scoff at their own Shogun. And you still feel they are better than a bunch of treasure hoarder?
This statement gave a shivering on everyone who heard Sekai word… even though it sounds far stretch… but it has its logic. But Thoma felt much more guilty, especially when remind on his and his Master plan.
Paimon: So… we can take their Mora then?
Both travelers turned their head and look at Paimon with proud look.
Sekai: How fast she had grown….
Aether: It feels like just yesterday I managed to fish her up.
Paimon: hey! Stop treating Paimon like child!
As both travelers keep on teasing Paimon, Thoma at side take their attention by bringing them to International Trade Association.
There they have to face the reality of how corrupted Inazuma was. From bribing to stealing outlander trade item by it official, fake ledger, and off course unreasonable tax. This makes both travelers dislike for the land increase. Even Thoma, who somehow have cheerful expression turn dull after following them for a bit.
...
To enlighten the mood, Thoma reveal about Yashiro Commission especially after, Thoma need to used his background to save them from corrupted guard. Well… it was a right action, cause if somehow the guard take them in, Inazuma will surely fall into bigger problem than just Vision Hunt Decree.
Thoma: Corruption seem rife in the Kanjo Commission, they truly are rotten to the core… *sigh* Aright. Time for me to answer your questions. What would you like to know?
Aether: Tell me about the Shirasagi Himegimi.
Thoma: Haha, straight to the point. Let me re-introduce myself. I belong to the Yashiro Commission. I'm an attendant of the Shirasagi Himegimi.
Paimon: Ugh, you've been keeping your true identity a secret from us this whole time! So, the Yashiro Commision. Guessing that's another branch of the Tri-Commission?
Thoma: Correct. The Kamisato Clan is the head of the Yashiro Commission, who manage ceremonial and cultural affairs. I'd go into more detail on what exactly that covers, but I'm not even sure myself.
Thoma: I'm just someone who was fortunate enough to be taken in by the Kamisato Clan. My role is to take care of the daughter of the clan—Kamisato Ayaka, also known as the Shirasagi Himegimi.
Paimon: Seems like she must be super-famous in Inazuma, given the reaction of those guys just now.
Thoma: Hahaha… oh, most definitely, she's graceful, dignified and kind-hearted, too. The people of Inazuma quite adore Miss Kamisato. Her fame even somewhat eclipse that of her older brother, Kamisato Ayato, despite the fact that he is the current head of the clan.
Thoma: I suppose those who treat others with compassion earn themselves the same treatment in return. Miss Kamisato's situation certainly seems to attest to that. Take me, for example—I'm just an attendant, and yet she treats me as an equal, as she would a friend.
Sekai: So… in conclusion, you just do this to convince us about your master right?
Thoma: That quite sharp of you Mr. Silver. And to be honest, I don't want to keep you all in dark any more than necessary. Firstly, you should know that being a fixer is not something you can fake. I spent the better part of a month tirelessly building up a network of relationship on the island, and I got to know Captain Beidou during that time too.
Paimon: Still pretty good going for just a month's work!
Thoma: Hahah, well maybe I have a slight knack for schmoozery. But the main thing was, I had to make sure I'd be in time to receive you when you arrived. Inazuma may have closed off to the outside world, but that hasn't stopped a lot of people from hearing about your feats in Mondstadt and Liyue.
Thoma: So, when Miss Kamisato heard of your intention to come to Inazuma, she began looking forward to your arrival with great anticipation. She excited to find out whether the rumors are true… that is, that you have what it takes to change the tide of the times.
Paimon: Change the tide of the times?
Thoma: In the test that I gave you earlier, although there were a few hiccups at the end, it was you who found the way to turn the situation around. Navigating powerful people, using their character flaws to your advantage… it's just what Miss Kamisato had hoped to see. With your help… even the Vision Hunt Decree—
Aether: (frown) I refuse
Thoma: (Held chin) …Ah. Hmm, that's an unexpected development. Perhaps our sources were misleading…
Aether: I have one goal here: to meet the Raiden Shogun.
Thoma: …Yes of course. I completely understand, and as agreed, I shall help set that up for you.
Paimon: Huh, Thoma sure didn't put much of a fight…
Thoma: Hah… well, my work on Ritou is done, so I suppose this is goodbye for now, oh one more thing—this invitation letter for you… when you get to Yashiro commission base, you can find me at, as per the letter. Good luck with everything. See you soon.
Then the toyboy of Yashiro Commission left.
Paimon: Thoma's not such a bad guy, huh. we should get going.
Aether and Sekai look at Paimon and both shake their head.
Sekai: well… it's Paimon I guess…
Paimon: Huh? What?
Aether: Outlander are unable to leave Ritou…
Paimon: wait, so… did Thoma forget that. too?
Aether: I think perhaps not… this must be the next part if his "test"
Sekai: Or it just his way to pay his grudge for not accepting his request… I mean, he can build connection with all kind of shrewd people we meet since we reach here, right? Don't you think he didn't have his own shrewdness?
Paimon: Darn it! Grrr, no wonder he was so matte-of-fact about the whole thing! As soon as we get off Ritou, Paimon's going straight to Komore Teahouse to settle the score!
Paimon: Ugh, well, guess we should give it a try. Let's head to the border and see how far we get.
With that, they tried leaving but were held up by Kanjo commission officer. Aether and Paimon have to hold Sekai back from assassinating that guard. Sekai even has plan to ruin that guard future generation.
But thanks to Aether excellent negotiation skills, the guard's name Kobayashi told them to get their permits from the Kanjo Commission. Sekai swore that if they can't get the permit… that night Kanjo Commission will be raze to ground…
Much to the commission fortune that day, they Travelers group meet Hiiragi Shinsuke when suddenly an unfamiliar appears and request them to meet her that night through secret letter.