Genshin Impact, I'm Slime

"So that's it..."

After listening to Famas' explanation, Paimon nodded vigorously as if he suddenly understood, his little face full of relief.

But this relief didn't last two seconds. Her brows furrowed again, as if she had thought of something important, and her voice rose a few decibels:
"But even so, the ferry tickets to Inazuma must be incredibly expensive, right? Do we really have enough Mora right now? Last time we almost didn't have enough to buy 'Chūhara Chops'..."

Although the traveler did not speak, his gaze, filled with the same worry, turned to Famas along with Paimon's, as if he were their last hope.

Stared at by two pairs of eyes filled with expectation and poverty, Famas helplessly spread his hands.

Do I look like I have money to you two?

The traveler and Paimon looked away in disappointment, but at that moment, a smile appeared on the corner of the boy's mouth.

"But...who said you have to buy a ticket to board the ship?"

FAMAS spoke slowly, his tone implying that they were still too inexperienced.

"As far as I know, Captain Beidou of the Southern Cross Fleet is a generous and open-minded man who loves to make friends with talented people from all over the world. You two are now great heroes who saved the entire Liyue Harbor..."

FAMAS lowered his voice slightly, as if he were sharing some secret information.

"Just based on your reputation as heroes, Captain Beidou would probably be happy to give you a free ride to Inazuma, and maybe even treat you to a few glasses of her treasured wine!"

Wow! Really? Free?!

Paimon excitedly spun around on the spot, his small figure almost floating.

But this joy was fleeting. Little Paimon suddenly noticed the contradiction in Famas's words. She mimicked Famas, trying to cross her short arms, her little face pouting in dissatisfaction, and voiced her questioning discontent:
"Um... Hey! FAMAS, then you said before that we can't go to Inazuma right now?"

"Since Captain Beidou is willing to take us for free, what are we waiting for? Traveler, don't you think so?"

Paimon turned to seek the traveler's support, and the girl frowned slightly, looking at Famas with the same doubt in her eyes. The boy's suggestion just now and his previous dissuasion were indeed contradictory.

Famas pursed his lips, extended his index finger, and waved it a few times in the air.

"Taking a boat to Inazuma is a minor matter. The real trouble will begin once you set foot on Inazuma's land."

"Inazuma is now under a closed-door policy, and the shogunate has issued a strict order prohibiting non-Inazuma residents from entering the country at will. Those wishing to move freely within Inazuma Castle, Narukami Island, and other major islands, instead of hiding like rats in the street, must purchase a special 'Permit for Staying in a Foreign Land,' essentially a form of identification, from a location designated by the Three Commissioners."

He paused, looking at the blank expressions that simultaneously appeared in the eyes of the Traveler and Paimon. Clearly, neither of them had ever been asked to show such a thing in Mondstadt or Liyue.

After all, for adventurers, the registration book of adventurers' associations in various places is the best proof of identity.

“That thing isn’t cheap; it’s a considerable expense. Are you sure the little bit of jingling Mora you have in your pocket is enough to cover the cost of this voucher? Not to mention your food, clothing, and other necessities in Inazuma afterwards.”

Famas's gaze swept over the traveler's seemingly meager baggage, while little Paimon instinctively clutched his own small pocket.

"...Stay permit?"

The traveler and Paimon asked the question almost in unison, their eyes filled with big question marks.

This thing sounds both unfamiliar and troublesome.

“Without it, you won’t even be able to enter the gates of Inazuma Castle, unless…” Famas deliberately dragged out his words, his tone slightly mischievous, revealing a smile that seemed to be enjoying the show.

"Are you planning to experience being chased all over the streets by the samurai of the Tenryo Observatory in Inazuma, and then enjoy the thrill of being a wanted criminal?"

"That would save money, but it's a bit tiring for your legs and a bit dangerous for your health."

The boy's words were straightforward and forceful, like a bucket of cold water being poured over him.

The Traveller and Paimon instantly realized that the free tickets were only the beginning of their journey. Without sufficient Mora as a backing, they would face great difficulties in the closed-off Inazuma.

"Wait a minute?!" Paimon seemed to suddenly realize something, jumped up, slapped his forehead, and exclaimed in surprise, "Then Famas, what... what are you going to Sumeru for?"

Her bright, sparkling eyes were fixed on the boy, a hint of barely perceptible panic and reluctance in them, as she urgently pressed for an answer:
"Are you really not going to continue the adventure with us? Didn't we agree to travel all over the seven kingdoms together?"

Faced with Paimon's straightforward attempt to persuade him to stay and the traveler's inquiring and concerned gaze, Famas paused slightly, a rare and complex expression appearing on his face.

His lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but something heavy pressed him back down, ultimately turning into a barely audible sigh. After a brief hesitation, he still chose to be honest.

"It's news about Akhta."

Famas's voice lowered slightly as he briefly informed the two of the intelligence provided by Pantalone, highlighting the key point: "According to Pantalone's intelligence, Akhta is currently in Sumeru."

"Huh? Is it because of that King's Hand?"

Paimon unconsciously rubbed his round chin, trying to process this sudden information, his little face filled with confusion and curiosity.

The traveler standing to the side reacted much faster. The moment she heard the name Pantalone, her pupils contracted slightly, and her lips involuntarily parted as if she wanted to ask something immediately. In the end, she simply pursed her lips and silently swallowed the words that were on the tip of her tongue.

Pantalone, the executor of the Fools, the rich...

The traveler's heart sank. Having been tormented by the lady and the gentleman, she was already quite familiar with the ways of these foolish executors, especially this wealthy man known worldwide for his riches and transactions.

For every gain, there must be an exchange; the principle of equivalence is his creed.

Although FAMAS downplayed the cost, considering his calm expression and the recent tragic fire, one of the consequences of this message must have been Ning Lan's death.

"OK then……"

Paimon's emotions came and went quickly.

She did not have the complex considerations about status and position that ordinary people have, nor did she fully understand the weight behind the traveler's silence.

After a brief moment of disappointment, Paimon quickly rallied, flew to Famas, put her hands on her hips, and tried her best to adopt the most serious expression, her voice clear and firm:
"Napamas! Once you've finished your business in Sumeru, be sure to come back to Inazuma to find us!"

There was no politeness or distance in her tone, only the purest trust.

In Paimon's young heart, he had already regarded this boy, who was sometimes mysterious, sometimes sharp-tongued, and exceptionally reliable in crucial moments, as an important adventure partner and a true friend.

Although the other person wasn't perfect in some ways, to her, a friend was a friend, regardless of whether they were a god or a mortal, flawless or... well, a little scary. (End of Chapter)