Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

Leaving Komore Teahouse with the shrine maiden by his side, Ren strolled along the serene morning path.

The air was filled with birdsong and the fragrance of flowers, but most comforting was the presence of the person walking next to him.

The faint scent she carried was refreshing, and Ren felt a sense of tranquility.

But… was she escorting him to Tenshukaku this early in the morning?

Big boss energy as expected, he thought, sneaking a glance at the shrine maiden.

With her long flowing hair and dignified demeanor, she was both elegant and strikingly beautiful.

For a moment, Ren felt as if he were in a dream.

This was the god of Inazuma walking beside him.

Thinking back to his past antics—complimenting her as "cute" right to her face—he silently prayed those moments had been forgotten.

They walked in silence for a while.

"..."

Suddenly, the shrine maiden turned to him.

"I went to Yashiori Island last night," she said nonchalantly.

"Sealed the lingering spirit of a malevolent god along the way."

Her tone was calm, as if she were merely recounting an errand like taking out the trash.

Then she paused, her gaze settling on Ren as if waiting for a response.

Ren blinked.

Was the cool shrine maiden trying to start a conversation?

But this is hardly casual chit-chat—straight to malevolent gods and curses. Nope, can't handle this.

"Mei, that's amazing," Ren said with a smile, glancing around to make sure no one was nearby.

She might appear stern, even intimidating at times, always ready to draw her sword, but deep down, she was the kindest protector of her people.

"It was nothing," the shrine maiden replied, averting her gaze.

Though her tone remained even, there was a faint warmth to it.

So, this is what it feels like to share something with someone, she thought, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

The sunlight fell gently over her figure, warming her.

No, the key is the person I'm sharing it with, she realized.

While she wasn't fond of compliments, words from him carried a different weight.

She was willing to indulge his flattery—a privilege he alone held.

Ren chuckled.

Mei, you're really playing favorites, huh?

Not that he minded.

"..."

The brief exchange left both of them silent once again, but they didn't seem to mind.

Without saying much, the two seemed to understand each other.

The sunlight grew warmer as Ren edged a little closer to her.

She won't notice, right?

"..."

The shrine maiden glanced at him, her expression unreadable.

"Cough."

Ren cleared his throat, trying to mask his embarrassment.

Busted!

Just as he was wondering how to recover, a soft morning breeze swept by, lifting her violet hair.

The silky strands brushed against his hand, tickling his skin.

The shrine maiden reached up to gather her hair, casting him another fleeting glance.

"?"

Ren blinked.

The distance between them had shrunk even further.

It wasn't his imagination.

He couldn't stop a grin from spreading across his face.

"What are you smiling about?"

"Just thought of something that made me happy, Mei," Ren said cheerfully.

The two slowed their pace, as if being on time for work no longer mattered.

---

Outside Tenshukaku

Two figures stepped out together.

One was Hiiragi Chisato, her ethereal presence unshaken despite an all-nighter.

The other was Kamisato Ayaka, as graceful as ever.

"Make sure to take care of yourself," Ayaka said with a slight frown, her voice soft with concern.

Though they were rivals, they often treated each other like sisters in daily life.

After all, they did share a certain... unique bond.

Like stealing the same blanket on cold nights, Ayaka thought with a faint smile.

"It's my duty to ease the Shogun's burdens," Chisato replied, her gaze resolute.

The Shogun devoted herself tirelessly to Inazuma, and she was undoubtedly doing so even now.

"I must work harder as well!"

"Let's grab something to eat," Ayaka suggested with a warm smile.

"What about Ren?"

"He was exhausted after accompanying me last night."

"You—!"

The temporary peace between the two was broken, and the bickering began anew.

---

The streets were gradually coming to life.

Surveying the surroundings, the shrine maiden broke the silence.

"Do you want to grab breakfast?"

"How about it, Mei? To celebrate your victorious return?"

After some gentle persuasion, the shrine maiden finally agreed.

They stopped at a food stall conveniently located near Tenshukaku—a perfect choice.

"Well, if it isn't Lord Takahashi. What can I get you?"

"Start with some Tri-Colored Dango..."

After placing his order, Ren sighed inwardly.

Fame isn't always a good thing, he thought, especially for someone who just wanted to take it easy.

Returning to the shrine maiden's side, he presented the dango with a proud smile.

"..."

She glanced at the plate in his hand, then at him, letting out a soft huff.

No skewers?

"Wait a moment."

Realizing his mistake, Ren quickly called for skewers and arranged them on the plate.

"Here, try some," he said, spearing a dango and holding it out to her.

The shrine maiden stared at him in silence.

"Want to give it a taste?"

For a moment, she said nothing, then leaned in and opened her mouth slightly.

Just as her lips were about to close on the dango—

"What are you two doing?!"

A voice, filled with indignation and embarrassment, rang out.

Ren froze, dango still in hand, and turned toward the source of the voice.

It was Hiiragi Chisato and Kamisato Ayaka.

They had witnessed everything.

Caught red-handed.

"..."

The shrine maiden cast the two women a brief glance.

Without a word, she took a bite of the dango.

"!"

The light in Ayaka and Hiiragi Chisato's eyes seemed to dim.

---

T/N: she caught me on the counter~ wasn't me!