Chapter 90

At Liyue Harbor, many children spent their days idle.

It wasn't that Ningguang hadn't considered sending them to private schools, but the cost was too high, with daily expenses adding up quickly. This led her to abandon the idea.

She had also thought about building a school, but with no concrete plan, it had been set aside. Now that Takumi had brought it up, her interest was piqued.

"Tell me what you have in mind."

Seeing her enthusiasm, Takumi smirked slightly.

It seemed like things were going well. Ningguang was taking this matter seriously.

Takumi immediately outlined his thoughts.

"Education should be divided by age group—kindergarten, elementary school, junior high, high school, and university."

"Kindergarten will introduce young children to literacy and basic schooling. Elementary school will gradually teach cultural subjects."

"In junior high, students can begin learning subjects like alchemy or mechanics. By high school, they will study more advanced knowledge."

"Universities will allow students to specialize in specific fields, similar to the system in Sumeru."

"This way, Liyue will cultivate more talent."

"Why does Sumeru have so many skilled scholars? It's because of their structured education system. A proper school can continuously supply Liyue with talented individuals. I think you understand how important this is."

Ningguang nodded. She understood its significance.

After thinking for a moment, she made her decision.

"Then let's build it. I will fully support you. I'll also recruit teachers to staff it. However, are you planning to oversee the school personally?"

A school would need someone in charge. Was Takumi going to take on that responsibility, or would he assign it to someone else?

Takumi smirked.

"How about letting Zhongli be the principal?"

"Mr. Zhongli is highly knowledgeable and well-versed in almost everything."

"Wouldn't it be fitting for him to cultivate Liyue's next generation?"

"Besides, he doesn't have much to do at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."

"No one would be more suitable than him."

Takumi grinned mischievously.

The so-called retired god? Why not let him teach instead?

And besides, wouldn't it be awkward if the people of Liyue found out their revered consultant didn't have a single Mora to his name?

Ningguang's eyes gleamed at Takumi's suggestion.

Indeed, who would be more qualified than Zhongli?

Nowadays, all Zhongli did was drink tea, take leisurely walks, and listen to music. It would be better for him to educate the younger generation.

Thinking about it, Ningguang smirked.

"No problem! I support this."

She agreed immediately.

The two exchanged glances before both broke into sly smiles.

As for Zhongli, he had no idea that Takumi and Ningguang were conspiring against him.

At that moment, he was simply enjoying a performance by Yun Jin.

Feeling perfectly content.

After finalizing the details, Ningguang turned to her secretary.

"Bring the firearms from Snezhnaya."

Takumi had come here for a few key matters. With the school issue resolved, it was time to discuss the weapons.

Baiwen promptly left the room.

Ningguang turned back to Takumi, intrigued.

"Keqing mentioned you plan to modify the muskets from Snezhnaya for the Qianyan Army?"

Takumi nodded. "That's right."

"Ordinary Qianyan soldiers rely purely on martial strength, which isn't always enough."

"Some stronger monsters are difficult for them to handle."

"But with firearms, that changes."

"Although Liyue is at peace now, there's no guarantee it will stay that way."

"It's best to strengthen the Qianyan Army as soon as possible. We don't have enemies now, but that doesn't mean we should be unprepared."

Ningguang nodded in agreement.

There was no harm in making the army stronger.

As they spoke, Baiwen returned, carrying a box.

She placed it in front of Takumi.

Takumi wasted no time opening it, revealing a flintlock musket.

He picked it up and activated his power.

The Herrscher of Reason's abilities kicked in, analyzing the weapon instantly.

Takumi's eyes changed color, and a unique symbol appeared.

Ningguang was astonished.

Takumi's abilities were truly terrifying.

She was glad he was on Liyue's side.

If Takumi had been born in another nation, it would have been troubling.

Even Mondstadt, their neighboring ally, had undergone rapid development thanks to his influence.

In just a few months, Takumi had already brought massive change to Liyue.

And it was all thanks to him.

While Ningguang was lost in thought, Takumi finished his analysis.

"I see."

"It's a product of alchemy. With some modifications, it will be much better."

With that, he began shaping a new design.

Under Ningguang's watchful gaze, Takumi manifested a pistol.

Then, a rifle.

Finally, a sniper rifle appeared in his hands.

Ningguang was stunned.

"This...?"

Takumi nodded.

"These are the weapons I plan to create."

"They're much more advanced."

"If a Vision holder uses them, their power will be immense."

"They can channel elemental energy into them."

"And even those without Visions can use them."

"Our elemental crystals can function as ammunition."

"Since they're all powered by elemental energy, there's no need for traditional bullets."

Takumi picked up the pistol and inspected it with satisfaction.

After analyzing Snezhnaya's guns, he had completely reimagined them.

Now, the weapons didn't even require bullets.

They could fire bursts of energy instead.

The power was formidable.

With just elemental crystals, these firearms could function perfectly.

It was the same principle as the elemental-powered vehicles of Teyvat.

Although, it would require further special modifications.