Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

"Actually, this is all a misunderstanding," Ren said after a moment of silence, his tone filled with helplessness.

But his explanation was met with doubtful stares from the group of girls.

Stare—

"..."

Ren quickly recounted the story about the Fatui Harbinger, deliberately emphasizing how vicious and dangerous they were.

After all, he'd never met this Harbinger in person. He could make up whatever he wanted. Hopefully, he never would meet them.

"Ohhh!"

Yoimiya's small mouth opened slightly in realization. She patted Ren on the shoulder. "I wronged you, huh?"

Ren sighed in relief. If even Yoimiya got it, his explanation must've worked.

"I can't believe it—you even managed to cross paths with a Harbinger," Yoimiya muttered, folding her arms with a serious expression.

As the "Love Guru of Hanamizaka," Yoimiya felt she was beginning to piece it all together.

Her competition was growing fiercer by the minute.

Ren's expression darkened. "What are you even talking about?"

Completely misunderstood!

Kamisato Ayaka and the other girl exchanged worried looks.

They had a deeper understanding of the Fatui and knew how much trouble a Harbinger could cause for Inazuma.

Still, the idea that the Harbinger might be beautiful and cute?

It seemed suspiciously like someone had been planning this for a while.

"Interrogation! We have to interrogate him!" Yoimiya said, huffing indignantly.

She could already sense the scheming presence of a "bad woman."

"You all…" Ren started, only to stop as Yoimiya grabbed his arm, ready to drag him off.

"Who dares to make a racket outside Tenshukaku?"

A booming voice rang out as members of the Kujou Clan marched forth, their gazes sharp and unfriendly.

"N-Not us!" Yoimiya squeaked, shrinking back instantly.

Ren's face darkened.

It wasn't them? She might as well have shouted It's us! instead.

"Did I mess up?" she whispered.

"What do you think?" Ren shot back.

"Ugh…"

---

Inside Tenshukaku, the atmosphere was oppressively quiet.

Yoimiya walked cautiously, her every step tentative. She glanced at Ren, blinking rapidly as if begging him to save her.

"..."

Ren shook his head and looked into the distance.

At the end of his line of sight was a figure of imposing elegance, exuding a cold and commanding presence.

"Shogun-sama," Kamisato Ayaka and the other woman said softly, their postures formal and respectful.

It wasn't every day one got the chance to meet the Raiden Shogun.

Though, admittedly, their reason for being here was far from normal…

"Feel free to sit," the Shogun said, her gaze turning toward the window, her voice calm.

The girls exchanged glances but hesitated, unsure if they should move.

For a moment, it didn't feel like the Shogun was quite as distant and cold as they'd imagined.

Was that just our imagination?

"..."

The Shogun cast a brief glance at Ren.

"Everyone, go ahead and sit," Ren said, reading the signal in her look.

He moved toward a spot casually, prepared to lead by example.

"!"

The girls blinked in surprise.

Ren, standing before the Raiden Shogun, didn't seem nervous at all.

If anything, he acted like he was… home.

"Hmm?"

The Shogun raised her brow slightly, a silent message in her expression.

I'll give you one more chance. Choose the right place.

"Uh…"

Realizing his mistake, Ren stood up again, scanning the area.

He spotted a seat at the foot of the dais—closer to the Shogun than the others.

Looking at her, he hesitated before moving.

Is it that one?

Her brow furrowed further, her expression stern.

"??"

It clicked in Ren's mind.

He turned to the small desk in front of the Shogun.

There, beside her seat, was a vacant spot, almost unnoticeable.

Could it be… that's for me?

"Ren?"

The girls behind him watched in astonishment as Ren silently moved forward, heading toward the Shogun's side.

"Mm."

The Shogun gave a slight nod, glancing at him briefly.

Next time, figure it out yourself.

"Excuse me, then," Ren said, sitting upright in the seat beside her.

That familiar fragrance lingered in the air, but the view from here was entirely new.

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of her long, elegant legs.

This feels… strangely exciting.

He glanced again.

"Hmm."

A cold hum escaped her lips, the warning clear: One more look, and I'll draw my sword.

Ren immediately averted his gaze, trying to compose himself.

He attempted to reach a meditative state, striving for the tranquility of Musou.

But the heat in Tenshukaku made it impossible. Failed.

So much for keeping my composure…

"Thank you, Shogun-sama." the girls murmured politely as they took their seats, finally allowing themselves to relax.

It seemed the Shogun wasn't upset after all.

Still, they couldn't help but glance at Ren, who was seated beside the Raiden Shogun herself.

What's going on with you?

Ren gave a helpless look that said, This situation is deeper than you think.

Just as their curiosity grew, the Shogun spoke calmly:

"The representatives of the Yashiro Commission and the Kanjou Commission are both present."

"Yes."

"From now on, Takahashi Ren will serve as the bearer of Thunder's will."

"!"

Both Kamisato Ayaka and the other woman froze in surprise.

If they were interpreting this correctly…

Ren was now officially one of the Shogun's personal aides.

Such a position placed him on par with the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine.

"Thank you, Shogun-sama, for this honor," Ren said with a slight bow, keeping his composure.

This had already been discussed.

His duties would involve delivering the Shogun's decrees, and when there were no orders to convey, his time would be spent quietly by her side.

Preferably with snacks and light novels in tow.

Compared to being locked in Tenshukaku before, this arrangement was more than acceptable.

The Shogun's gaze turned cold as she continued:

"As for the Vision Hunt Decree and the three Commissions…"

Hiiragi Chisato held her breath. So, it's finally happening.

"I intend to abolish the Sakoku Decree."

"The Kanjou Commission will draft a plan and present it soon."

Her eyes widened in shock, then joy, as she lowered her head respectfully.

The Shogun had approved her proposal!

One by one, the Shogun's decrees were confirmed, their fates sealed.

Those who had betrayed the Shogunate would face the consequences.

Under the divine authority of the Raiden Shogun, the Kujou Clan and others who had faltered would either adapt—or be left behind.

Ren quietly exhaled in relief.

It's finally over.

A peculiar sense of having "made it to the endgame" crept over him.

[Ding! Not quite the end.]

Ren mentally rolled his eyes.

Didn't you say there'd be a reward earlier?

[Guaranteed 5-star Talent Skill.]

Open it!

Just as Ren was preoccupied with his internal "loot box"…

"What was the cause of your earlier commotion?"

The Shogun sipped her tea, her voice light and conversational.

"Oh, that."

Yoimiya blinked, then grinned mischievously. She produced the puppet as if presenting a treasure.

"Shogun-sama, it's Little Takahashi!"

"Would you like to touch it?"