Takumi had been enjoying himself for nearly a month, spending most of his time with Zhongli and getting to know Liyue Harbor's residents.
He met Xiangling, who was always busy cooking, Xingqiu, the young master of the Feiyun Commerce Guild, Chongyun, the exorcist with a very elegant aunt, and Yun Jin, the famous opera singer of the Yunhan Opera Troupe.
After a month of leisure, it was time for Takumi to get to work.
The roads had been completed, reaching all the way to Guili Plains, and materials were fully prepared.
Next, Takumi had to oversee the construction himself.
During this month, Liyue's masons had mastered the technique of mixing cement and reinforcing structures with steel bars.
On the day construction was set to begin, Takumi was still sound asleep.
At dawn, Keqing, the energetic purple-haired Yuheng, barged into his room to wake him up.
"Takumi, it's time to get up."
"The sun is already high in the sky."
"Today is the day construction starts in Guili Plains. You can't afford to slack off!"
Keqing rushed into Takumi's room, her movements showing familiarity, as if this wasn't the first time.
And it truly wasn't.
For the past month, Keqing would frequently visit Takumi to ask him questions.
Over time, she became used to entering his room without hesitation.
Takumi, still groggy, opened his eyes and looked at Keqing with a tired expression.
"Keqing, this is too much!"
"You barged in again."
Hearing Takumi's complaint, Keqing crossed her arms and glared at him.
"You should be working."
"You've played around for a whole month—don't you think that's enough?"
"The emperor has high expectations for you. I hope you understand your responsibilities!"
Standing at the door, Keqing lectured him sternly.
She didn't dare step inside fully.
After all, a previous incident—omitted for the sake of dignity—had taught her to avoid touching Takumi's blanket.
That "towering tent" she had once glimpsed was not something to be taken lightly.
...
Reluctantly, Takumi got up, washed his face, and brushed his teeth.
Then, he followed Keqing to the General Affairs Department.
On the way, they stopped by a breakfast stall, where Takumi bought two portions of Mora Meat, sharing one with Keqing as they walked.
By the time they arrived, the General Affairs Department was bustling with activity.
Many citizens knew that today marked the official start of construction in Guili Plains.
Seeing Takumi arrive, some people exchanged curious glances.
Wasn't this the same guy who had been wandering around Liyue Harbor with Zhongli for the past month?
Indeed, Takumi had spent his time leisurely, which left a lasting impression on many in Liyue.
Most people saw him as someone carefree, indulging in food, drinks, and fun.
And his unconventional ideas had also raised quite a few eyebrows.
Inside the General Affairs Department, Ningguang and Ganyu were already waiting.
"Good morning, Takumi," Ganyu greeted warmly.
Takumi smiled in response.
"Good morning, Ganyu."
"And Miss Ningguang, good morning to you as well."
Ningguang gave a small nod before addressing him formally.
"Mr. Takumi, the time has come to begin your work."
"All materials have been prepared."
"The new city's development will require your full attention."
It was now Takumi's responsibility to oversee the entire construction project, while Ningguang would focus on supplying the necessary resources.
Keqing was assigned to assist him in any way necessary.
Essentially, all matters regarding the Guili Plains project were now under Takumi's jurisdiction.
Takumi nodded in understanding.
"Got it."
"I'll make sure everything is handled properly."
"Since there are no further delays, let's head out."
He glanced at Keqing, who gave an approving nod.
"Let's move immediately."
"We'll stay at Wangshu Inn for now."
"Once we arrive, we'll coordinate with the teams to discuss the construction process."
With that, Keqing turned and strode out.
Takumi followed her without hesitation, while Ningguang and Ganyu also accompanied them outside.
Once outside, Ningguang made an official announcement to the gathered crowd, introducing Takumi as the one in charge of Guili Plains' development.
Some citizens were skeptical.
Was this man, who had been idly roaming Liyue Harbor, really capable of overseeing such a major project?
Noticing the uncertainty in their expressions, Ningguang decisively added,
"This is the will of the emperor."
At those words, any lingering doubts dissipated.
If this was the Geo Archon's decree, then there was no room for questioning.
With the introductions complete, Takumi and Keqing departed with the Qianyan Army.
Riding in a carriage, they headed toward Guili Plains.
Crossing the bridge leading out of Liyue Harbor, they traveled along a newly constructed four-lane concrete road.
This was another one of Takumi's ideas.
Yellow-painted lane markings divided the road, designating proper traffic flow.
Takumi even considered drafting traffic laws with Yanfei's help in the future.
The carriage moved swiftly along the smooth concrete road.
Building this road had been no easy task, but it was well worth the effort.
The road now extended to Dihua Marsh, where construction had paused temporarily.
For now, all available cement was redirected toward the Guili Plains project.
Once Takumi no longer required as much cement, the road to Stone Gate would resume construction.
Additionally, some rocky terrain in Stone Gate would need to be blasted away.
This reminded Takumi of something.
"Keqing, we should send a letter to Mondstadt."
"Invite their Spark Knight to assist with blasting the dock area."
"We need to construct deep-water docks as soon as possible."
"Also, Guili Plains is full of rocky terrain. She could help with that too."
Hearing this, Keqing nodded in agreement.
"Understood."
"I'll draft a letter to Mondstadt as soon as we arrive."
"Her abilities would be quite useful."
The development of Guili Plains was now in full swing.
Soon, the land would be leveled according to Takumi's design, and construction would begin in earnest.
The cement would be poured, foundations would be dug, and buildings would start to take shape.
Ningguang had invested heavily in this project, determined to see it completed quickly.
To accelerate progress, she had hired every available mason in Liyue Harbor.
For the masons, this was a great opportunity.
After a month of training, they had become proficient in the new construction techniques.
With everything in place, Guili Plains would soon transform into a thriving new city.
Buildings would begin to rise, shaping the future of Liyue.