Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

"Brilliant. Guuji-sama, your insight truly is unmatched."

The sound of applause echoed through the courtyard.

A young man stepped forward, his warm smile reminiscent of a friendly neighbor.

Yet his violet eyes were calm as still water, their depths unfathomable.

Ren cupped his hands respectfully. "Kamisato-sama."

Indeed, this young man was none other than Kamisato Ayato, the current head of the Yashiro Commission.

His approving gaze fell on Ren.

"To think merely listening in could yield such valuable insights."

"Your observations are as enlightening as they are admirable."

Ren remained composed. "It was nothing but idle speculation."

Kamisato Ayato didn't argue.

If idle speculation could pinpoint the crux of Inazuma's political landscape, then what use were the Shogunate officials?

This kid… playing humble, huh.

"I heard you protected my sister earlier today."

"She hasn't stopped talking about you."

Rather than dwelling on the topic, Kamisato Ayato seamlessly shifted the conversation to his sister.

Should I even be surprised? Truly Inazuma's number one sis-con.

Ren couldn't help the amused thought.

With his past persona, when he secretly interacted with Ayaka, he spent many sleepless nights figuring out how to avoid her brother.

Every move had to be meticulously planned.

If discovered, the consequences would've been dire.

Still, the thrill of sneaking around had its charm.

As the tension eased, Ren smiled.

"I was merely doing my duty."

"No need to be so formal. I owe you my thanks."

"My sister is still here. Perhaps you could—"

"Thank you for the kind offer, but there's no need to trouble yourself," Ren interjected quickly, his smile slightly stiff.

As the two conversed, Yae Miko let out a soft humph.

"Little one, what's your take on the Yashiori Island situation?"

Her gaze fixed on Ren, a glint of expectation in her eyes.

Being stared at by such a captivating woman was almost unbearable.

Damn fox.

Ren inwardly cursed, though his expression remained neutral.

"I'm just a simple samurai. How could I understand such matters?"

"If you share your thoughts, I might just grant you any wish you desire."

Did Ren truly not know? Unlikely.

Yae Miko's teasing tone lingered as she lightly licked her lips.

Such an amusing little one. I almost want to devour him whole.

But Ren shook his head firmly.

I know when to stop.

He had already influenced the course of events to some extent.

From here on, it was up to this damn fox.

As for any wish...

Thinking of gaining an advantage from this fox? Better dream about it instead.

Ayato interjected at the right moment.

"Do you need the Yashiro Commission's assistance?"

Yae Miko shook her head, her smile playful.

It was clear she had already devised a plan to handle the situation.

And her target this time was undoubtedly the Tenryou Commission.

Ren listened intently, curious about Yae Miko's approach.

His best guess? She'd send shrine maidens to handle it.

"I happen to have some personnel I can deploy," Yae Miko finally said.

As expected.

Ren wasn't surprised.

Seeing his calm expression, Yae Miko's lips curled slightly.

Suddenly, she asked, "Little one, what do you think is the simplest solution to this problem?"

Ren blinked. What kind of question is that?

After pondering for a moment and failing to discern her intent, he decided to answer honestly.

"In my opinion, having the Shogun intervene would be the most straightforward solution."

An Archon's intervention—surely the correct answer.

But with Ei still in self-imposed isolation, it was as good as wishful thinking.

Ren had only said it to humor her.

The moment the words left his mouth, he sensed something was off.

"Pfft."

"Guuji-sama, what's so funny?"

"I just thought of something amusing."

"..."

Yae Miko smiled cryptically, refusing to elaborate.

Want to know? Beg me.

Ren chuckled dryly, raising an imaginary middle finger in his heart.

Oh, so you're not saying anything? Fine, neither will I.

The best way to deal with a riddle-giver was to play along.

Smile, nod, and maintain silence—even if you're clueless.

Let's see who breaks first.

[Ding! Emotional Point from Yae Miko +1]

She's getting annoyed. The damn fox is getting annoyed!

For the first time, Ren found the system notification immensely satisfying.

Sure enough, Yae Miko's smile gradually faded.

She hadn't expected Ren to actually outlast her patience.

Her gaze grew dangerous after repeated setbacks.

"Little one, aren't you curious?"

"Curious about what?" Ren feigned ignorance.

Yae Miko's smile returned. "Then I'll send you to investigate..."

"That might not be appropriate," Ren interjected, his smile twitching.

Surely she's not that petty? This is definitely a personal grudge.

"On the contrary, I think it's quite fitting," Yae Miko mused with a smirk.

"Lord Commissioner, don't you agree?"

Ayato cleared his throat, his gaze briefly meeting Ren's.

Within those violet eyes was a glimmer of sympathy.

You poor soul.

Just as the atmosphere grew tense, Yae Miko suddenly chuckled.

"My, my. Your expression is priceless."

"Don't tell me you're reluctant to leave me?"

Ren couldn't be bothered to argue and simply nodded.

Sometimes, admitting defeat wasn't so bad.

"That's better. Keep it up."

Satisfied, Yae Miko patted Ren's head.

"Alright, I won't tease you anymore."

Clapping her hands lightly, she smiled.

"The one handling this matter will be her."

Ren instinctively looked up.

Underneath the Sacred Sakura, a graceful figure had appeared at some point.

She wore a light lavender kimono that swayed gently in the breeze.