Chapter 433: Engineering

The weather was clear and cloudless, with the sun shining brightly.

The location: the construction site of Tenshukaku in Inazuma City, Narukami Island.

Several days had passed since the battle that destroyed Tenshukaku. The site had transformed into a massive construction zone. Many Inazumans bustled about, and building materials were neatly arranged in designated areas.

Kamisato Ayato looked at the bustling construction site with a satisfied smile.

Tenshukaku had been destroyed in the battle several days ago. A dual-colored lightning pillar had shot into the sky that day. It had been raining heavily, but when Tenshukaku collapsed, the lightning pillar dispersed the dark clouds, leaving behind a clear sky.

Of course, the people weren't concerned about what had happened several days ago. They didn't have the time to gossip about it either. Their energy was entirely focused on making a living.

Kamisato Ayato was here as a supervisor. As the head of the Kamisato Clan and the Yashiro Commissioner, he had taken on the responsibility of overseeing the reconstruction. After the Kanjou and Tenryou Commissioners were punished by the Shogun, the Yashiro Commission had regained its former prominence.

With the restoration of its status came increased authority—and a heavier workload.

Last night, Inazuma City had been hit by a heavy rainstorm. Kamisato Ayato had come to check if it had affected the day's construction progress. After a thorough inspection, he found no issues.

"Thoma, you've done well," Kamisato Ayato said to the man beside him.

Thoma, who had both Inazuman and Mondstadtian blood, identified himself as an Inazuman. He was one of the few people Kamisato Ayato could fully trust.

That's why the responsibility of overseeing Tenshukaku's reconstruction had been entrusted to him.

"My lord, why did you come to inspect the site personally?" Thoma asked. "You've already visited five times in the past half-month since construction began."

Five or six days, five visits. While this frequency might not seem high, for someone as busy as Kamisato Ayato, it was significant. Those in positions of power always had much to do. While some might laze about in their roles, Kamisato Ayato was not one of them.

He had always been busy, and now he was even busier. Especially since the Grand Narukami Shrine had requested that he personally oversee the current state of the Tenryou and Kanjou Commissions.

Thoma, aware of his lord's busy schedule, couldn't help but ask.

"Thoma, Tenshukaku is important," Kamisato Ayato said.

Thoma nodded. "My lord, I understand the significance of Tenshukaku. It's the Shogun's residence, a symbol of great importance."

For a long time, Tenshukaku had been the Raiden Shogun's dwelling. In a way, it represented the Shogun herself. Its destruction had a profound impact on Inazuma.

If the Shogun hadn't emerged from Tenshukaku and appeared before the people, the Yashiro Commission wouldn't have known how to handle the unrest that followed.

When something familiar disappears before your eyes, it feels strange—this was a natural reaction.

"Additionally, the Tenshukaku project has provided jobs for many unemployed people. From what I've heard, many ronin have chosen to return because of this," Thoma said.

During the Sakoku Decree and the Vision Hunt Decree, job opportunities had dwindled. Without Mora, people had no choice but to survive in the wild.

The wilderness of Teyvat had always been bountiful. In Inazuma, the wilds were filled with lavender melon trees, and sweet flowers could be found everywhere. Gathering resources could sustain a basic livelihood, but the wilderness was fraught with danger. Monsters were powerful, and one misstep could mean death.

In Inazuma, unless absolutely necessary, people wouldn't easily become ronin.

The Tenshukaku project was massive, requiring significant manpower and resources. Although the standard of living in Inazuma had declined, the Shogunate's economy was still strong.

"Thoma, it seems you haven't been paying attention to Ritou lately," Kamisato Ayato said.

Thoma nodded. "Since the Shogun emerged from Tenshukaku, I've been able to move freely within Inazuma. I've been focusing all my energy on Inazuma City. My lord, has something happened in Ritou?"

"The Shogun has reached some agreement with the Fatui. They've sent a large shipment of supplies, including shipbuilding technology. Additionally, the Kanjou Commission has already begun scouting locations to rebuild the shipyard," Kamisato Ayato explained.

Thoma scratched his head. "My lord, what do you think the Shogun is planning?"

"By the time Tenshukaku is rebuilt, it will be time to open the nation's borders."

Kamisato Ayato gazed at the construction site, deep in thought.

Tenshukaku was just the beginning. As an island nation, ships were crucial to Inazuma. Therefore, rebuilding the shipyard was necessary. Currently, Liyue led the shipbuilding industry in Teyvat, followed by Snezhnaya. Inazuma lagged behind both.

The Shogun's plans were now in the hands of the Tri-Commission. It was clear that the Sakoku Decree would soon be lifted. The lavender melon farming industry in Konda Village would be revitalized, and the textile industry would become a priority. The forging industry in Tatarasuna would be steadily restored. There were even plans to redevelop Seirai Island…

The detailed plans indicated that there would be no rest for a long time. The only relief was that the Shogun wasn't demanding that everything be done simultaneously.

After a pause, Kamisato Ayato said, "I can't quite understand what the Shogun is aiming for. It feels like she's gone from one extreme to another."

Previously, the Shogun had been isolationist. Now, she was pushing for rapid change.

"Is that a bad thing, my lord?"

Kamisato Ayato didn't answer. He simply continued to watch the construction site.

There must be someone advising the Shogun.

The construction site was bustling with activity. Under the bright sun, Inazuma City felt more lively than ever. The usual idlers on the streets were fewer, and everyone seemed to be moving with purpose.

The reconstruction of Tenshukaku had a ripple effect on every aspect of Inazuma City. Workers earned Mora here, which meant they could spend, driving various industries forward.

"Wow, Inazuma City is so crowded now. Why are there so many people all of a sudden?"

Paimon was slightly overwhelmed by the scene before her.

Lumine looked around. Compared to an hour ago, the streets were much busier.

"Because it's lunchtime, Paimon," Kamisato Ayaka explained.

She led the Traveler and Paimon into Uyuu Restaurant, heading to a pre-booked private room.

"Ayaka, why are there so many people during lunchtime?" Paimon pressed.

Kamisato Ayaka replied, "It's because of the Tenshukaku reconstruction. Many workers have flocked to Inazuma City."

"It hasn't been long since Paimon and I went to Seirai Island, but Inazuma City has changed so much," Lumine said.

"Tenshukaku? Oh, is that the place where that nice priest and the Raiden Shogun fought and destroyed?" Paimon asked.

Kamisato Ayaka nodded. "Yes, Paimon. Would you like to share your experiences from the past few days? We haven't seen each other since you went to Mount Yougou that day."

The day after meeting Li Mo, Lumine and Paimon had gone up the mountain to meet the Raiden Shogun. Kamisato Ayaka, occupied with other tasks, hadn't joined them.

"Ayaka, aren't you busy?" Lumine asked.

Kamisato Ayaka smiled. "Right now, it's break time."

"Let me tell it, let me tell it! Meeting the Shogun was just like what that priest said…" Paimon, acting as Lumine's mouthpiece, eagerly began recounting the entire story.

Not gaining any substantial clues from the meeting with the Shogun, Lumine and Paimon had decided to take on some adventurer commissions—the reward for the Seirai Island mission was too good to pass up.

The story of the cats and the shrine maidens on Seirai Island slowly unfolded.