Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

"Lady Ayaka."

Ren hurriedly stood up and approached her.

"We meet again. What a coincidence."

Kamisato Ayaka's gentle eyes sparkled as she nodded with a smile.

Her feelings grew more certain—perhaps Ren was her master.

"Yes, quite the coincidence..."

Noticing her inquisitive gaze, Ren felt a chill of unease.

Could it really be that coincidental to meet her here?

Ren nodded along but couldn't help glaring at Yoimiya.

"Ah, the moon is so round tonight, haha..."

Yoimiya avoided his gaze, attempting to laugh it off.

But with the dark sky and howling wind, there wasn't even a moon in sight.

The lively girl blushed and ducked her head onto the table, staying quiet.

Alright, so she had been helping Ayaka search for Ren...

And maybe indulged a tiny bit of her curiosity.

But who could've predicted that her snooping would lead to this?

This mysterious, dignified woman exuded a cold elegance.

Her figure was enough to make any girl envious.

And most damningly, she was this close to Ren.

In a secluded forest, just the two of them...

It looked suspicious no matter how you spun it!

[Ding! Emotional Point from Yoimiya +1.]

[Unlocked Talent: Normal Attack – Firework Flare-Up.]

[Congratulations!]

Is now really the time for congratulations?!

Ren's face darkened.

So the real culprit here was Yoimiya.

Before he could process the system notification—

Crunch.

The crisp sound rang out, drawing everyone's attention.

"..."

The rustic woman enjoying her sweets froze mid-bite.

Then she resumed munching as if nothing had happened.

Truly unbothered. To her, only the sweets mattered.

She ignored the stares completely!

"This beautiful lady is a stranger to me."

"Are you here on a date with Ren?"

Kamisato Ayaka closed her paper fan with a soft snap, her smile warm and courteous.

But her tone carried a subtle sharpness.

Another woman vying for her master's attention, was it?

The air grew noticeably colder.

Ren and Yoimiya both shivered involuntarily.

Why were they feeling guilty all of a sudden?

"A date..."

Mei murmured softly, pondering the word.

A date—such an unfamiliar concept.

But recalling what she had observed in the streets earlier—

Many people had mentioned terms like boyfriend, girlfriend, and dates.

Could this be what the people of Inazuma now called it?

When two people walked the streets together, they referred to each other as boyfriend and girlfriend?

This line of thought cleared up her confusion.

Mei lifted her gaze to Ren, her eyes bright with realization.

So all those glances he had been giving her earlier... this must have been what he meant.

At that moment, Ren was explaining to Kamisato Ayaka:

"She's a guest invited by Yae Miko."

"It's her first time in the city, and she's unfamiliar with the area."

"I was entrusted with helping her find a place to stay."

Ren's concise explanation eased Ayaka's suspicions.

"I see. My apologies for overstepping."

The chill around her dissipated, replaced by her usual gentle demeanor.

Ren breathed a sigh of relief. Misunderstanding averted—thank goodness.

If Ayaka had gotten the wrong idea...

Something flashed in his memory, but he quickly shook his head.

Even the Shirasagi Himegimi had her mischievous moments.

"Would you like help from the Yashiro Commission?"

"If Lady Ayaka is willing, that would be ideal."

"I've told you, just call me Ayaka in private."

Her tone carried a hint of playful reproach.

"Alright... Ayaka-san."

She smiled warmly, nodding before taking a seat.

Directly beside Mei.

"..."

Ren and Yoimiya exchanged uneasy glances.

This didn't bode well.

"Pleased to meet you. My name is Kamisato Ayaka."

Ayaka's soft voice carried no trace of arrogance.

Learning that Mei was alone in Inazuma, she felt compelled to offer assistance.

"Mei. And I was..."

Mei's cool voice trailed off.

"And you were?"

Ayaka followed her gaze to Ren.

Yoimiya perked up her ears, ready to eavesdrop.

Ren, however, felt a growing sense of dread.

Mei looked at him with a serious expression.

If this identity was important, she had to clarify it.

Under everyone's expectant gazes, Mei stated earnestly:

"We were just on a date."

"Oh, a date, I see," Yoimiya said with a cheerful nod.

Then her brain caught up.

"Wait, WHAT?!"

Everyone was stunned by the revelation.

"A-a... date!"

Yoimiya's mouth formed an O as her hands flailed wildly.

Did she hear that right?!

The mysterious, beautiful woman... on a date with Ren?!

She turned to Ren in disbelief.

"So, you two are...?!"

Mei calmly replied, "That's correct. I'm his girlfriend."

Ren had bought her sweets, so she had to be honest.

Surely, he would be grateful for her clarification.

Consider them even now.

Ayaka's gaze shifted to Ren, her smile turning sharp.

"That's not what you said earlier."

"Stop!"

Ren slapped the table, rising to his feet.

"This is all a misunderstanding!"

If he didn't intervene now, his reputation would be in shambles.

Was this rustic woman deliberately trying to ruin him?!

...

After a flurry of frantic explanations—

"Pfft, so that's what it was!"

Yoimiya's cheeks puffed as she collapsed onto the table, laughing uncontrollably.

Ren's face darkened. "I said no laughing!"

Ayaka sighed softly, shaking her head in exasperation.

Only Mei tilted her head slightly, murmuring, "Did I say something wrong?"