Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

Yae Miko feigned surprise, her smile teasing.

"Oh my, little one, why are you so shocked?"

Ren's face darkened. "Guuji-sama, surely you're joking."

High EQ version: take her in and care for her.

Low EQ version: kidnapping a respectable woman.

Ren wasn't so twisted as to happily accept such a task.

Besides, this mysterious woman's sudden appearance was highly suspicious.

"..."

The woman in the violet kimono remained indifferent, her icy demeanor unchanged.

This bumpkin clearly has no idea how dangerous the world can be. She doesn't even realize she's been handed over to a random man.

Cunning fox, you've truly outdone yourself this time!

"How about reconsidering?" Yae Miko's tone was sweet but carried an edge of persistence.

"Guuji-sama, I must decline," Ren said firmly.

He could barely take care of himself—how could he possibly take on someone else's troubles?

"I see."

Yae Miko sighed with mock disappointment, her expression theatrical.

Didn't expect you to resist even now, little one.

Her alluring eyes flashed mischievously.

"As a samurai of the Tenryou Commission, isn't this your responsibility?" she said, placing a hand on her chest and adopting a vulnerable expression.

"She's homeless. Could you really be so heartless?"

Her enchanting gaze bore into him, brimming with an almost otherworldly charm.

Ren fell silent.

This sly fox's pitiful act is too much to handle. No wonder people can't resist wanting to...

Thankfully, Ren kept his wits about him, though others might have already been reduced to stammering messes.

He weighed his options. It was his duty to help the woman find temporary shelter.

But since it was Yae Miko who was asking, there was bound to be a catch.

"Is it only temporary?" Ren asked, glancing at the violet-dressed woman.

She stood there, calm and composed, her aura distant and melancholic.

She was like a high mountain flower on the verge of withering—beautiful yet untouchable.

Ren sighed inwardly. No matter how devious the fox was, the woman was innocent and clearly in need of help.

"Of course," Yae Miko replied, her smile deepening.

"I'll send shrine maidens to handle the situation on Yashiori Island."

Ren understood immediately.

Shrine maidens would manage the evacuation and care for civilians.

As for the violet-dressed woman, her role was...

To directly face the malice left behind by the corrupted gods!

Ren clicked his tongue.

This woman must be seriously powerful to take on something like that.

Godly malice was akin to karmic remnants. Even Liyue's Yaksha Adeptus, Xiao, struggled with it.

Yet she was expected to handle it alone?

"It's simple enough, isn't it? I have high hopes for you," Yae Miko said with a smirk.

Ren hesitated, then gave a slow nod.

"Good. Take care of her for me," Yae Miko said, wasting no time pushing the violet-dressed woman toward him.

Her movements were smooth and unhesitating.

"..."

The woman's frosty eyes flickered with suspicion, but she held her composure.

Yae Miko waved cheerfully, her expression utterly innocent.

"Oh, and I have other matters to attend to. Farewell, little one. And... hehe."

In the next instant, her captivating figure vanished.

Ren's eyebrow twitched.

Was she that worried I'd change my mind?

Also, the thought of Yae Miko actually attending to "official duties" is laughable. Bet she's off sneaking some fried tofu somewhere.

He sighed, glancing at the Sacred Sakura. "She just left like that..."

Definitely feels like I got played by that sly fox.

"Well then, I'll take my leave as well," Kamisato Ayato said, his gaze lingering thoughtfully on the violet-dressed woman.

Despite his efforts, he couldn't quite discern her background.

As head of the Yashiro Commission, Ayato was genuinely busy, though he also had a personal motive—his sister Ayaka had apparently prepared milk tea just for him.

The thought alone was enough to lift his spirits.

"Farewell, Lord Kamisato," Ren said with a polite bow.

"Perhaps we'll have the chance to collaborate in the future," Ayato replied before departing.

The surroundings grew completely silent.

Ren and the violet-dressed woman stood facing each other.

Neither spoke, and an awkward atmosphere settled in—at least for Ren.

"Um... hello?" he tried, his tone cautious.

"..."

No response.

"How old are you? Where's your home? Anywhere near Inazuma City?"

"..."

Still nothing.

Ren forced a polite smile but inwardly gave up.

What's the point of talking if she won't even acknowledge me?

After all, she hadn't even shown Yae Miko any courtesy. A stoic, aloof woman like her was far out of his league.

I'll just find a shrine maiden to handle this. Not my problem.

He turned and began walking away, but soft footsteps followed him.

Turning back, he was greeted by a faint fragrance as the woman trailed behind him.

He stopped, and so did she.

She said nothing, only stared at him.

"??"

Ren frowned, picked up his pace, and even used Anemo to speed up.

Still, she kept up effortlessly.

"Do you need something?" he asked, finally surrendering, slightly out of breath.

The woman, as serene and stunning as ever, responded with a clear, cold voice.

"I've been asleep for a very, very long time, so..."

Ren inwardly groaned. What's with this edgy opening line?

"I'm hungry."

"???"

So all that chasing was just because you wanted food?!