The Ice Queen remained silent for a while after hearing the clown's report. After a long pause, she finally spoke.
"Understood. You may leave."
The clown bowed respectfully before slowly exiting the chamber. As the doors of the palace shut behind him, no one could decipher what the Ice Queen was contemplating.
The loss for Snezhnaya this time was significant. Not only had the Fatui lost one of their Harbingers, but Raiden Shogun had also demanded an explanation. To be honest, the Ice Queen was rather speechless about the entire ordeal.
The first generation of Raiden Shogun had actually been resurrected.
Considering the implications, the Ice Queen slowly rose from her throne and vanished into thin air. An old friend had returned from the dead—this warranted a personal visit.
Takumi was unaware of these developments. At this time, he was preparing for his journey to Mondstadt. Everything in Guiliyuan was running smoothly without requiring his direct involvement. Whether it was the ID card system, the transportation infrastructure, or the ongoing developments in the Chasm, everything was progressing according to plan.
Mondstadt had recently gained access to electricity, and Grandmaster Jean was highly interested in implementing the identity and transportation systems Takumi had developed. She had reached out, requesting his assistance in setting them up. Naturally, this wasn't for free; Mondstadt had paid a significant price for this modernization.
After packing his belongings, Takumi was ready to depart. This time, Keqing was accompanying him, and Barbara was returning home after spending time in Liyue. Barbara had learned enough from her stay and was now eager to establish Mondstadt's own television station.
Shenhe had also returned from Jueyun Karst, but she chose to remain in Guiliyuan instead of joining Takumi on this trip.
Once everything was set, Takumi turned to Keqing. "Has the convoy departed?"
Traveling to Mondstadt wasn't just a simple visit. He was bringing along crucial equipment, including servers and machinery for ID card production.
Keqing nodded. "Yes, they've already set off. By the time we arrive, they won't be far behind."
Satisfied with this, Takumi nodded. "Alright. Then let's get going. Shenhe, take care of things while we're away."
Shenhe nodded. "Don't worry, everything will be fine."
She had already moved all her belongings to Guiliyuan, indicating that she was here to stay permanently.
With that settled, Takumi, Keqing, and Barbara got into the car and departed for Mondstadt.
With the newly established transportation infrastructure, the journey from Liyue to Mondstadt was significantly shorter than before. If they traveled at full speed, they could arrive in Mondstadt within a day.
Takumi and the others didn't waste any time. Flying cars meant no traffic congestion, allowing them to travel as quickly as needed.
However, for regular travelers on the road below, strict traffic rules were in place. Since the transportation system had been launched, no one dared to speed anymore. Even the usually reckless drivers from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor had been forced to slow down after accumulating too many fines.
At one point, Hu Tao even introduced a new business model—offering funeral services via high-speed motorcycle rides. Needless to say, it didn't gain much traction.
By evening, Takumi and his group arrived at Springvale. The town was illuminated, its streets glowing brightly thanks to the newly installed electricity. From a distance, it looked as if it was still daytime.
Barbara was particularly excited to see Mondstadt in such a transformed state. She hadn't expected such rapid progress.
The group didn't stop for long, instead continuing toward Mondstadt City at full speed. Upon arrival, they found the city just as lively as Liyue, with streetlights and household lights brightening the entire area.
Rather than heading directly to Jean, Takumi opted to find accommodations first. Barbara returned home immediately, eager to reunite with her family. However, there was a minor issue at the hotel—only one double room was available.
Keqing didn't seem to mind. Without hesitation, she booked the room. Takumi, meanwhile, found her reaction a little strange. She seemed eager, though he chose not to dwell on it.
Settling into their room, Takumi and Keqing took turns freshening up. Afterward, they lay on their respective beds, each playing with their phones.
Takumi soon received a message from Klee.
A soft, childlike voice recording played on his phone, with Klee excitedly talking about the Chasm.
"Big brother Takumi! The Chasm is huge! There are so many rocks! I really, really want to blow them all up!"
Takumi chuckled. Klee was truly in her element. He replied, informing her that he had just arrived in Mondstadt.
Upon hearing this, Klee suddenly became nervous.
"Takumi big brother!! You won't tell Captain Jean about me, right?! If Captain Jean sees any videos of me causing trouble, she might scold me! If that happens, I won't play with you anymore!"
It seemed Klee was genuinely worried about Jean finding out about her mischief. Takumi laughed and reassured her that he wouldn't say anything—at least, not unless Jean asked first.