When Childe arrived in Liyue, the Northland Bank was also about to open.
Ningguang was naturally well aware of the arrival of this executive. Therefore, the Northland Bank remained under the watch of the Qianyan Army, just to prevent these individuals from causing trouble in Liyue.
After all, among the Seven Nations, the Fatui were not exactly known for their goodwill.
Childe pondered for a long time before coming up with a plan. He called a subordinate and instructed:
"Go and tell the Fatui to keep a low profile in Liyue. Do not cause trouble for me. Also, send someone to Guili Plains to establish a branch of the Northland Bank."
He naturally wanted to get in touch with Takumi—but not yet. Since he had just arrived, he was still unsure of the other party's disposition. If he acted too rashly and Takumi disliked the Fatui, he might outright reject any dealings with them.
If that happened, it was likely the Fatui would be directly expelled from Liyue. Childe had no doubts that the Liyue Qixing would take such measures. According to the information, Takumi held a highly significant position in Liyue.
Hearing Childe's words, the Fatui member quickly retreated and began making arrangements.
"Headache!"
After his subordinate left, Childe rubbed his temples. His mission in Liyue was already difficult, but now it was getting even more complicated.
If Liyue still relied solely on traditional weapons, he might not be so concerned. He could even afford to be a little arrogant.
But now?
It was said that even the arrogant Treasure Hoarders had been utterly crushed by the Qianyan Army.
With that in mind, it was best to maintain a low profile.
According to the reports, Liyue's weapons were terrifying. Though their appearance resembled those of the Winter Kingdom, Liyue's technology was far superior. If it were a typical Winter Kingdom weapon, by the time it was aimed, the opponent would have already fired.
Thus, for now, there should be no conflict with Liyue.
Although the Tsaritsa and Morax had a contract, Liyue's current situation had changed. The best approach was to take things one step at a time and assess the circumstances.
Despite his urge to act immediately, he knew that acting recklessly could disrupt Her Majesty's plans.
With a sigh, Childe got up and left, deciding to take a walk around Liyue Harbor.
However, just as he stepped outside, he saw a strangely shaped vehicle flying through the sky. His eyes lit up at the sight.
Who was this person?
Why did they possess such a machine?
Childe's curiosity was piqued. Without hesitation, he chased after it. Perhaps this person could serve as a key to his plans.
Meanwhile, Takumi was completely immersed in his studies, unaware that Zhongli's wallet—Childe—had come knocking on his door.
Takumi was engrossed in absorbing all the knowledge Zhongli had provided. During this time, both Keqing and Shenhe had visited several times, but upon seeing him engrossed in his books, they refrained from disturbing him and focused on their own tasks.
Previously, Ningguang had asked Keqing to prepare some buildings to serve as medical halls. Keqing had initially planned to consult Takumi, but seeing how focused he was, she decided not to bother him just yet.
Keqing greatly admired Takumi's diligence. He was indeed similar to her—both of them worked hard for Liyue's future.
Although Takumi was an outsider, he had signed a contract with Morax. Over time, Keqing's respect for him had only grown.
Even the three little girls—Klee, Qiqi, and Yaoyao—wanted to play with Takumi. However, upon seeing him buried in his books, they abandoned the idea, knowing they would likely end up being roped into studying as well.
Klee, in particular, had no interest in reading books. Instead, she ran around with Qiqi and Yaoyao, enjoying her days of freedom in Liyue.
However, her carefree days were about to end.
A letter from Jean had arrived, bringing an abrupt end to Klee's fun. The Acting Grand Master had ordered Klee to return to Mondstadt, and she even sent members of the Knights of Favonius to escort her back.
The reason? Mondstadt needed Klee's power. Jean had not recalled Albedo, but she had called back the mischievous Klee, who had been idly playing in Liyue.
Now that Klee's business in Liyue was done, there was no reason for her to stay just for fun. It was better for her to return and help with Mondstadt's problems, such as dealing with the Hilichurls and the increasing monster activity.
In addition to the dragon crisis, monster outbreaks were becoming more frequent, seemingly the work of the Abyss Order.
With Mondstadt in dire need of manpower, Jean had no choice but to summon Klee back.
However, Klee was not happy about it. She didn't want to leave her friends behind.
Although she was reluctant, she understood that Mondstadt was in danger and needed her help. Thus, she agreed to return.
Upon hearing that Klee was leaving, Yaoyao and Qiqi were filled with regret. But Yaoyao, the clever little girl, quickly came up with an idea.
"Klee! Why don't we go with you? We're just playing here anyway. Maybe we can help in Mondstadt. And besides, I've never been to Mondstadt before!"
Hearing this, Klee's eyes brightened. "Really? That sounds great! Let's go find Brother Takumi!"
With that, Klee excitedly ran towards Takumi's office. Brother Takumi loved her so much—surely, he would agree, right?
Yaoyao and Qiqi hurriedly followed.
Just as Takumi was about to take a break after reading, he saw Klee and her friends burst into his office. Seeing them, he was surprised.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
Klee ran up to him with a face full of reluctance. "Brother Takumi, Captain Jean sent a letter calling me back to Mondstadt. But I don't want to go back yet. If I leave, I won't be able to play with Yaoyao and Qiqi anymore. So, can they come with me to Mondstadt?"
First, she acted cute, then she made her request.
Hearing Klee's plea, Takumi was momentarily speechless. Jean was calling Klee back? It seemed the dragon disaster was serious. That also meant Paimon was about to appear.
After thinking for a while, Takumi said, "Alright. You can go. When I finish things here, I will also head to Mondstadt. Also, Klee, do you remember what I told you?"
"Like what?" Klee asked, tilting her head.
Takumi smirked. "For example, your Anemo Archon is an alcoholic."
Hearing that Takumi would come to Mondstadt too, Klee's eyes lit up. Of course, she remembered that! But she still didn't understand why Takumi always brought that up.