"The Fatui have finally left; it's quiet now."
Kaeya smiled. After La Signora led the Fatui and the others away, the expressions of the people in the room were noticeably more relaxed.
"Next, we should discuss the trip. Takagi, what do we need to prepare to go with you to Jarilo-VI? Also, how will the travel expenses be calculated?" Barbara asked, slightly nervous, afraid that the costs would be more than she could afford.
"You only need to prepare some clothing and personal belongings. As for travel expenses, you don't need to pay Mora this time. You just need to prepare some food, medical supplies, and other materials for me," Takagi said. He hadn't forgotten his agreement with Seele and Natasha in Belobog.
"Food and medical supplies? I understand; we will prepare them as soon as possible. Please tell us the specific quantities you need, Takagi," Acting Grand Master Jean readily agreed. Although she didn't understand why Takagi needed those specific materials, giving Mora or supplies was the same to her; it just added a step of procurement.
Takagi: "Then thank you, Acting Grand Master Jean."
Acting Grand Master Jean: "This is the payment I should make, but Klee..." She still wanted to try and persuade Takagi, and she planned to talk to Klee afterward as well.
"Don't worry, Acting Grand Master Jean. In the name of Preservation, I will definitely protect my passengers. If you are really worried about Klee's safety, I can temporarily give her the Light Cone I use. I believe you will feel much more at ease if Klee has that," Takagi smiled.
Acting Grand Master Jean: "Light Cone?"
Takagi: "You'll know what it is when I give it to Klee."
A Light Cone can be compared to a weapon; after use, it enhances the user's various abilities. When a Light Cone aligns with the user's Path, they gain even more extra power. When Takagi obtained the Trailblazer template, he also obtained a Light Cone usable by a Pathstrider of Preservation named "Texture of Memories." In the game, this is a five-star Light Cone with powerful effects. Takagi felt that this specific version was in a fully leveled and fully superimposed state.
Although Klee is not currently a Pathstrider, Takagi could inject some of his Preservation Imaginary Energy into it so she could receive its protection. As for Takagi, because he possessed Stellaron-level Imaginary Energy, his strength would not be affected much even without equipping it.
"Alright." Acting Grand Master Jean saw that Takagi had no intention of changing his mind. She gave up on persuading him for now and focused on the logistics.
Before Takagi left Belobog, he had a general understanding of the resources the Underworld lacked. As the conversation progressed, he and Jean quickly determined the quantity of supplies required.
"This was a very pleasant transaction, Acting Grand Master Jean. Once the supplies are ready, I think we can depart," Takagi said.
"We will expedite the preparation; they will be ready tomorrow. As for today, Takagi, you should have a good rest," Jean said.
"In that case, come and rest at my winery. I have some good wine there that you can taste. Additionally, some of the stock can likely become part of the supplies you need," Diluc offered.
"Mr. Diluc, you must have many things you still want to ask. Alright, let's chat while we drink. Also, thank you for the alcoholic beverage supplies," Takagi said. He felt that for the people of Belobog's Underworld, the importance of alcohol was less than food or medicine, but it would certainly improve their living conditions. Moreover, the wine from Dawn Winery would be considered high-grade even in Belobog's Overworld and could be traded for Shield currency.
"Master Diluc doesn't usually drink much. How about letting me accompany you?" Kaeya volunteered. Diluc glanced at Kaeya but did not refuse. Though he didn't want to be at the winery with Kaeya, he couldn't care about that right now.
After the three left, Barbara, Lumine, Paimon, and the others also departed to prepare for the long journey. Finally, Lisa left the office, leaving only Acting Grand Master Jean sitting in her seat, looking troubled.
"Don't worry, Acting Grand Master Jean, I can sense Takagi's sincerity. Since he said he would protect the passengers, he will definitely do so. Besides, aren't you going as well?" Inside the room, accompanied by a gust of wind, Venti appeared.
"Hearing you say that makes me feel much more at ease." Jean breathed a sigh of relief. "I just didn't expect both Barbara and Klee to be chosen. I wonder how Alice will feel when she learns her daughter is going to the universe."
Venti plucked his strings and said: "It was a random selection; it's not strange. Wasn't I not chosen? As for Alice, I believe she will be at ease if you are accompanying them." Although he hadn't appeared earlier, his name was on Jean's list because he wanted to find a way to heal erosion.
"Regardless, it's a good thing the Fatui were not chosen. However, the Path that Takagi mentioned... Venti, what do you think? If you were to go outside of Teyvat, is it possible to step onto a Path?" Jean asked.