"Stingy, aren't you!"
Rowan wasn't surprised by the system's shenanigans.
If it had actually filled the King's Treasure to the brim right away—that would've been nonsense.
After all, Gilgamesh fits multiple classes—not only Archer, but also Caster.
There's even Kid Gil; sometimes people one-tap an Archer-class Gilgamesh and get the King's Treasure with him.
That kind of thing only really belongs in a newbie bundle—same as how Rowan one-tapped old-sword Arthur and also received Excalibur (Sword of Promised Victory). That was a starter pack thing.
This time, getting Gilgamesh on the second draw was already a massive stroke of luck.
How could it also hand him a fully stocked King's Treasure?
If it did, forget Teyvat.
Even Honkai Impact 3rd might not be able to tank it.
One swing of Ea—Heaven and Earth Severed—and even the Heavenly Principles might not hold.
Ea (Enuma Elish) is a weapon on par with a fully released Excalibur.
Fire it once and Teyvat's basically done.
Given the mana Rowan now has from Gilgamesh, tossing out five shots wouldn't be a problem.
The system isn't dumb enough to hand him that.
Even so, an empty King's Treasure is already plenty.
It's an infinite space, and items stored inside can be duplicated into identical copies.
They won't reach the original's full power, but even at under fifty percent, that's broken enough.
And going forward, Rowan can farm various chests in the wild to obtain all kinds of Noble Phantasms and fill out the King's Treasure.
Especially once he acquires Projection Magecraft—combine that with the vault…
When battle starts, he could volley a hundred Excaliburs (Swords of Promised Victory). Don't even talk about the Heavenly Principles.
Even a Stellaron Hunter wouldn't necessarily withstand it.
Now Rowan has a proper place to stash Excalibur and Avalon.
No more worrying about anyone walking off with his weapons.
Not that they could use them—everything's already system-bound.
But extra security never hurts.
Add in Golden Rule's potent blessing, and the loot and powers he pulls from future chests will only snowball.
Golden Rule is that busted.
Never short on money; and even if he somehow is, someone will show up to hand him coin.
Could Morax pull that off?
Closing the system screen, Rowan rose and left the palace.
With cement cracked, once mass production ramps up…
Construction can formally begin. Time to brief Seamus.
Have everyone ready—the great era of Mondstadt infrastructure is coming.
"Seamus, have you finished recruiting craftsmen?"
"Albedo's already cracked cement, and the alchemists below are working overtime to produce it."
"In a few days, we can start laying roads."
Rowan entered Seamus's office and made the announcement.
"My king, everything is prepared."
"As long as your formula is sound, we can start at once."
Seamus stood and reported on the intake progress, giving his guarantee.
"Good. Then I'll leave it in your hands."
"Oh, and first—just finish the stretch from Mondstadt City to Springvale. Don't build too much yet."
Jean, standing to the side, looked puzzled.
Once the Mondstadt–Springvale road is done, shouldn't they press on and pave the whole of Mondstadt?
Why pause?
"What's the reason?"
Seamus, though, had already guessed it.
"My king, are you planning to pause, head to the Liyue border to build a road, and let Liyue see our new roadwork?"
"So they'll approach us for a joint project?"
"Exactly. You really do get me, Seamus."
"That's the plan."
Rowan nodded, admitting it.
Even if he and Zhongli get along, this isn't about partnering with Zhongli.
It's about dealing with Liyue—nation to nation, not so simple.
If they make the first move versus Liyue coming to them, the outcome may differ down the line.
Rowan's aim is to have Liyue take on the materials contracting for the highways.
In that setup, even if Liyue isn't short on stone and the like, they'll still haggle.
So better for Liyue to be the one to come knocking—rather than Mondstadt.
If Liyue doesn't see anything, why would they act?
Which means they need to make sure Liyue notices movement at the border—that'll draw them to the table.
Rowan was even thinking of bringing Klee to Stone Gate when the work starts—make some noise.
That way all of Liyue would hear Mondstadt is building roads.
"Understood. I'll make the arrangements."
Seamus answered, ready to carry out Rowan's plan.
"Good. As long as you understand. I'm going to talk to Frederica."
"Back to it, you two."
Moments later—
Rowan arrived at the Acting Grand Master's office.
"Your Majesty, you're here."
"What are your orders?"
Eula rose to greet him. She was about to kneel when Rowan waved his hand.
A lift of mana held her in place.
"No need to kneel. I'm just here to notify you."
"The Guerrilla Squad can start moving. In a few days the Mondstadt–Springvale stretch breaks ground."
"You must ensure the road isn't harried by monsters—no sabotage."
Eula nodded, giving a solemn guarantee.
"Understood. I'll personally lead the Guerrilla Squad to oversee the site, and ensure no monster disturbs the crews."
"Good. With that promise, I'm at ease."
"Carry on. I'll take my leave."
After making his rounds, Rowan returned to the palace.
As soon as he stepped into his chambers, he found Istaroth again.
She made herself right at home—sprawled on his bed, pale legs idly kicking in the air.
Quite a sight.
Hearing the door, Istaroth sprang up and dove into Rowan's arms.
"Hehe, you're back!"
"Eh? It hasn't even been that long—why do you suddenly have the divinity of a god on you?"
Sniffing like a curious pup against his chest, Istaroth blinked in confusion.
Yesterday at Stormterror's Lair, she hadn't sensed any divinity on him.
How did one night apart turn Rowan into a god?
So fast Istaroth barely had time to react.
Rowan only smiled and didn't answer.
Seeing he wouldn't talk, Istaroth didn't press it.
She chalked it up to the mysteries of a Descender.
Compared to Avalon, that relic that can erase erosion, this wasn't something she couldn't accept.
Rowan gently eased her out of his embrace, then asked her, eyes serious.
"Istaroth, are you sure about this?"
"Spending every day with me—aren't you afraid that if the Heavenly Principles awaken, they'll cast judgment on you?"
"Don't forget the fate of the Third Descender and the Seelie."
Everyone knows the Third Descender's end—the Gnoses were made from that one's corpse.
As for the Seelie, even if you don't run side stories often, Skirk's legend quest makes it clear.
At first, the Seelie were appointed by the Heavenly Principles to guide humans and grant their wishes.
But they were swayed by the Third Descender and even fell into love—betrayal in the eyes of Heaven.
In the end, the Seelie were cursed; aside from a few who escaped, the race was all but wiped out, turned into those little blue wisp-souls.
If Istaroth—one of the Four Shadows of the Heavenly Principles—were to betray them too…
When Heaven wakes, the price would be far worse.
Istaroth was quiet for a time, then raised her head, resolute.
"I…"
(End of Chapter)
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