Genshin Impact, I'm Slime

Although it is not the first time for travelers to step into the heart of this northern country, they will still be shocked by the luxurious furnishings inside the bank.

The sun shines through the tall window frames and onto the mirror-like floor, reflecting colorful light and shadows. A huge warm stone chandelier hangs on the dome, and countless tiny mirrors sparkle brightly under the light.

The surrounding walls were inlaid with gold-rimmed decorative lines, outlining exquisite patterns. The dark golden layered rock texture undulated like mountains and rivers, and meandered like water, faintly echoing the natural scenery of Liyue.

The dark-patterned tapestry behind the counter depicts the mountains of the Snow Country, but in the corner is embroidered the pale golden outline of a Liyue merchant ship. The air is filled with a metallic scent mixed with sandalwood incense and Mora.

The spiral staircase leading to the second floor is hidden behind a carved screen, and the handrails are carved with intertwined pine branches and dragon scale patterns.

The customers who come to handle business are either wealthy businessmen from Liyue dressed in gorgeous robes, or celebrity elites from foreign countries. They shuttle through the bank's luxurious lobby with caution and awe on their faces, and speak in low voices so as not to disrupt the cold silence.

From this, it can be seen that the dress and manners of travelers and others are incompatible with the atmosphere here.

Fortunately, this awkward situation did not last long. A voice with the fragrance of pine wood floated down the spiral staircase, and at the same time, the sound of leather boots hitting the ground was heard.

"It is really rude to keep you waiting for so long."

A dazzlingly white shirt collar was revealed in the shadow of the stairs. Russell's gray hair was combed into a strict back style, but a few strands were left to fall naturally at the corners of his forehead. A brass watch chain hung from the front of his dark-patterned vest.

His face had a gentle and respectful expression, which made people feel very friendly.

"Good afternoon, Grandpa Russell!"

Toke excitedly grabbed the traveler's cloak and rushed to the old housekeeper, his deerskin boots trotting out a cheerful rhythm on the steps, and he did not forget to introduce Yingmei as he ran:

"Good sister, this is Grandpa Russell who has been taking care of me on the boat!"

Tok's words were full of joy and trust, but the moment Russell appeared, the traveler immediately became alert.

The person who accompanied Pantalone to the Golden House before was not Russell, the butler, but Irina, the temporary secretary, so this was the first time that Yingmei met Russell.

I originally thought that Grandpa Russell mentioned by Tok was just an ordinary crew member on the Yermak, but now judging from his clothes, his identity must be more than simple.

But come to think of it, since his name can be listed alongside Pantalone, this old man named Russell is obviously not an ordinary person.

However, facing Tok's pounce, Russell could only stop introducing himself, looked at Famas and the Traveler with a slightly apologetic look, then squatted down, gently patted Tok's back, and comforted the excited little boy.

"Good afternoon, Master Toker."

A kind smile spread across Russell's nasolabial folds, and when he squatted down, tiny balls of hair appeared at his trouser knees.

Judging from their newness, these hair balls should have been there not long ago, most likely caused by grinding in the last few days. Combined with Russell's half-kneeling posture, it is not difficult to infer the origin of these hair balls.

"I'm sorry, there's no news from the Adventurer's Association yet, and the master still has business to discuss."

Russell helped Toke straighten his hat and clothes, his movements gentle and skillful. He seemed a little guilty for not being able to accompany him, and apologized to the little boy.

"It's okay, Grandpa Russell. Toke has met a good sister! And the red and green big brothers... They will all help Toke!"

Tok comforted Russell instead, holding Russell's sleeves tightly with his little hands, his eyes full of trust and dependence. His voice was crisp and innocent, like a ray of sunshine penetrating the haze of the North, dispelling some worries on Russell's face.

Russell looked down at Toke, a complex emotion flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly covered by a kind smile. He gently stroked Toke's hair, his voice gentle and low:

"Thank you for your understanding."

The traveler stood aside and watched the scene quietly.

Although the scene before her was warm and touching, she did not let her guard down. She tightened her fingers slightly and turned sideways to protect Paimon behind her.

