Chapter 526

To be honest, Alice was very confused about this matter.

After all, she knew Celestia well. Could Takumi really reach an agreement with the entity that governed Teyvat? It sounded too good to be true. She was a bit skeptical.

However, as Alice looked at Takumi, a realization struck her. She finally understood.

The identity of this guy—Takumi! An incredibly terrifying existence. It made sense now.

In an instant, Alice pieced it all together. Takumi was such a powerful being that even Celestia had to make concessions. He hadn't brought any harm to Teyvat, and considering his strength, Celestia had no choice but to yield. It was a matter of survival.

The more she thought about it, the clearer the picture became. Takumi's presence was the reason for the agreement with Celestia. It all fit.

Takumi, on the other hand, was blissfully unaware of Alice's mental gymnastics. He was focused on the menu, ordering dishes with the waiter. Once the order was placed, he sat back and waited patiently.

Alice eventually snapped out of her thoughts. Whatever agreement Takumi had with Celestia, it wasn't her business. Well, not entirely. If Takumi was on good terms with Celestia, it meant no trouble for her or Klee. That was all she needed to know.

She had initially considered taking Klee away from Takumi, but seeing how things stood, it seemed unnecessary. If even Celestia wasn't causing problems, then neither would she.

Looking at Klee, who was happily chatting with Takumi, Alice couldn't help but feel a bit amused. Klee really liked Takumi. How peculiar.

They sat there for a while. Soon, the waiter brought out the hot pot dishes. Alice glanced over, a bit of nostalgia hitting her.

"Hot pot... It's been a long time."

She murmured softly, anticipation growing in her eyes.

Takumi, noticing her expression, asked a question that had been on his mind.

"Miss Alice, may I ask what brings you to Liyue this time?"

This was the crux of his curiosity. After all, Alice was known to be a bit of a wild card. What if she was here to set off a bomb or something equally dangerous?

Alice scratched her head, a casual smile on her face.

"Oh, nothing much. I just came to see Klee. She's been here for so long and hasn't returned to Mondstadt. I wanted to check on her and see how Liyue is doing."

She sounded nonchalant, as if this were just a casual visit. Takumi nodded, accepting her answer. For now, he'd take her at her word.

As the food arrived, Klee sat obediently next to her mother. It was rare to see her so well-behaved. After they finished eating, Takumi parted ways with the group. Klee was eager to show her mother around, and they planned to visit Albedo next.

Before leaving, Alice bought a car from Takumi. She casually pulled out her phone to transfer money, and Takumi couldn't help but wonder if this was her true motive for coming. Did she travel all the way to Liyue just to buy a car?

When she pulled out a phone, fully equipped and ready, his suspicions only grew. How had she prepared so well?

Despite his doubts, Takumi created a car for her. Alice's eyes lit up as she watched him conjure the vehicle with ease.

"What a convenient ability! Say, could you make a Tsar Bomb? I could pay you well for it."

Her words sent a chill through the room. Even Himeko, who had been quietly sipping tea, nearly choked.

"Where are you from—a terrorist cell? Why would you even want something like that?"

Takumi's response was immediate.

"No! I absolutely cannot and will not make that for you."

He could do it, of course, but handing over such a weapon to Alice was a line he would never cross.

Klee, who had been listening, tilted her head curiously.

"Mom, what's a Tsar Bomb?"

Alice's eyes sparkled as she explained.

"Oh, it's a super powerful bomb! It could blow up Mondstadt in one go!"

The imagined horror played out in Takumi's mind. Mondstadt citizens would definitely want Alice locked up if they heard her.

But Klee's eyes widened in excitement.

"Wow! I want one!"

A bomb that could blow up Mondstadt? It sounded like the ultimate toy to Klee.

Takumi slapped his forehead, exasperated.

"Klee! Don't listen to your mother. That thing is too dangerous. Say it—you don't want it."

He tapped Klee's head gently, hoping to knock some sense into her. How could Alice teach her daughter like this?

Klee pouted, looking disappointed.

"Okay then... Klee doesn't want it."

Her obedient demeanor made Takumi sigh in relief. It was all Alice's fault for putting such dangerous ideas into Klee's head.

He shot a glare at Alice.

"You've corrupted your daughter! You're not fit to be a mother at all!"

Alice simply smirked.

"What's wrong with indulging my daughter's curiosity? It's not like I'd actually give her a bomb. C'mon, Klee, let's go blow up some fish."

With that, she scooped Klee into her arms, hopped into her new car, and drove off toward the sea. The remaining group could only watch them go, dumbfounded.

After a moment, Yaoyao broke the silence.

"Big Brother Takumi, we'll go ahead. We're off to help at Diona's shop."

She led Qiqi and Sayu away, leaving only Takumi, Hu Tao, Himeko, and Noelle behind.

Hu Tao stretched and yawned.

"I'm off too. Got work to do with Himeko. See you, Takumi."

She waved, pulling Himeko along as they left. Now, only Takumi and Noelle remained.

Takumi glanced at Noelle.

"Noelle, you can head home first. I'll drop by the General Affairs Department and catch up later."

Noelle nodded, always the diligent maid.

"Understood, Master Takumi. I'll go clean up at home. Take your time."

With that, she left as well. Takumi, now alone, turned and made his way to the General Affairs Department. Whatever awaited him there, it had to be better than dealing with Alice's dangerous whims and Klee's newfound fascination with superweapons.