Genshin Impact, I'm Slime

"No problem! We've got your back!"

The traveler immediately patted his chest, his face beaming with a confident and reliable expression, as if he were a messenger of justice.

However, Paimon, hovering beside her shoulder, keenly noticed the curiosity in the girl's eyes.

What could possibly drive the ever-composed, elegant, and wise Ningguang to the point of smoking alone in silence?

Upon hearing the traveler's quick agreement, Bai Shi, Bai Wen, and Bai Xiao almost simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief. Their tense shoulders visibly relaxed, and grateful expressions of relief appeared on their faces, as if they had finally found a savior.

However, this relaxation lasted only a moment. When their gaze turned to the tightly closed palace doors, the three of them remembered the scene where they had just been sternly ordered to leave, and their faces turned uneasy again.

They looked at each other, their eyes quickly exchanging glances in the air.

Lady Ningguang is currently troubled. If she were to rush in to report, wouldn't that be like setting a powder keg on fire?

All three of them had a troubled look in their eyes and brows, wondering who should go.

After several rounds of silent yet intense eye contact, the one who was ultimately pushed to the forefront was the youngest and most lively, who was also responsible for Ningguang's daily life and should be somewhat familiar with Baishi.

She took a deep breath as if resigned to her fate, her small face slightly furrowed, and with a tragic sense of stepping into a minefield, she mustered her remaining courage and nodded to the traveler and Paimon.

"Please follow me, both of you."

Bai Shi's voice was a few decibels lower than usual, and he sounded a little guilty.

She gently pushed open the heavy, carved doors and stepped into the inner hall of the Yiyan Palace. The huge crystal chandelier reflected the light coming through the skylight, illuminating the hall brightly and magnificently. The most eye-catching items were several uniquely shaped antiques and several paintings and calligraphy bearing the Emperor's handwriting, which were cleverly arranged in the hall.

A faint, unique smoky aroma, characteristic of Ningguang, permeated the air, mixed with a subtle, somber tobacco scent.

Bai Shi led the two of them, walking very lightly along the luxurious velvet carpet into the depths of the palace.

Passing through a screen partition, the inner study of Yiyan Hall comes into view.

The light softened slightly here, and Ningguang was sitting behind a large, gold-inlaid sandalwood desk facing them. Wisps of smoke rose from the slender, exquisite pipe between her fingers, swirling and dissipating around her shoulders and hair.

Bai Shi stopped in front of the study entrance, took a deep breath, and tried to make his voice as clear and respectful as usual as he called out, "Lady Ningguang, the Traveler and Miss Paimon request an audience."

Ningguang was deep in thought when she suddenly heard Baishi's voice. She frowned and looked up, her face showing impatience at being disturbed.

But when her gaze fell upon the traveler by the door, her furrowed brows suddenly relaxed, and a flash of surprise crossed her eyes.

Ningguang then perfectly demonstrated the emotional shifts expected of someone in a position of power, her usual, dignified yet distant smile appearing on her face like the most exquisite mask.

She raised an eyebrow slightly, then rose to greet the travelers and Paimon, a perfectly curved smile playing on her lips:
"I am so sorry for not greeting you properly. It turns out you are two distinguished guests."

Bai Shi, who was standing nearby, caught the change in his expression in that instant and was stunned.

Apart from Captain Beidou, Bai Shi had never seen Lady Ningguang so quickly suppress her displeasure after being interrupted, and immediately show such a warm smile upon seeing the person who arrived.

This unexpected turn of events made her involuntarily cast a surprised and suspicious glance at the traveler, her heart deeply shaken.

The traveler held such a significant place in Ningguang's heart.

After a brief moment of stunned silence, Bai Shi immediately composed himself, resumed his usual respectful demeanor, and quietly bowed and stepped back, leaving the large and elegant private space entirely to Ning Guang and the traveler.

The study returned to tranquility.

Good morning, Ningguang!

Paimon waved energetically at Ningguang, while the traveler's gaze had already habitually swept across the room: a heavy, sand-colored wooden bookshelf stood silently, displaying rare books and collectibles that showcased the owner's taste; a jade sculpture in the corner gleamed with a warm, soft light; and the documents piled on the desk were meticulously arranged.

However, the conspicuous box in the center of the table quickly caught the girl's eye like a magnet.

At first glance, the box is indeed as simple and unadorned as Bai Wen had described, without even a trace of superfluous embellishment. But the moment you first touch it, a strange sense of familiarity creeps over you like vines, gripping the traveler's heart.

The outline of the wooden box, the decorations on the edges, and even the familiar wood grain texture flowing in the light...

The girl subconsciously frowned, feeling that she had seen something similar to this box somewhere yesterday or the day before.

"It seems that Bai Shi and the other two girls have already told you the whole story."

Ningguang's voice rang out at just the right moment, her gaze sweeping over the Traveler and Paimon's faces, which were fixed intently on the wooden box.

She used a question, but her tone was unequivocal.

"That's right! This is the strange box they were talking about, isn't it?"

Paimon, oblivious to politeness, lunged at the desk before the words were even finished, propped his chin on his hand, and peered closely with curiosity. "Ningguang, what treasures are inside this box?"

Seeing that it didn't look like anything special from the outside, Paimon couldn't resist reaching out to open it.

However, Ningguang was faster. Just as the little mascot's fingers were about to touch the lid of the box, a slender jade hand holding the pipe fell precisely, pressing down on the top of the box with just the right amount of pressure.

"Paimon, there are risks involved in recklessly activating the unknown."

Ningguang narrowed her eyes slightly, her pipe remaining perfectly still, her tone carrying a hint of amusement that served as a reminder.

She knew that this traveler was known for his ruthless greed.

Whether it's the hideout of the treasure-hunting gang, the lost secret realm, or even the cash box in the Northern Bank, any locked box is destined to be opened by the girl.

It's not surprising that Paimon has now developed the habit of unpacking boxes.

"Hmm... okay, okay!"

Paimon reluctantly withdrew his hand, puffed out his cheeks, and turned his head to the side in a huff, but his little eyes still couldn't help but sneak glances at the box, his curiosity still burning.

The traveler, however, paid no heed to Paimon's complaints.

Her fingertips unconsciously rubbed her chin, her gaze carefully sweeping over the box. In this focused scrutiny, the girl's eyes suddenly fixed on the four recessed corners at the bottom of the box, and her pupils instantly contracted.

A chilling sense of dread shot through her spine like an electric current, instantly making her scalp tingle.

She finally remembered where she had seen such a box before.

It was late at night at the entrance of Wangshengtang Alley, and a group of people dressed in mourning clothes passed by on the street. The person at the head of the group was carrying such a box in his arms.

The recessed design is precisely to make it easier for the holder's fingers to grip firmly, so as to prevent it from shaking.

Ningguang also caught the traveler's dramatic change in expression and instantaneous understanding at the same moment. Her composure remained unchanged, but a hint of indescribable bitterness was subtly mixed into the curve of her face.

"You noticed that, too, didn't you?"

Ningguang's expression was very strained.

"This is an urn containing ashes." (End of Chapter)