Liyue might appear prosperous, but over time, its population has increased, leading to a gradual food crisis.
Relying solely on the food produced in Qingce Village was no longer sufficient to support Liyue's growing population. As a result, food prices had been rising every year.
This forced Ningguang and the others to import food from neighboring nations. However, continuing on this path was unsustainable.
Since Sucrose came with Klee, Takumi wouldn't let her remain idle.
Sucrose was highly skilled in bio-alchemy, having successfully created special plants like triple sweet flowers and quadruple sweet flowers. Her expertise in plant research made her invaluable for agricultural advancements.
Perhaps, Sucrose's skills could be utilized to increase grain production.
Thinking of this, Takumi didn't hesitate and spoke directly to Sucrose about his idea.
"Miss Sucrose, I heard you have extensive knowledge in bio-alchemy."
"I would like to hire you to help Liyue develop high-yield crops."
"By hybridizing wild rice with existing rice varieties, we can increase production."
"Liyue's population has grown too quickly, forcing us to import vast amounts of food each year."
"If this continues, it won't be sustainable."
"So, I hope you can help us develop a new type of rice and solve this problem."
Takumi's words left Keqing and Sucrose stunned.
Keqing was well aware of Liyue's current situation.
As Takumi had said, Liyue truly relied on food imports from other nations.
And now, Takumi wanted Sucrose to research high-yield grains?
Had Takumi already started considering such long-term matters?
Keqing couldn't help but widen her eyes at the thought.
However, was this socially anxious girl really up to the task?
Sucrose herself was also uncertain.
Increase food production?
She was fine with conducting small experiments, but handling a large-scale agricultural project?
Wasn't Takumi overestimating her?
"I… I can't."
"Why don't you ask Master Albedo instead?"
...
Seeing her hesitance, Takumi couldn't help but chuckle.
"Miss Sucrose, don't underestimate yourself."
"I am well aware of the triple sweet flower you created."
"So, have some confidence in your abilities."
Takumi firmly believed in Sucrose's alchemical expertise, particularly in plant research.
After all, this was someone capable of devising hundreds of breeding programs for sweet flowers.
She just lacked confidence.
With some guidance and proper funding, she could become Teyvat's version of Shennong.
Seeing how highly Takumi regarded her, Sucrose blushed slightly.
"Then… I'll give it a try?"
Takumi nodded.
"Try it. Even if it doesn't work, I won't blame you."
"If you need anything—be it materials or funds—just ask Miss Keqing."
"She will ensure your needs are met."
Takumi turned to Keqing, who immediately nodded.
"I'll handle the paperwork."
"No matter how much funding you require, just ask."
Liyue had plenty of wealth, and Ningguang would undoubtedly take food security seriously.
If this issue could be solved, Ningguang would be willing to invest any amount.
So, funding was not a problem.
Sucrose nodded, feeling an unexpected sense of excitement.
Unlimited research funding?
What could be better than that?
Thinking about it, Sucrose started looking forward to the project.
Meanwhile, Klee couldn't contain herself any longer.
"Brother Takumi! What about me?"
"You still haven't told me what I'll be doing!"
Takumi looked at the eager girl with amusement.
"Don't worry."
"You're about to get very busy."
"Keqing, Miss Sucrose, I'll leave the funding approval to you."
"Write a letter to Ningguang and have her authorize the funds as soon as possible."
"The sooner we start, the better."
"Let's aim to have the seeds ready for planting by autumn."
Keqing nodded. "I'll handle it right away."
"Miss Sucrose, please come with me. I'll show you where you'll be staying."
With that, Keqing turned and left.
Takumi also stood up and said:
"Klee, come with me."
"I'll show you what you'll be doing next."
Hearing Takumi's words, Klee's eyes lit up excitedly.
Without hesitation, she followed him outside.
Sucrose glanced at Klee, who was practically bouncing with excitement, before following Keqing to her lodging.
She hadn't expected to receive a commission upon arriving in Liyue.
But it didn't matter—Liyue's commissions were lucrative.
If Klee was staying here for a while, she might as well make good use of her time.
...
Takumi led Klee toward Yaoguang Shoal.
Along the way, Klee held Takumi's hand, her curiosity bubbling over.
"Brother Takumi, what's my mission?"
"What do you need me to do?"
Hearing her question, Takumi chuckled.
"Your task is something you'll love."
"You'll find out soon enough."
Klee's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Klee loves blowing up fish the most!"
"Are we going to blow up fish?"
"Yay~!"
Blowing up fish was Klee's favorite activity.
Did that mean Takumi was taking her to do just that?
"Well, not exactly."
"But, Klee, this job is a bit more complicated than just fishing with explosives."
"The place I'm taking you to needs to be bombed deeper."
"We need to permanently change the depth so that larger ships can dock."
Takumi led Klee across the bridge at Wangshu Inn, then toward the path leading to Mingyun Village.
That was their destination.
Klee's job was to demolish certain areas near the coast.
The islands out at sea didn't need to be touched.
In the future, if necessary, those areas could be developed into tea houses or similar establishments.
Many people would surely love the idea of sipping tea while watching passing ships.
Takumi even considered roping Zhongli into opening a high-class tea house there.
With his love for tea, Zhongli would likely approve of the idea.
Or perhaps Hu Tao would get involved and offer special promotions—spend enough money and receive a free coffin!
Just picturing it was amusing.