Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

"Yes!"

Ren responded with the utmost seriousness to his superior's command.

If he wanted to truly understand and grasp the details of the moment,

he had to immerse himself completely.

He leaned forward slightly, supporting himself with both hands.

In doing so, the already short distance between them shrank even further.

"..."

Ei tilted her chin upward slightly, enjoying the closeness.

She didn't hide the feelings she liked.

She hadn't hidden it when it came to sweets, and now, she wouldn't hide it with this feeling either.

...

The tranquil moment stretched on for a long time.

Then, Ren's attention was drawn to the soft glow of a small table in the corner.

On it were a lonely teacup, an overturned light novel, an empty plate of sweets, and a cup of tea long gone cold.

A realization struck him.

"Shogun-sama," Ren murmured, blinking.

"What is it?"

Ei's reply was calm, her mood evidently good.

"Earlier... in this room... were you perhaps..."

Ren's imagination began weaving a narrative:

The shrine maiden had rushed home after making her promise to the boy.

But uncertainty lingered—would the boy keep his word and arrive?

Left with no choice, she stayed in her room, reading light novels and eating sweets, occasionally glancing toward the door.

When the boy finally came, she had observed him from the shadows.

And only at the last moment did she reveal herself.

"..."

The corners of Ren's mouth quirked up involuntarily.

The image of the shrine maiden in his mind was utterly endearing.

He turned his gaze to the quiet Shogun in front of him.

He wondered how much of that story could be true...

"No," Ei said abruptly, her tone sharp as she denied it.

She shot him a pointed glare, her usual dignified demeanor slipping back into place.

Ren nodded silently.

He had no evidence, after all.

As with everything, the final word belonged to Ei.

But then—

Ei glanced at him again, her expression unreadable.

She extended her hand toward him.

"Shogun-sama?" Ren asked, puzzled.

Ei's slender fingers stretched out, her hand open and expectant.

A faint snort escaped her.

The aloof Shogun was clearly waiting for something.

Could it be...?

Realizing what she wanted, Ren instinctively reached into his pocket—

And froze.

His expression shifted as he awkwardly looked at her.

"I want it," Ei demanded softly.

Her tone was calm, but her gaze was firm.

"Er... I can't give it to you right now," Ren replied hesitantly.

He fidgeted under her unrelenting stare.

He should have been prepared for this.

"Actually, about that..."

Ren sighed and slowly opened his palm to reveal something.

A squashed piece of dango lay there—

Clearly the sweet she had been waiting for, but deformed and soggy from its journey.

"This is..." Ei took the candy delicately, her voice uncertain.

Its damp, softened texture made her pause.

She glanced at Ren, tilting her head slightly.

"..."

"I'm sorry, Shogun-sama," Ren said apologetically, his tone laced with guilt.

"Earlier, in the rain outside Tenshukaku..."

He didn't need to finish the sentence.

Ei had already pieced it together.

Her focus shifted from the candy to Ren himself.

Drip.

The sound of water falling broke the silence.

Rainwater slid from Ren's hair as he swept his damp bangs aside.

He offered a weak smile.

"Apologies, Shogun-sama."

"You..."

Ei's expression softened briefly before hardening again.

Only now did she notice—

Ren, drenched from head to toe, bore the full brunt of his struggles.

The signs of battle were clear and stark upon his body.

Her eyes narrowed slightly.

"Why were you so careless?"

Those words were meant to chastise, but her tone lacked the sharp edge she intended.

Instead, she sounded concerned.

Realizing this, Ei's gaze became fiercer, but the sight of Ren, bedraggled yet smiling, softened her once more.

Her attempt at sternness failed entirely.

"..."

Ren blinked.

Was this supposed to be a scolding?

Because it lacked any of the weight of authority.

"It's nothing. My swordsmanship needs work, that's all," Ren said with a confident grin.

The truth was, he had yet to claim the rewards of his earlier achievements—

But those thoughts were a secret for now.

"Reckless," Ei muttered, her fingers curling slightly.

But as she looked at the boy, his bright eyes full of determination—

I see now, she thought.

No matter how many crises he'd faced, he had made it here, standing before her.

And that was enough.

Ei let out a soft sigh.

"..."

The warmth swelling in her heart spread, but she couldn't help noticing the rain-drenched boy before her.

Could this cold, desolate Tenshukaku provide him any warmth?

Her hand rose instinctively, her gaze landing on the bruise marring his cheek—

Alongside the still-healing cut she herself had inflicted that night.

Under the moonlit sky, she had struck him, believing it would be their last meeting.

But now...

A trace of regret flickered through her.

Seeing his injuries filled her with displeasure.

And when the Shogun was displeased, the consequences were always dire.

"Shogun-sama, you..."

Ren's voice faltered as he noticed her delicate hand approaching.

He didn't move, sensing something significant was about to happen.

The next moment—

Zap!

As her fingertips grazed his cheek, a sudden spark of violet light erupted.

An electric shock passed between them.

Ren winced, his face reddening slightly.

"..."

Startled by the sudden reaction, Ei quickly withdrew her hand.

I hurt him.

Her violet eyes dimmed slightly, and she let out a quiet sigh.

So close, yet my presence only brings misfortune...

She lowered her gaze, her mood darkening.

But then—

"Shogun-sama!"

Ren's voice brought her back to reality.

"Please, try again!"

"But just now..."

"It's fine! I'm not afraid!"

"...?"

For a moment, Ei hesitated.

But under the boy's hopeful, determined gaze, she turned her face slightly away, murmuring softly,

"If you get hurt again, it's on you."

Her hand reached out once more, this time more carefully.

The air between them seemed to still,

each moment stretching out in quiet anticipation.

Finally, her fingertips made contact.

A soft warmth spread between them.

The sensation was strange but pleasant.

Ei didn't dislike it.

She glanced at Ren, only to find him staring at her.

His bruised face was lit up by a bright, genuine smile.

Her lips curved gently in return.

"Does it still hurt?"

"With you here, Shogun-sama, not at all!"

"Then I'll withdraw my hand now."

"Wait, Shogun-sama—now it hurts again!"

"Hmm?"

---

T/N: FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK (an yway enough crashing out its already chapter 100!)

(i think theres a probably with the site, which is making it difficult to get work done, i was only able to schedule these updates the others will come out later today it seems or maybe even tomorrow, if it's tomorrow that just means 4 chaps :p)

Oh, you're still here? Nice. While I'm out here juggling revival matches and reminding villains why they should reconsider their life choices, someone's behind the scenes making sure my story reaches you. Gotta admit, they're doing a pretty solid job.

If you want to help keep this whole thing running smoothly, here's the link: [patreon.com/WiseTL]. Think of it as… supporting your favorite underdog. Everyone loves an underdog, right?

Anyway, time to get back to saving the day. See you in the next chapter—don't forget to stay out of trouble (that's my job).

— Xia Luo 🕸️