Little Paimon hid behind the traveler's shoulder, poked half of his head out, and looked at Russell curiously.

"Mr. Russell, nice to meet you."

Yingmei spoke softly, with just the right amount of distance and tentativeness in her tone. Her voice was clear and calm, like a spring, neither impolite nor wary. "Tok has been talking about you and his stingy uncle, saying that you two took good care of him on the ship."

Russell stood up slowly, the brass watch chain swaying gently with his movements, making a subtle metallic clinking sound. He leaned forward slightly, still with that gentle smile on his face, as if he was oblivious to the traveler's vigilance:

"This is my duty. Master Toker is innocent and it is my honor to accompany him."

Tok seemed to notice the subtle change in the atmosphere. He looked up at Russell, then at the Traveler and FAMAS, and blinked in confusion.

His little hand tugged at Russell's sleeve, and there was a hint of uneasiness in his voice: "Grandpa Russell, the good sister and big brother are my friends, you have to get along well with them too!"

Russell patted Toke's shoulder gently, his tone gentle but firm: "Of course, Master Toke's friends are our guests."

As he spoke, he turned his gaze to FAMAS again, with an elusive light flashing in his eyes, and then nodded slightly: "Your Majesty FAMAS, good day, although this is not the first time we meet, please allow me to introduce myself first."

Russell's voice was low and steady, with a kind of calmness that comes from a lifetime of experience. His eyes rested on Famas for a moment, then looked at the traveler.

"I am Russell, the butler of Master Pantalone."

The old butler's tone was respectful and his manners were almost impeccable. The elongated tone seemed to be announcing his identity, and also seemed to be testing the traveler's reaction.

Yingmei nodded when she heard this, showing a look of understanding.

As expected, including a secretary and a butler, Pantalone's entourage on business trips was quite complete.

The traveler was about to introduce herself, but Russell's next words made her eyes widen.

"I know that you are the hero who saved Liyue, the Honorable Knight of the Knights of Favonius, Sir Traveler."

Russell looked directly at the traveler with certainty, as if reminding Yingmei that her identity and deeds had been thoroughly investigated by the Fatui.

"Could you please take Toque to the hall and wait for a while? Master Pantalone has some private matters to discuss with His Majesty Famas."

After hearing the old butler's request, the traveler frowned slightly, and a trace of uneasiness arose in her heart. She glanced at Tok, and the little boy was also looking up at her.

But Famas was a little surprised, and turned back with interest, just in time to meet the traveler's gaze.

The communication between the two took place in silence.

"Okay, Mr. Russell, Paimon and I will take good care of Tok."

Yingmei nodded calmly, but Paimon looked puzzled and stamped his feet in the air anxiously, causing his cloak embroidered with stars and moons to rustle. Just as he was about to say something, he was stopped by the Traveler.

Russell nodded, still with that gentle smile on his face: "Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Traveler."

After saying that, Russell turned around and made a gesture of invitation to Famas, his movements elegant and calm: "Please follow me, Your Majesty."

Now Famas was curious about what Pantalone was up to. He waved his hand to signal Yingmei not to worry, and then followed Russell to the top floor of the bank.

The traveler looked down at Tok, who was holding onto her clothes tightly, with a look of anxiety and expectation in his eyes. Yingmei sighed softly, squatted down, and gently rubbed Tok's soft hair, trying to calm him down.

"Come on, Tok, let's go to the rest area and wait for them."

Toke raised his head, a light flashed in his eyes, then he nodded vigorously, a bright smile on his face, as if all the worries just now disappeared in an instant.

"Okay! Good sister, let me tell you the story of my family. At night in Haixie Town, the stars are very bright, like pearls scattered on the sea! And the toy salesmen on the Yermak always tell some very interesting stories. Although sometimes I don't quite understand them, they say those are adventure legends..."

The little boy said excitedly, his voice full of childish innocence and enthusiasm, as if he couldn't wait to share the world in his heart.

The traveler smiled and nodded, reaching out to hold Tok's little hand, Paimon followed behind, and the three of them walked towards the chairs in the hall together.

(End of this chapter)