Chapter 246

In the following days, Takumi continued working at the shipyard.

Lumine and Paimon remained the same as usual. During the day, they worked at Xiangling's restaurant, and after taking a break, they would go out to catch slimes and exchange them for money at the Adventurers' Guild.

As for Fischl, she, Bennett, and Razor often joined them in their slime-catching adventures. Over time, they even got acquainted with Xingqiu and Chongyun.

Xingqiu and Chongyun, after resigning from their previous duties, usually had free time. So, they joined Lumine's small adventuring group. When they had time, they would follow Lumine and the others around, hunting Ruin Guards or capturing slimes. They even participated in demon exorcisms. 

It was a fun and adventurous time.

Paimon also recorded a lot of wonderful moments, planning to exchange them for money with Takumi later.

While Takumi was busy at the shipyard, Beidou finally returned to Guiliyuan. Her fleet had come back from Guyun Stone Forest.

However, as soon as they approached, they were stopped by a battleship.

Ayaka, who was on board, looked at the massive warship in front of her, stunned.

What Beidou had told her was true—Liyue had grown incredibly powerful. Compared to these new warships, her Crux fleet seemed insignificant.

"Captain Beidou."

"Guyun Stone Forest has been blocked by Lord Takumi's orders."

"Please do not approach."

"You must take a detour."

The Qianyan Army stationed on the battleship recognized the Crux fleet and hurriedly issued a warning.

Hearing this, Beidou was surprised.

"Blocked?"

She frowned.

What was going on?

And it was blocked with warships?

With deep curiosity, Beidou immediately gave the order to change course.

Since it was blocked, it was better to take a detour—no big deal.

"Miss Beidou."

"Is this Liyue's battleship?"

"Incredible!"

Looking at the massive battleships, Kamisato Ayaka couldn't help but express her admiration.

Beidou nodded.

"Yes."

"These are Liyue's warships."

"They were built by our shipyard."

"However, it looks like many more have been built."

"The speed is astonishing!"

Seeing the growing fleet, Beidou was amazed. It seemed her own ship would be ready soon.

She could hardly wait.

Immediately, she ordered her crew to hurry back to the shipyard. She needed to see if Takumi was there.

Ayaka, meanwhile, continued observing the fleet, deeply impressed. As they traveled across different nations, she had seen the disparity between Inazuma and other lands.

If things continued this way, Inazuma would fall behind.

She had to do something.

After over an hour, they finally returned to Guiliyuan.

Looking at the city from a distance, Ayaka was once again in awe.

How grand were these buildings?

Was this really Liyue?

And it was a newly built city?

As they got closer, she could see the architectural style more clearly. It was slightly different from traditional Liyue structures but still retained Liyue's distinctive elements.

Beidou's ship did not dock at the port but instead sailed straight into the shipyard.

Upon arrival, Beidou and Ayaka saw the bustling activity at the shipyard.

Two massive ships, roughly the size of the Alcor, were being launched.

"What kind of ships are these?" Ayaka wondered, full of questions.

At the same time, she spotted a man who appeared to be in charge, giving out orders.

"Is this the frigate Takumi mentioned?"

"Tsk, it's even bigger than my ship."

Beidou felt a little downhearted.

Did Takumi turn her ship into a mere unit of measurement?

Would every ship in the future be bigger than the Alcor?

That was a little depressing.

The Crux docked at the shipyard, and the workers noticed its arrival.

Takumi looked over in surprise.

"Back so soon?"

Then, spotting someone on the ship, his eyes lit up.

"Little Tortoise!"

Takumi was surprised.

Good grief, Beidou had actually brought Kamisato Ayaka here?

Seeing the distinguished guest, Takumi immediately set aside his work and walked over.

Once the ship docked, Beidou stepped off.

"Good grief."

"You haven't even built my ship yet?"

Seeing Takumi, Beidou immediately complained.

Hearing her words, Takumi rolled his eyes.

"You keep running off."

"Your ship is in progress."

"Each battleship will have six frigates."

"These frigates are being built quickly."

"Just make another trip, and it'll be done."

Beidou frowned.

She felt like Takumi was teasing her.

But she had no proof.

It was frustrating.

At this moment, Ayaka stepped off the ship.

Beidou didn't waste any time and introduced her directly to Takumi.

"This is Kamisato Ayaka from Inazuma."

"She is the eldest daughter of the Kamisato Clan."

"She came here to study."

"Ayaka, this is Takumi."

"All the changes in Liyue were made by this guy."

"If you have any questions, ask him directly."

Beidou, acting as the intermediary, introduced the two to each other.

Ayaka had already guessed Takumi's identity, so she wasn't too surprised.

"Hello, Mr. Takumi."

"I am Kamisato Ayaka."

"Please guide me."

Saying so, Ayaka bowed respectfully.

Seeing this, Takumi smiled.

"Welcome to Liyue."

He extended his hand.

Ayaka hesitated for a moment before extending hers as well, shaking hands with Takumi.

Was this Liyue's etiquette?

The handshake served as their greeting.

Beidou then spoke up again.

"I brought you most of the materials this time."

"Some things will take longer to acquire."

"So if I set out again, I'll head to Inazuma."

"No need to visit Sumeru or Fontaine."

"Once the large ships are ready, I'll make a single trip to collect everything at once."

Beidou summarized her current expedition.

If she set sail again, her next destination would be Inazuma.

There was no need to visit other nations just yet.

At this pace, she could complete a trip every two weeks.