Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

At last, surrounded by everyone's blessings, Nahida made her wish.

"Mmm..."

Her eyelashes fluttered as she slowly opened her eyes.

Her emerald gaze flickered, and she instinctively turned around.

Upon confirming that Ren was still there, a bright smile spread across her face.

"Ren... thank you."

She leaped into his embrace, pressing her small forehead against his chest, rubbing against him affectionately.

This was the happiest day of her life!

"There, there."

Ren stroked her head, his lips curling into an unstoppable grin.

Lady Rukkhadevata, your daughter is far too adorable.

At this moment, Ren realized—there was no resisting the charm of a white-haired little fairy. His heart was melting.

"Nahida, what did you wish for?"

Yoimiya crouched beside her, blinking curiously as she watched Nahida snuggle against Ren.

For a moment, she was confused—who was she supposed to be jealous of?

Shaking her head, she berated herself.

Come on, Yoimiya, don't get jealous of a little girl!

"Mm… if I say it out loud, it won't come true," Nahida murmured, still nestled in Ren's warmth.

"...?"

Sandrone clicked her tongue in mild annoyance.

This little white-haired fairy… is she clinging to him on purpose?

But when she saw Ren's utterly smitten expression, she could only sigh.

Hah. Men.

Oh well, it was just a little girl.

If there was a threat, it wouldn't be until she grew up.

And until then—he belongs to me.

"Hmph, I didn't expect to see this expression on your face."

Keqing averted her gaze, feigning indifference.

But inwardly, she was sulking.

Ever since the white-haired fairy appeared, Ren had been completely "stolen" away.

She wasn't the type to fight over attention, so all she could do was grind her teeth in silent frustration.

Seeing Sandrone sharing the same reaction, though… Well, that was a bit satisfying.

"Keqing, pour me some tea."

Sandrone, still studying her blueprints, casually made a request.

"You—!"

Keqing nearly lost her composure.

"Hmph, why don't you just hire a maid?"

"Good idea. I'll put up a commission at the Adventurers' Guild later—maybe Catherine can help."

Watching their banter, Ren chuckled helplessly.

At least the atmosphere had lightened up.

All thanks to their little angel, Nahida.

"I'll go prepare some tea with Ayaka—"

Ayaka tilted her head gently, ever the considerate one.

"Hmm? No need!"

Yoimiya placed her hands on her hips, grinning excitedly.

The lights were dimmed, and everyone had gathered together—it was the perfect time for…

"Ooh! Are we playing a game?"

Nahida's bright green eyes sparkled with curiosity.

She had heard that games could bring people closer together.

"Something even better than a game!"

Yoimiya wiggled her eyebrows mischievously.

"Let me guess—ghost stories again?"

Chisato shuddered slightly, her face uneasy.

She wasn't too fond of ghosts.

"Heh, of course not! This time, I've got something brand new—"

Before she could finish, Yoimiya suddenly covered her own face and lunged forward.

"Eek! Stay away from me!"

The two girls tumbled into a playful scuffle.

"Alright, it's time for cake," Ren clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention.

"Yay! Cake!"

Yoimiya cheered, immediately abandoning her prank to dash over.

In her excitement, she nearly collided with Ren.

"Slow down."

Ren shook his head, lifting Nahida into his arms.

The room was getting a little too crowded.

"Our little angel should be the one to serve the cake."

"I want that one!"

Nahida stretched out her tiny hand, pointing to the biggest slice.

"For Ren."

A blatant display of favoritism. No surprises there.

"There's a hidden piece with candy inside—can you guess which one?"

Ren teased, tempting the little fairy.

Children loved sweets, after all.

"Mm… I think it's that one!"

Nahida pointed randomly, enjoying the simple pleasure of playing along with Ren.

Even a small decision like this felt exciting when he was involved.

"...You actually got it right?"

Ren looked at her in surprise.

Damn, is her luck really that good?

The remaining cake slices were quickly distributed among the others.

Under the warm candlelight, they all enjoyed their sweet treat together.

"Ren, are you jealous?"

Nahida held up her cake, tilting her head in confusion.

Then, without hesitation, she scooped a piece onto a spoon and held it up to Ren's lips.

"It was just a lucky guess," Ren admitted, accepting the bite.

Mmm. Delicious.

[Ding! Unlike someone else's luck.]

A sudden message popped up in his system.

Ren: Shut up!

"It's okay, Ren."

"If I have good luck, I'll share it with everyone!"

Nahida pressed her small hands together, earnestly offering her blessing.

In that moment, she seemed to glow.

A warm, golden light.

Ren stared at her, his heart swelling with emotion.

Where else could you find such a kind, thoughtful little fairy?

And here she was—eating cake in his arms.

Truly, a man who has it all.

Ren was getting a little full of himself.

"My dear partner, open your mouth."

Suddenly, Sandrone leaned forward, launching a direct attack.

"..."

Ren blinked, then obediently accepted her offering.

He watched as she licked a bit of frosting off her fingertip, her gaze playful.

"...Ahem."

He didn't respond.

Because—

"Ren, say 'ahh'!"

The other girls finally snapped out of their daze.

Was this a declaration of war?

Fine. They weren't about to let Sandrone monopolize him!

"There's too much… I can't eat anymore!"

Ren protested, shaking his head.

Unfortunately, resistance was futile.

"Ren, eat mine!"

Even Nahida had joined in.

Et tu, little angel?!

As the girls closed in, a new battle for Ren's attention began.

---

Meanwhile, in Inazuma—

Atop Tenshukaku, a lone figure stood, tall and regal.

The evening breeze stirred her flowing violet hair.

Cold and elegant, she let out a quiet sigh.

"...He's been gone for quite some time."

Ei murmured, a rare hint of impatience creeping into her voice.

The solitude of Tenshukaku was unbearable.

"Ara, Ei~"

A teasing voice interrupted the stillness.

A graceful figure stepped into the moonlight.

"Are you thinking of me? Well, here I am~"

Yae Miko approached with a playful smile.

Surprised?

She had taken extra care in dressing up tonight.

Surely, her dear Shogun would be dazzled by her charm.

"Who are you?"

Ei closed her eyes, speaking with complete indifference.

"...!"

Miko covered her mouth dramatically, as if she had just uncovered a shocking secret.

"Oh my~ From the way you were sighing, could it be… you were waiting for someone else?"

"I was merely contemplating Ren's—"

Ei answered instinctively, but then—her expression stiffened.

...She had said it.

The air grew silent.

"...?"

Miko's playful smile slowly faded.

"Ren?"

"I meant—Takahashi

"...Did I hear that right?"

"You misheard."

"Hmm… So, how far along are you two?"

Yae Miko narrowed her eyes, her fox-like instincts tingling.

Was her Shogun about to be stolen away?