Genshin Impact, I'm Slime

Upon receiving the order, Wang Zhen quickly bowed and withdrew, his figure disappearing silently into the shadows leading into the bank.

The terrace fell silent once more, with only the remaining wine in the Pantarone cup reflecting the distant lights of Liyue.

A moment later, another figure materialized from the darkness and quietly appeared behind Pantalone.

This person was also dressed in the uniform of the Fools, but the fabric was more exquisite, and the epaulets and cuffs were outlined with intricate patterns in frosty silver thread, highlighting his higher status.

This is a foolish debt collector inspector.

His aura was calm and restrained, quite different from Wang Zhen's hurried demeanor just now.

"grown ups."

The inspector's voice was deep and precise, like a cold, mechanical timekeeping.

"The ship is ready and berthed at berth number three at the South Wharf. All cargo has been loaded into the hold without any omissions, and it is ready to set sail at any time."

Pantalone finally turned around slowly.

Facing this inspector, a barely perceptible hint of approval appeared on his originally indifferent face, and he even nodded slightly in acknowledgment, his attitude completely different from that towards Wang Zhen.

"very good."

Pantalone's deep voice sounded clear and powerful in the night wind.

"Take this item to the bank counter and place it in the most conspicuous place."

“Tell Ekaterina that this is a special exhibit prepared for tomorrow’s Lantern Festival.”

The banker gestured with his eyes to the "Floating Shadow Returns to Separation" lamp beside him, which was shimmering with an eerie light. His command carried a cold, playful tone, as if he were setting up a meticulously designed stage prop.

The inspector did not hesitate for a moment, executing the order like the most precise instrument.

He carefully picked up the priceless yet complex lantern, his movements meticulous, then turned and walked into the bank, his figure blending into the deliberately created darkness.

Pantalone took one last look at the bustling city he had personally stirred up the financial storm in, a subtle smile playing on his lips, before taking a step forward.

He did not enter through the main entrance of the bank, but was led the way by the inspector who had returned after delivering the lanterns.

The two walked calmly through the brightly lit yet cold and empty bank lobby, descended along the winding second-floor corridor, and finally left silently through a hidden back door, their figures quickly disappearing into the dimly lit alleyway leading to the Liyue South Wharf.

And just moments after they left through the back door.

Three weary figures suddenly stopped in their tracks before the massive main entrance of the Northern Bank, which was studded with cold rivets.

It was Famas, the traveler, and Paimon.

They arrived full of doubts and with a do-or-die determination, just as they stepped through the threshold of this cold fortress of wealth that had just seen off the mastermind behind it all.

The night breeze in Liyue Harbor seemed to still carry the chilling scent of wealth and intrigue, lingering from the hem of Pantarone's robe.

Just as the three were about to step over the cold, heavy threshold of the Northern Bank, Paimon suddenly stopped in mid-air as if pulled by an invisible thread. Her small face was filled with struggle and a hint of fear, and her voice trembled slightly:
"Wait, wait! FAMAS! Are we really going to go in... and confront that bastard Pantalone directly?"

The little mascot felt that barging into the lair of the Fools' Enforcers was like walking into a trap.

Upon hearing this, Famas paused slightly, turned his head, and glanced at Paimon with a strange look in his crimson eyes that was almost like caring for someone with intellectual disabilities. Without saying a word, he stepped into the brightly lit hall that exuded the chill of late winter.

The traveler acted as if he were stepping into his own backyard, not a dragon's den. The traveler took a deep breath and followed closely behind. Seeing this, Paimon had no choice but to steel himself and, like a frightened little animal, clung tightly to the traveler's shoulder as they floated in.

The interior of the Northern Bank remains as luxurious as ever, yet also exudes a chilling coldness.

The smooth, mirror-like brown wooden floor reflects the huge chandelier hanging from the ceiling, and the cold, metallic decorative lines cut out the harsh space, with the air filled with the chilling aura of money and power.

However, what is most striking is not these cold symbols of wealth.

Upon entering the lobby, a warm yet dazzling light instantly captured the attention of the traveler and Paimon.

Above the most prominent counter of the bank, a lantern silently floated in a specially made display stand.

Its entire body is filled with dreamlike light and shadow, and the scene of Guiliyuan on the lamp wall is faintly visible in the halo, exuding a breathtaking beauty and timelessness.

It was the lantern "Floating Shadows Returning" that caused a huge stir at the auction and was ultimately bought by Pantalone for a record price of seventy million Mora.

"Wow!"

Paimon couldn't help but gasp, covering her mouth with her little hand, and the traveler's pupils suddenly contracted.

This priceless treasure was now casually displayed at the bank counter amidst the bustling crowd, just like the most ordinary decoration.

This almost ostentatious display was full of the arrogance and provocation characteristic of the Northern Bank.

Perhaps because the Lantern Festival is approaching, many bank employees and customers have already gone home or are preparing for the celebrations.

At this moment, the Northern Bank seemed even more deserted and desolate than usual, with only a handful of employees at their posts, which made the lonely, dimly lit lamp appear even more eerie.

The traveler forced himself to look away from the dazzling light, trying to suppress the astonishment in his heart.

She had been to the Northern Bank many times and knew its layout by heart. The girl walked straight to the front desk and her gaze fell on Ekaterina, the receptionist behind the counter who had a cold and elegant demeanor and typical winter features.

"Miss Ekaterina."

The traveler tried to keep his voice calm, but his eyes couldn't help but dart around. "Excuse me, is Mr. Pantalone at the bank right now? We have something to visit him on our behalf."

Catherine did not seem surprised by the sudden appearance of the travelers.

It wasn't surprising that "they came" itself.

She raised her eyes from beneath the pale mask, her gaze carrying a formulaic scrutiny, before a knowing glint flashed across them.

Lord Pantalone had given special instructions when he left not long ago: if this blond traveler came looking for him, inform him of his whereabouts.

A barely perceptible smile flickered in her eyes.

Ekaterina did not answer immediately, but slowly and methodically arranged the documents she was organizing, and even picked up a velvet cloth and slowly wiped the already spotless surface of the counter.

She tilted her head slightly, watching the disappointment and anxiety gradually appear on the faces of the traveler and Paimon as they waited, before speaking slowly in a deliberately controlled tone:
"Unfortunately, Lord Pantalone is indeed not in the know right now."

Ekaterina paused deliberately, watching with satisfaction as Paimon's little face fell and the traveler's brows furrowed, before slowly and deliberately revealing the crucial information:

"However, before he left, the master instructed that if you, the traveler, come looking for him, you can go to the South Wharf of Liyue."

"The master is over there handling some urgent matters." (End of Chapter)