Chapter 370

After Takumi explained the matters at the shipyard, he returned to the General Affairs Department.

There were still many people in the General Affairs Department applying for ID cards. Now, more than 60% of the population in Liyue had completed their applications for the new ID card. However, some people chose to ignore this, which made Takumi very unhappy.

Real-name authentication would go online soon. If they didn't want to apply for an ID card, then they wouldn't be able to access the system. Although some people didn't understand why Liyue suddenly changed their ID cards, they all felt that something significant was happening. Some supported it, while others did not.

As long as one was a resident of Liyue, they needed to be certified by the system. Those from Mond could go online, but if they were caught using the system improperly, their accounts would be blocked immediately.

Aside from this, Takumi was also seeking assistance from Ei in developing artificial intelligence. However, he put that matter aside for the time being.

Back at the General Affairs Department, Takumi got busy, handling various tasks. Meanwhile, Makoto, Ei, and the others continued exploring Liyue. Makoto was amazed by the bustling city and the new experiences she encountered.

"Inazuma is cooperating with Liyue?" Makoto asked as she ate a snack, her eyes fixed on Kamisato Ayaka.

Ayaka nodded. "Yes, my lady. We have established cooperation in agriculture, technology, and the economy. The Liyue bank will also be introduced to Inazuma. Additionally, they have shared many technological advancements with us to aid in our economic recovery."

Hearing this, Makoto nodded in satisfaction. "Good. It seems that with the Kamisato family managing things, Inazuma will recover soon. That way, I can relax a bit."

She was genuinely pleased. Inazuma had been isolated for so long due to Ei's actions, yet it hadn't completely collapsed. Blocking foreign trade when Inazuma heavily relied on imports was sheer foolishness.

Thinking about it, Makoto felt helpless. Although it was the Raiden Shogun's decision, it was ultimately Ei's influence that led to such policies.

She shook her head. There was no use dwelling on it now. With her return, she had to ensure her sister wouldn't make such mistakes again. Liyue was the only solution to Inazuma's economic woes, and their cooperation was vital. However, Makoto didn't think it was enough. To truly make Inazuma prosper, more drastic measures were needed.

Her gaze shifted to Ei, then to Takumi. A thought crossed her mind—marry her sister to Liyue. Ei had grown up, and as her older sister, she had to consider her future. Takumi was excellent and even her savior. Selling her sister to him seemed like a reasonable idea.

Makoto silently decided. In order to make up for past mistakes, Ei should marry Takumi.

Makoto and Ei spent the day exploring Liyue. As the sun set, Barbatos and Zhongli arrived.

"Baal!" Zhongli called, his eyes flashing with joy.

"Morax!" Makoto replied, recognizing him immediately.

"Just call me Zhongli," he said. "Shall we have a drink together?"

Makoto nodded. "Sounds good."

Barbatos grinned. "I brought my treasured wine. Call Takumi and tell him to bring some food. Let's find a quiet place to drink."

They all agreed and left to find a drinking spot. Instead of a restaurant, they gathered near the statue behind Takumi's manor.

Barbatos messaged Takumi, asking him to bring food. When Takumi received the message, he sighed, amused. These guys. Still, he didn't hesitate—he called Xiangling to prepare some appetizers, then messaged Noelle and the others that he wouldn't be home for dinner.

After picking up the food from Xiangling, Takumi headed to their gathering spot. When he arrived, they were already drinking, and Barbatos was laughing heartily. Yae Miko, Kamisato Ayaka, and the others weren't present, as this was strictly a gathering of gods.

Wendy greeted him enthusiastically. "You're finally here! Hurry up!"

Takumi rolled his eyes but joined them, placing the food on the table Zhongli had conjured from thin air.

After sitting down, Wendy poured Takumi a glass of wine. He then eagerly raised his own glass and declared, "A toast—to Makoto's resurrection!"

Takumi, Zhongli, and Ei all raised their glasses. Makoto smiled. "Thank you." She downed the drink in one gulp.

The conversation flowed as they discussed the changes in Teyvat over the years. Zhongli took the lead in storytelling, while Barbatos mostly drank. After all, his knowledge of Teyvat was rather limited, considering how often he was asleep or drunk.

The atmosphere was lively, and they enjoyed their time together. As they neared the end of their drinks, Zhongli suddenly turned to Takumi.

"Takumi," he said. "There is something I want to give you."

Takumi was surprised. "Sir, what is it?"

Without a word, Zhongli produced an artifact. Makoto and Barbatos immediately recognized it, their expressions shifting.

"This is the Lock of the World," Zhongli explained. "A friend of mine gave it to me. Her consciousness is still inside. Could you help me heal her?"

There was a rare tenderness in Zhongli's voice.

Takumi instantly understood the significance of the artifact. From Zhongli's words, it became clear—this wasn't just a lock that couldn't be opened. It was a soul that couldn't be freed.