Takumi explained everything to Albedo, instructing him to continue with the necessary work.
Then, he planned to return to Liyue Harbor first.
At the same time, Takumi also told Cloud Retainer about some machines like excavators, road rollers, and bulldozers, asking for assistance in developing them. Since the car was already completed, modifying it into construction equipment wouldn't be too difficult.
Hearing Takumi's description, Cloud Retainer immediately understood what to do and began collaborating with the alchemists.
.....
The next day, Takumi was preparing to return to Liyue Harbor with Keqing. Seeing this, Klee immediately followed and ran straight to the car, taking a seat.
"Brother Takumi, I'm coming too!" she exclaimed.
Hearing her enthusiasm, Takumi didn't refuse. Since Klee had been playing here anyway, there was no harm in bringing her along to Liyue Harbor. By the way, he could find Qiqi so Klee could play with her.
"Get in and sit tight. We're leaving," Takumi instructed.
With that, Takumi started the car using the key. Keqing inserted her Vision into the energy slot inside the car to act as a power source. Although the vehicle had elemental crystals installed, she wanted to ensure they had enough energy for the long journey from Guili Plains to Liyue Harbor.
Once everyone was seated, Takumi set off.
The car started smoothly with minimal noise, only the soft sound of mechanical gears turning, which was rather pleasant. Takumi drove onto the cement road and began accelerating toward Liyue Harbor.
Looking at the rapidly changing scenery, Klee sat in the back, eyes filled with excitement.
Along the road, merchants were left stunned as they saw the vehicle pass by.
"What is that?!"
"Is that really something from Teyvat?"
Curiosity filled the air as they watched the strange contraption zoom past, faster than any horse-drawn carriage.
Many began to wonder—would Liyue start selling these cars in the future?
...
Takumi drove at a steady pace. The advantages of the newly constructed four-lane road became apparent. Thanks to careful planning, opposing traffic moved in a separate lane, allowing Takumi to drive without interference.
When they finally arrived at the entrance of Liyue Harbor, some Qianyan Guards spotted the approaching car and instinctively moved to block it.
Seeing this, Keqing stuck her head out of the window.
"It's me! We're not enemies."
Recognizing her, the Qianyan Guards were taken aback.
"Lady Yuheng!"
They immediately stepped aside.
Seeing this, Takumi didn't hesitate and drove through the entrance.
As they crossed the wooden bridge, Takumi muttered in dissatisfaction.
"If they don't reinforce this bridge soon, it's going to collapse. I'll talk to Zhongli later."
Keqing, who also noticed the issue, nodded in agreement.
As they entered Liyue Harbor, the number of pedestrians increased significantly. Takumi honked the horn to alert them to move aside before slowly navigating toward the General Affairs Department.
The sudden noise of the horn startled many citizens.
"What was that sound?!"
"Wait! That's Lady Keqing and Mr. Takumi!"
"Wow! Is that a new invention from Liyue?"
Excitement spread through the crowd as people marveled at the car, speculating about its purpose.
When passing by Third-Round Knockout, Takumi happened to spot Zhongli sipping tea.
Takumi immediately stopped the car and waved.
"Zhongli, come with us to the General Affairs Department."
Hearing this, Zhongli raised an eyebrow, his gaze settling on the unfamiliar vehicle.
Was this what Takumi and Cloud Retainer had been working on? It looked quite impressive.
Watching Takumi drive away, Zhongli pondered for a moment before standing up and following along.
...
"The Emperor... is really idle," Keqing muttered after holding back for a long time.
Hearing this, Takumi chuckled.
"He's about to retire, after all. Mond's Archon is even lazier! You haven't seen anything yet."
Hearing Takumi mention Mond's Archon, Klee became excited.
"Brother Takumi! Do you know our Anemo Archon?"
Her curiosity was piqued.
Hearing Klee's question, a mischievous glint flashed in Takumi's eyes. Since he had already exposed Zhongli, he might as well expose Venti too.
"I don't know him personally, but I do know about him," Takumi began.
"Klee, when you return to Mond, keep an eye out for a guy wearing green clothes with twin braids. If you see a bard with green hair, don't doubt it—that's your Anemo Archon."
"His name is Venti, but he used to be called Barbatos. He loves drinking and wears white stockings."
"If you want to confirm his identity, just grab a cat and throw it at him. If he sneezes like crazy, then you'll know for sure—it's him."
"He's a complete freeloader who tricks people into giving him free drinks."
Hearing Takumi's description, Keqing and Klee were dumbfounded.
"Brother Takumi... are you lying to me?" Klee asked hesitantly, finding it hard to believe.
Even Keqing was skeptical.
"I'm telling the truth!"
"Don't think that gods are always serious and noble. Liyue's Archon spends his days listening to opera, drinking tea, and walking around with no Mora in his pocket."
"In fact, the Archons of Mond, Liyue, and Inazuma all have one thing in common—they're all broke."
"Klee, you're richer than all three of them combined."
"Mond's Archon is an alcoholic. Inazuma's Archon is a shut-in. And Liyue's Archon is a history nerd."
"If you don't believe me, ask Zhongli yourself when you see him. He'll tell you exactly what kind of drunkard Venti is."
As Takumi finished speaking, a sly smirk played on his lips.
Keqing and Klee sat in stunned silence.
Although it seemed unbelievable, Takumi sounded way too confident.
Could it be... true?