"That's a… pavilion?"
Paimon squints for a long time until her eyes start to ache before finally recognizing it. She gasps in shock.
How could a pavilion be floating on the sea?
The world truly holds endless wonders.
From within the group, Kaedehara Kazuha explains calmly,
"That is a treasure of the tengu clan. It has drifted across the seas since five hundred years ago. Some once tried to search it for treasure, but those with ill intent mostly disappeared without a trace. Only a very small few were invited inside and returned safely."
Paimon bites her finger thoughtfully.
"So it has an owner, right?!"
"Yes. It is said that its master is the daughter of the great tengu Reizenbō from five centuries ago."
"Waaah… that sounds like someone incredible."
Even after meeting gods before, this is still a new land. In Inazuma, they are not Honorary Knights or honored guests of the Qixing.
Everything starts from zero again.
Paimon leans toward Lumine and whispers,
"Hey… what if we go pay a visit later? I'll bring my favorite frosted slime dessert. If we make friends, we'll have a big shot backing us up!"
Her little scheming mind remembers how difficult things were at the start in Mondstadt and Liyue.
If they secure connections early this time, maybe the journey will be much smoother.
But before she can think of a plan, the dark pavilion drifts farther and farther away… until it disappears beyond the horizon.
"Eh?! It's gone!" Paimon deflates instantly.
Lumine ignores her dramatic disappointment and instead glances at Luo Li.
He looks… nostalgic.
"Hey, debt collector. Do you know what that thing is?"
Pulled from his thoughts, Luo Li smiles faintly.
"Of course. Its true name is the Thousand-Gated Void Vessel. It is a treasure the tengu use to travel the seas and receive guests."
"Thousand-Gated Void Vessel…" Lumine repeats quietly, studying him carefully.
He seems far too familiar with it.
Zhongli once told her that if she wants to uncover Luo Li's true identity, she must search for clues in Inazuma.
She narrows her eyes inwardly.
I will definitely dig up your secrets.
Kazuha looks impressed.
"Mr. Luo Li is truly knowledgeable."
Paimon puffs up.
"Of course! He knows tons of things. He's just mysterious and refuses to tell us!"
That part is the most annoying.
Beidou laughs loudly.
"Mysteries are only satisfying when you unravel them yourself — just like hunting a sea monster!"
Even the captain says so.
As they talk, Narukami Island grows closer. After days of nothing but endless blue sea, the sight of land and color lifts everyone's spirits.
"Oh right," Beidou suddenly says, "I forgot to mention. Inazuma has issued the Sakoku Decree and Vision Hunt Decree. Merchants and visitors are generally restricted to Ritou for processing. I don't know all the details. I'll have someone explain once we arrive."
Paimon blinks.
"You have friends here too?"
Beidou grins proudly.
"I roam the seas. I've got contacts everywhere."
She then tells Kazuha to head below deck. Outside Inazuma he's fine, but here he's still a wanted man.
Lumine and Paimon feel reassured. Having a local contact would make things much easier.
Luo Li says nothing, simply gazing toward Ritou.
"Five hundred years… and little has changed."
Ships crowd the harbor like bees around a hive. Compared to Liyue Harbor it is quieter — likely due to the Sakoku Decree — but still lively enough.
An hour later, the Crux Fleet enters Ritou's waters.
Before docking, Beidou orders the fleet to slow.
Port officials are already waiting.
The massive armed fleet takes up a large portion of the harbor, and other merchants quickly make space. No one dares show displeasure — not toward Liyue's formidable naval force.
Anchors drop.
Formalities begin.
Beidou steps onto Ritou's wooden docks with Lumine, Paimon, and Luo Li.
Ahead of them stands a blond young man casually tossing Mora in the air.
Upon seeing Beidou, he quickly straightens.
"Yo, big sis from Liyue. You finally made it. I've been waiting."
Lumine studies him — sleeveless top, light armor pieces, relaxed smile.
He notices her gaze and responds with friendly ease.
Beidou snorts.
"Don't blame us. Your Shogun's storms have been getting worse lately."
She waves it off and gestures toward him.
"This is Thoma. A business partner I've grown familiar with recently. He's been in Ritou a long time. You could call him a local expert."
She turns to Lumine and Paimon.
"If you run into trouble, let him handle it. And if he dares cheat you, tell me when you return to Liyue — I'll deal with him."
Thoma gives a helpless smile.
"Captain, I'm not that kind of person."
Beidou laughs.
"I'm just giving a reminder. When traveling, it's best to stay cautious."
Thoma sighs.
Even so… saying it right in front of him is a little painful.