Chapter 229

Takumi directly handed over the blueprints of several large trucks to Keqing.

Keqing took a quick glance before putting them away, preparing to have production start the next day. Once completed, they would be put up for sale. These trucks were expected to bring in significant profits.

In Liyue Harbor, a large amount of revenue had already been generated from selling electrical appliances and other goods. Items such as vehicles, houses, appliances, and wiring had become highly profitable, rivaling the traditional income sources of Liyue Harbor. 

Of course, Liyue Harbor still received a share of the profits, as much of the initial capital for these ventures had come from there.

After finalizing these discussions, Keqing returned to her room for the night.

Later that evening, Klee and the others finally arrived back, accompanied by Hu Tao. The moment she entered, Hu Tao declared to Takumi:

"Get me a room! I'm staying here tonight!"

She then turned to glance at Qiqi, who, as usual, ignored her completely.

However, Takumi noticed that Qiqi no longer seemed as afraid of Hu Tao as before. Was she slowly beginning to accept her? Interesting.

Takumi wondered if Hu Tao had bribed Qiqi with coconut milk, but he didn't dwell on the thought too much and simply nodded.

"Find yourself a place to stay."

Then, noticing Barbara's absence, he asked, "By the way, isn't Barbara back? What about Amber?"

Amber shook her head. "She went to Liyue Harbor with Yun Jin and Xinyan, so she won't be back tonight."

Takumi had just returned, so he wasn't aware of this. Apparently, Barbara had been having the time of her life ever since coming to Liyue. Every day, Yun Jin and Xinyan took her around the city, letting her experience everything it had to offer. 

Amber could only sigh helplessly at how much Barbara was enjoying herself.

Takumi was a bit surprised. "So she went with Yun Jin and Xinyan to Liyue Harbor? No wonder."

"Looks like Barbara is having a great time," he said, rubbing his chin.

In just a few days, she had become quite comfortable in Liyue. It wouldn't be surprising if Barbara no longer wanted to return to Mondstadt. After all, Liyue was far livelier than Mondstadt in many ways.

Amber nodded in agreement. Barbara truly was enjoying herself.

After chatting for a while, everyone got ready for bed.

The next morning, Takumi headed straight to the shipyard.

Today was an important day—the launch of a new warship.

The third battleship, named Kaiyang, was finally ready.

Upon arriving at the shipyard, Takumi walked directly toward the construction site. He noticed that not only was the third battleship completed, but a fourth one was also well underway. The new docks had been expanded, allowing for multiple ships to be built simultaneously.

Liyue's efficiency in construction was truly remarkable.

Takumi approached the dock, where Jiang Ji, one of the lead shipbuilders, hurried over to greet him.

"Master Takumi!"

Takumi nodded. "Leave the rest to me. Speed up the construction of the fourth ship. The third ship launches today, and we'll start the fifth one soon after. Once that's done, focus on building the frigates."

Without further delay, Takumi flew up to the Kaiyang. Jiang Ji was stunned—he had never seen Takumi fly before.

"What?! Since when could Takumi fly?"

Takumi had always walked everywhere. This sudden ability caught Jiang Ji completely off guard.

Unaware of Jiang Ji's surprise, Takumi got to work installing the ship's main components. Having done this several times before, he was quite skilled at it.

Once everything was completed, he carefully engraved the name "Kaiyang" onto the hull.

With all preparations finished, Takumi signaled for the ship to be lowered into the water. At the same time, he called for the Liyue Navy to come and take over.

The crew, who had been eagerly awaiting their new battleship, quickly assembled. Their captain, the leader of the Third Fleet, rushed forward to oversee the handover.

For months, they had been training at sea alongside the First and Second Fleets. Now, with the third battleship complete, their fleet was taking shape. The addition of smaller frigates would further strengthen Liyue's naval presence.

The thought of their growing power filled them with excitement. Soon, Liyue's waters would be fully secured under their watch.

With the Kaiyang officially launched, the captain and his crew took over operations. Meanwhile, Takumi ordered the construction of the fifth ship to begin immediately.

The fourth battleship was already halfway built and would be ready for launch in a few days.

Once the larger battleships were complete, the focus would shift to smaller frigates, which were much easier to produce. The shipyard's engineers were already well-practiced, and they could likely launch multiple frigates at once.

Takumi had full confidence in their capabilities.

After all five battleships were completed, Liyue's Sixth and Seventh Fleets would gradually come into existence.

Cargo ships and other transport vessels were also in the pipeline. However, Beidou's ship would need to be prioritized, as she had been waiting for some time.

Liyue's naval fleet would ultimately consist of seven groups.

The fifth fleet would be named Tianxuan.

The sixth fleet would be called Fluctuating Light.

The seventh fleet would be known as Dimensity.

Takumi had bigger plans for the last two fleets—he wanted to turn them into aircraft carriers, complete with carrier-based aircraft. 

The only issue was whether or not Liyue's engineers could develop aircraft in time. If they couldn't, he would have to figure it out himself.

He remembered handing over some research materials to the machinery workshop earlier.

Takumi decided he would check on their progress later.

He had heard rumors that missions were being issued to capture airborne ruin guards. He wasn't sure if anyone had succeeded, but if not, he might have to take matters into his own hands.

For now, he focused on overseeing the shipyard's operations.

Once all the battleships were launched, the Rite of Parting would begin soon.

This meant that the plans for the Geo Archon's "retirement" were officially in motion.

Takumi would have to return to Liyue Harbor soon to witness the events unfold.

Preparations for the ceremony were likely already underway.

Based on his calculations, there was about a month left.

That should be enough time.