Chapter 18 - Chapter 18

Phil Godette received Takumi's letter.

He used a special channel to send it to Ningguang immediately. This method was actually a technique used by the adepti, allowing letters to be delivered swiftly.

This was also how Ningguang remained informed about events happening around Liyue in real-time.

When Phil Godette delivered the letter, it reached Ningguang's secretary at the Qunyu Pavilion in Liyue Harbor.

Upon receiving the letter, the secretary wasted no time and immediately presented it to Ningguang.

Seeing this, Ningguang, who was working, paused her tasks and opened the letter to read it quickly.

After understanding its contents, the corners of her mouth lifted slightly. 

"Mr. Takumi has so many fantastic ideas," she mused. "This is a truly good concept."

"Baiwen, have someone test this out."

"If it proves successful, instruct them to speed up the capture of slimes."

Ningguang handed the letter to Baiwen beside her.

Hearing Ningguang's words, Baiwen took the letter and quickly read through it.

After finishing, she nodded. "Understood, Lady Ningguang. I will make the necessary arrangements immediately."

With that, she turned and left the room.

Watching Baiwen leave, Ningguang felt a growing anticipation.

What other surprises could Takumi bring her next?

...

Meanwhile, construction in Guili Plains had begun.

The foundations of houses were laid, and reinforced concrete was poured into place. The entire area bustled with activity.

Some traders, seeing an opportunity, set up stalls in the area.

The road from Liyue Harbor to Guili Plains had been completely paved with cement, making travel much quicker.

With the improved infrastructure, vendors were eager to establish their businesses, especially since the area had been cleared of Hilichurls, making it safe for commerce.

At this time, Mondstadt also received a letter from Keqing.

After reading the letter, Jean, the acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, summoned Albedo.

Since the letter mentioned Klee, Jean needed Albedo's opinion.

Albedo was Klee's guardian in name, and upon hearing Jean's words, he was slightly surprised.

"Liyue is building a new city, and they want Klee to help with demolitions?" he asked, feeling a little uneasy.

Were Liyue's people not concerned that Klee might accidentally blow up their new city?

"Well, who knows?" Jean replied. "What do you think? Should we let Klee go?"

Since the request came from Yuheng Xing, Keqing, Jean felt she should take it seriously.

"Since they've invited her, let Klee go," Albedo decided. "I'll have Sucrose accompany her."

Hearing Albedo's response, Jean nodded. "Alright. I'll arrange for their departure tomorrow."

"I've also heard that Liyue has developed a highly durable construction material," Jean added. "Whether for roads or buildings, it's top-notch."

"Liyue is already expanding their road network, and they plan to extend it to the Stone Gate."

"If this road is completed, trade between our two cities will flourish."

"When the time comes, I will discuss with Ningguang about purchasing some of their materials."

"If we fund the extension of the remaining roads, it will greatly benefit Mondstadt's economy."

"Since they are inviting Klee, this could be a chance to build stronger relations with Liyue."

A month ago, Liyue had begun major infrastructure projects, including cement road construction. This had piqued Jean's curiosity.

She wanted to see it for herself. If the new material was as good as rumored, she would bring it to Mondstadt for road expansion.

Better roads would lead to increased commerce, making Mondstadt's famous wines easier to export to Liyue and beyond.

Liyue's massive port was Teyvat's largest export hub, making deeper cooperation with them highly beneficial.

Albedo, though indifferent to commerce, understood the advantages.

After discussing the matter with Albedo, Jean instructed her knights to bring Klee out of the confinement room.

Klee, upon being released, was brimming with excitement. "Captain Jean! Is my punishment over?"

Then she spotted Albedo. "Brother Albedo! Why are you here?"

Just as she was about to ask about her confinement, she saw her guardian and ran excitedly into his arms.

"Klee!" Albedo sighed, looking at the mischievous child in his arms.

"Klee, I have a mission for you," Jean interjected.

Hearing Jean's words, Klee tilted her head curiously. "Captain Jean? Do you need me to blow something up?"

Her eyes sparkled with excitement.

The last time Jean spoke like this, she had sent Klee to deal with some Hilichurls at Stormterror's Lair.

Though things had gone slightly wrong, it was still one of Klee's most thrilling experiences.

Could it be another mission to blow something up?

Thinking about it, Klee could hardly contain her excitement.

She immediately let go of Albedo and looked at Jean expectantly.

Seeing Klee's enthusiasm, Jean felt a headache coming.

"This time, I'm sending you on a business trip," Jean explained. "Liyue has invited you to help with some demolitions."

Upon hearing "Liyue," "business trip," and "blowing things up," Klee's enthusiasm soared.

"Awesome!" she cheered. "Captain Jean, I'm going!"

She didn't even ask for details before agreeing.

Liyue? She had sneaked there before and blown up some funny-looking lizards.

Now she could go officially—and blow things up without getting scolded?

Klee was convinced she was truly lucky.

Seeing her unwavering excitement, both Albedo and Jean sighed.

"Klee!" Jean warned. "You must behave in Liyue."

"I'm sending Sucrose with you."

"Follow orders."

"I'll write to Yuheng Xing and ask her to keep an eye on you."

"No reckless explosions. No harming people."

"If you hurt someone in Liyue, they might arrest you. And you may not come back."

Jean gave a stern warning.

If Klee caused chaos, Jean had no doubt she could send all of Liyue sky-high.