The Overlord of Teyvat: Genshin Impact x Overlord crossover

Part 22

The group left the building after they had finished applying for residency and once again walked to the center of Ritou.

Thoma broke the silence first, running a hand through his blond hair with a nervous laugh. "Boy, I'm still shocked. I've never felt such fear in my life. What you did back there? Momon was... terrifying." His tone was light, but there was an edge of genuine unease in his voice.

Momon's armored shoulders shifted slightly, his crimson eyes glinting faintly under the shadows of his helmet. "That's how you deal with scammers," he said, his deep voice calm and unbothered, as though he hadn't just left a government worker trembling in fear.

Paimon, who had been unusually quiet since leaving the building, finally piped up, crossing her arms. "Paimon thinks that was way too scary, though! You made poor Yurika almost cry!"

Momon glanced at her briefly before responding, "People who prey on others deserve to experience fear themselves."

Thoma sighed, his normally cheerful expression dimmed by a rare moment of solemnity. "It's just... embarrassing, honestly. The self-isolation of Inazuma has made life so hard for the citizens. It's driven some of them to resort to things like scams or underhanded deals just to get by." He looked around at the crowded streets, his green eyes filled with quiet concern. "Ritou used to be livelier, more welcoming. Now, it's just a shadow of what it was before the Sakoku Decree."

"What about you?" Momon asked, his tone curious but probing. "What's your place in all this?"

"Me?!" Thoma turned to him with a laugh that sounded forced at first but quickly regained its usual warmth. He straightened up and placed a hand over his chest in mock indignation. "Ohohoho, I'm no scammer, if that's what you're asking! I'm an honest man, thank you very much."

Paimon tilted her head, floating a little closer. "Then what do you do, mister 'honest man'?"

Thoma grinned, his usual charm returning in full force. "I work for the Yashiro Commission, serving as a loyal retainer of the Kamisato Clan. I take care of things like negotiations, managing affairs for outlanders, and, well, pretty much anything Lady Ayaka or Lord Ayato needs me to handle."

"Ah, so you're a glorified errand boy," Paimon teased, a mischievous smile spreading across her face.

"Errand boy?" Thoma laughed, shaking his head. "I prefer the term 'housekeeper extraordinaire.'"

Aether chuckled softly at the exchange but looked at Thoma with growing interest. "You mentioned the Kamisato Clan. What kind of people are they?"

Thoma's expression softened, a genuine fondness shining in his eyes. "They're extraordinary, really. Lady Ayaka is as graceful as a cherry blossom, and her brother, Lord Ayato, is a sharp strategist and a kind leader. They both work tirelessly for the good of Inazuma, even in these difficult times."

"Anyway," Momon said, turning to Thoma, "I assume this place is not the main city of Inazuma?"

"You assume correctly," Thoma replied, his tone brightening. "Ritou is just a small trading estate, the first stop for most outlanders arriving in Inazuma. To reach Inazuma City, we'll need to travel deeper into Narukami Island."

"We?" Paimon asked, her head tilting as she hovered closer to Thoma. "Are you coming with us?"

Thoma grinned, his cheerful demeanor infectious. "Well, I will be returning to my master's estate soon anyway, so why not travel together for the moment? It's safer in numbers, after all."

"That's great!" Aether said, his voice carrying a note of relief. "I mean, you know Inazuma better than us, and it's always good to have a guide."

Thoma looked uneasy. He glanced at the soldiers stationed near the exit leading to the mainland, their stern faces and sharp weapons a clear reminder of the Shogun's strict enforcement.