Chapter 239

Lumine gave Noelle a significant amount of money.

However, Noelle refused to keep it.

Instead, she handed it all over to Takumi.

Because of this, the check was quite substantial.

Hearing Klee's explanation, Takumi looked at Noelle with a mix of amusement and exasperation.

"Really now," he sighed. "I'm not short on money. You should keep it."

"Well, in that case, take this instead," he continued, pulling out an uncashed check from his pocket. "I have a spare check for 50,000 Mora. Consider it yours. And no refusing!"

Takumi handed the check directly to Noelle.

She had refused the money simply because he had helped her become stronger, but Takumi saw it as nothing more than a small favor.

He had a good impression of Noelle, and besides, what was wrong with helping someone he cared about?

Noelle looked at the check in Takumi's hand and hesitated.

"But, Mr. Takumi—"

"Noelle!" Takumi interrupted her. "I said no refusing! If you really want to repay me, then take good care of the manor!"

Hearing this, Noelle could only nod in agreement.

She knew that no matter what she said, Takumi wouldn't take the money back.

"Alright," she said firmly. "I will take good care of the manor. Leave it to me!"

With her decision made, Noelle resolved to stay by Takumi's side and ensure the manor was well maintained. As a maid, she was more than capable of handling the task.

Even if Klee eventually had to return to Mondstadt, Noelle had already decided to stay in Liyue for now.

She wanted to properly repay Takumi for his kindness.

Seeing her determination, Takumi nodded in satisfaction.

"Good! Now, take Klee to get washed up and rest early," he instructed, ruffling Klee's hair gently.

During this time, Noelle had been looking after Klee, so Takumi naturally entrusted her with the task.

Noelle nodded in acknowledgment.

Seeing this, Klee quickly ran toward Noelle, and the two of them headed upstairs to prepare for bed.

At the same time, Amber returned home, visibly exhausted.

She greeted Takumi briefly before heading straight to her room to rest.

Takumi then sat down with Keqing to discuss work matters.

"Is the mall ready?" he asked. "We're still set to open tomorrow, right?"

The opening had been scheduled for the following day, and Takumi wanted to make sure there were no last-minute issues.

Hearing his question, Keqing nodded confidently.

"No problem. Everything is set. The staff are in place, and all the goods have arrived," she confirmed. "The announcement will also be featured in tomorrow morning's news."

Takumi nodded in approval. Keqing was always reliable.

Hearing her mention the news, he suddenly remembered what Zhongli had told him earlier that day.

"Oh, right! I almost forgot," he said. "You should contact Baiwen later. Let her include an important announcement in tomorrow morning's broadcast."

"What is it?" Keqing asked curiously.

"Starting the day after tomorrow, Guyun Stone Forest will be completely restricted. The reason? Liyue's navy will be conducting training exercises in the area. It won't be reopened until after the Rite of Descension."

Hearing this, Keqing frowned slightly.

"Why wait until the day after tomorrow? We should close it immediately," she suggested.

"In the morning, fishermen still go there to fish. If something happens, it could be dangerous."

She continued, "A lot of people listen to the radio in the morning. If we announce it then, most people will be informed."

"You should contact the navy and have them enforce the restriction starting tomorrow morning instead."

A demon? That was not something to take lightly.

Takumi thought about it for a moment before agreeing.

"You're right," he said. "I'll call the navy now. You go ahead and contact Baiwen."

With that, he stepped aside and made a call to the head of the navy.

Keqing, meanwhile, called Baiwen.

Once Baiwen picked up, Keqing relayed the urgency of the matter, instructing her to prepare a special news announcement warning people not to approach Guyun Stone Forest starting the next morning.

"From tomorrow morning onward, all fishing boats are prohibited from going near Guyun Stone Forest. Civilians should stay away unless absolutely necessary," she emphasized. "If anyone without sufficient strength goes there, they could be in serious danger."

Baiwen understood the gravity of the situation and quickly sprang into action.

She prepared a formal press release and rushed to the radio station.

At that time, Yun Jin was performing a song on-air.

Seeing Baiwen enter, Yun Jin subtly acknowledged her and finished her performance before taking the manuscript and reading it aloud.

"Citizens of Liyue," Yun Jin announced, her voice clear and steady. "We have an urgent announcement."

Across Liyue, people listening to the radio turned their attention to the broadcast.

It was rare for such urgent messages to be delivered this way.

"Starting tomorrow morning, all ships are prohibited from approaching Guyun Stone Forest."

"Liyue's newly formed navy will be conducting training exercises in the area. To ensure everyone's safety, no fishing boats or civilians should enter the restricted zone until after the Rite of Descension."

"Anyone who disregards this warning does so at their own risk."

The announcement caught many people by surprise.

Guyun Stone Forest was being completely restricted?

Was something serious happening there?

Training exercises?

Many citizens recalled hearing news about Liyue's newly launched battleships.

Could this be part of their preparations for the upcoming Rite of Descension?

Excitement and curiosity spread among the people, but few dared to question the decision.

After all, the announcement made it clear—if they ignored the warning, they would be responsible for whatever happened next.