Chapter 55

Takumi and Klee stepped down from Wangshu Inn.

At this time, Keqing was already standing among the Treasure Hoarders, addressing them sternly.

"Normally, our Qianyan Army is too busy to deal with you lot."

"But now\..."

"Hmph!"

"From today onwards, you will obediently accept labor reform here."

"Liyue has revised its laws."

"Anyone caught destroying Liyue's ruins will be arrested and subjected to forced labor."

"Don't even think about running away."

"The entire area is surrounded by the Qianyan Army."

"No one will come to rescue you."

"And if they do, even better—we'll arrest them too."

"Each of you will receive 4000 Mora per day, enough to support your families."

"You'll be given food and shelter while working at the construction site."

"Once you've fully completed this place, you'll be granted your freedom."

"Take them away."

Keqing didn't give the Treasure Hoarders a chance to speak.

After explaining the rules, she instructed the Qianyan Army to lead them to the construction site to start carrying bricks.

Since they loved digging up Liyue's land so much, they could now dig all they wanted.

The Treasure Hoarders looked extremely dejected.

But there was nothing they could do.

On their way here, they had already realized escape was impossible.

The entire area was guarded by the Qianyan Army.

Even during meals and breaks, they would be under strict supervision.

They had no choice but to work.

As the group was escorted away, Takumi approached Keqing with Klee.

"You've already started catching the Treasure Hoarders?"

Keqing nodded. "The process is already underway."

"I'm also planning to bring in all the Treasure Hoarders from the prison."

"There's no reason for them to sit around eating free meals."

"It's better to make them work here."

She believed the prisoners were simply wasting food in jail.

It was better to have them contribute to society.

They could even take night shifts.

Now that lighting had been installed, there was no reason they couldn't work at night, right?

After all, they were free labor.

It was only logical to make full use of them.

Thinking of this, Keqing turned to Takumi.

"Takumi, install more lights at the construction site."

"Make the Treasure Hoarders work overtime at night."

Takumi raised an eyebrow, baffled.

"Keqing, aren't you being a little too harsh?"

Realizing Keqing's true intent, he couldn't help but feel speechless.

Keqing, however, remained serious. "Of course."

"They're already getting paid 50 Mora."

"For that price, they should be working more than just during the day."

Was she a ruthless business owner?

Takumi gave it some thought.

Installing lights for construction wasn't a bad idea.

It would speed up progress.

After weighing the pros and cons, he finally decided.

"Alright!"

"Let's install the lights."

"We'll have them work a few extra hours after dinner."

"This will help shorten the construction period."

"For regular workers, we'll increase their wages."

"Come on, let's go get the wires now."

"There's a batch of Thunder Slimes that were recently captured—we can use them to power the site."

With that, Takumi immediately got to work.

Seeing Takumi agree, Keqing was thrilled.

Sure enough, they were on the same wavelength.

Like-minded partners!

Wasn't this the perfect moment to shout, "Comrade!"?

After having a brief moment of self-satisfaction, she quickly followed Takumi.

Klee, too, trailed behind them as they headed toward the workshop where light bulbs and wires were manufactured.

The workshop wasn't too crowded.

Only about a dozen alchemists worked there, crafting electrical components.

To be honest, the production rate was quite slow.

But there was no other choice.

The production line had not yet been fully developed.

Takumi had already assigned a certain adeptus to research automated production lines.

Since that adeptus had spent time developing cars, Takumi figured she shouldn't be left idle.

Thus, she was tasked with researching automated assembly lines.

Now that engines and power sources had been developed, creating a production line using mechanics should be possible, right?

After all, she had managed to create an automatic cooking mechanism.

This shouldn't be too difficult for her.

Despite the slow production, there was still plenty of stock.

Many stores had already been equipped with electric lights.

Subsequent production had slowed down, leaving a surplus in storage.

Upon arrival, Takumi immediately instructed the alchemists to begin transporting the light bulbs and wires.

He then enlisted the help of some Qianyan Army soldiers.

Takumi and Keqing got to work.

They pulled wires and installed light fixtures.

The alchemists were already familiar with the process, as Takumi had taught them.

They were, in fact, some of the first "electricians" in Teyvat.

Takumi also asked them to train a few Qianyan Army soldiers in installation techniques.

The selected soldiers now had a basic understanding of electrical work.

As Takumi and the others installed the lights, many craftsmen watched in curiosity.

What were they doing?

Not long after, Keqing had someone announce the new directive.

Mandatory night shifts.

Upon hearing this, many workers were reluctant.

Did they really have to work at night?

However, when they learned that wages would be increased, most of them had no further complaints.

That was reasonable.

They usually gathered and idled away at night anyway.

If working overtime meant earning more, why not?

As for the Treasure Hoarders, they were on the verge of tears.

Because their wages wouldn't be increased.

Were they really being treated as slaves?

By nighttime, the light installations were complete.

Takumi switched on the power, ran a few tests, and ensured everything was functioning properly.

"That's done."

"Once they finish dinner, they'll get back to work."

"Three more hours of work should be enough."

"It's not like they need to do heavy labor all night."

"But at least some simple tasks can be completed."

Although the lighting was adequate, visibility was still slightly limited.

However, simple construction tasks could still be done.

Every bit of progress counted.

Keqing nodded in satisfaction.

The sky had darkened.

Looking at the illuminated construction site, she couldn't have been more pleased.

"Now, everyone can continue working at night."

"This should be implemented everywhere."

"Even in Liyue Harbor, workers should put in extra hours."

Keqing didn't just want night shifts here.

She wanted overtime work to become common in Liyue Harbor too.

People should be diligent and earn more money.

There was nothing wrong with that.

It had to be said—Keqing was truly the queen of hard work.

She wouldn't rest even if everyone else did.