Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

As Ren's mind raced to come up with a response, the tense atmosphere suddenly softened.

Kamisato Ayaka tilted her head slightly, a faint smile gracing her lips as she murmured, "If I ever uncover my mentor's true identity... I won't let him off so easily."

Her melodious voice, usually gentle, carried a trace of icy grievance.

A bead of cold sweat rolled down Ren's back as he forced a dry laugh. "I don't understand what you mean, Milady."

"Apologies, just idle complaints. You needn't dwell on them."

Seeing no cracks in Ren's demeanor, Ayaka felt a pang of disappointment.

Perhaps I was mistaken?

Just then, a frail-looking young man came running toward them from outside the Tenryou Commission.

"Takahashi-san!"

Hearing the shout, Ren instinctively turned his head. Ayaka glanced at the man briefly and decided to pause her probing for now.

"Finally... I finally found you!"

The man, bespectacled and scholarly in appearance, was gasping for breath, his forehead glistening with sweat. It seemed like the effort of running all the way here had nearly done him in.

Ren quickly steadied him, allowing him to catch his breath.

With a trembling finger, the man stammered, "I... I..."

"Relax," Ren said, shaking his head. "I know you're in a rush, but take it easy first."

This frail young man was an editor from the Yae Publishing House, someone Ren had interacted with a few times.

"You're supposed to be at Yae Publishing House. What brings you all the way to the Tenryou Commission?"

Surely it's not a robbery at Yae Publishing House? That would be bold, even for Inazuma. Who would dare mess with the Raiden Shogun's shrine's business?

The editor, having finally caught his breath, exclaimed, "The chief editor is looking for you!"

Ren's mouth twitched. He had a bad feeling about this.

"I'm really busy with official duties..."

"Please, you have to come! If the chief editor is unhappy, all of us underlings will suffer!"

The normally composed editor suddenly clung to Ren's leg, tears streaming down his face.

His pitiful wails were both heartbreaking and... deeply awkward.

"Let go," Ren said, trying to push him off. "Nothing good ever comes from meeting that woman. Don't cling to me!"

But his protests only made the editor cry even louder, his mournful cries echoing throughout the Commission.

"Fine! Stop crying already!"

Noticing passersby beginning to stare and whisper, Ren relented.

"I'll go, all right?"

The editor's face brightened immediately as he leapt to his feet, his transformation so seamless it left Ren staring in disbelief.

Ayaka, who had been quietly watching the interaction, asked with curiosity, "Is something troubling you?"

Her gaze briefly flicked toward Ren.

The chief editor of Yae Publishing House was also the high priestess of the Grand Narukami Shrine, a figure who outranked even the three Commissions.

It was no small matter for someone of her standing to summon Ren.

Ayaka's curiosity about him only deepened.

"It's nothing," Ren explained. "We crossed paths while I drawing fortunes. I'm not particularly close to her."

Ayaka smiled lightly, opening her paper fan to conceal her expression. Clearly, she didn't believe him.

The more exceptional Ren appeared, the stronger her suspicions grew.

The editor hurriedly added, "The chief editor didn't elaborate, only that I had to find you as soon as possible."

Ren sighed, then turned to Ayaka and bowed slightly. "Milady—"

"Just call me Ayaka," she interrupted. "There's no need for such formality."

Ren hesitated. "Milady, that... wouldn't be appropriate."

Snap! Ayaka closed her paper fan with a decisive motion, her delicate brows furrowing as she fixed him with a stern gaze.

The subtle chill in the air made several nearby onlookers shiver.

Ren quickly corrected himself. "Ayaka-sama, I am Takahashi Ren. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

The noble and elegant young lady's expression softened into a gentle smile, clearly satisfied with his response.

"Ren-san... I look forward to seeing you again."

"Ayaka-sama, until we meet again."

With that, Ren seized the opportunity to grab the editor and hastily left the Commission, eager to escape the increasingly complicated situation.

"Takahashi-san, slow down!"

From the street's far end, the editor's breathless complaints could still be heard.

Ayaka stood silently, gazing at the retreating figure in the distance.

Falling sakura petals framed the scene, creating a picture-perfect moment that stirred the heart.

With a quiet sigh, she murmured to herself, "Could it really be him?"

Nearby, a blond young man approached Ayaka.

"Milady, it's time to head to the shrine to prepare for tonight's festival," Thoma said.

Ayaka turned back to him and smiled. "Thank you, Thoma."

Thoma, the Kamisato Clan's trusted retainer and Ayaka's close friend, gave her a polite nod.

"Let's get going."

Thoma hesitated for a moment. "Milady, you seem... unusually cheerful today."

Normally poised and composed, Ayaka seemed to exude a hint of excitement.

"I've encountered someone... interesting."

She clasped her hands behind her back, her skirt fluttering gracefully as she walked, elegant and beautiful.

Thoma lowered his head slightly, his voice firm. "I'll gather more information on Takahashi Ren as soon as possible."

Ayaka nodded silently in response.

"But enough about that," she said, her tone brightening. "The day I meet my mentor is approaching. Let's pick out some gifts first."

Mentioning her mentor caused Ayaka's eyes to light up.

"What about your brother?" Thoma asked cautiously.

"The usual," Ayaka replied nonchalantly. "A milk tea with extra pearls."

Thoma sighed and rubbed his temples. "As you wish, Milady."

Inwardly, he couldn't help but pity the Kamisato Clan's head.

If Ayato ever found out his cherished sister was secretly preparing gifts for someone else... while he only got a milk tea, it would be quite the scene.

Outside Yae Publishing House

The sky had dimmed, with stars beginning to twinkle in the distance.

Ren walked silently, lost in thought as he stared at his system's interface.

The new talent is useful, sure, but I still wish I could unlock a five-star character's abilities.

If only this worked like gacha rolls in my past life.

"Takahashi-san, we're here," the editor said, snapping Ren back to reality.

Ren sighed and gave the editor a pointed look.

The editor scratched the back of his head nervously, offering an awkward smile as he gestured toward the building.

"Please come in and wait for a moment before heading to the Grand Narukami Shrine."

"By the way, congratulations on your promotion to Doushin! It's such a—"

Ren raised a hand to cut him off. "Spit it out. Who's hiding inside?"

The editor froze, his face flushing with embarrassment. "N-no one! There's no one!"

Ren smirked. "Your acting could use some work. Might want to spend more time learning from Yae-sama."

Without waiting for a response, he turned to leave.

"W-wait, please!"

Before the editor could speak, a girl's voice called out anxiously from inside.

Hearing the familiar voice, Ren stopped in his tracks and turned back, surprised.

A fragrant breeze swept past as a young girl hurried out, clutching at his sleeve nervously.

She wore a kimono adorned with sakura patterns, her slender figure and delicate, porcelain-like skin giving her an air of ethereal beauty.

"Renny, are you still angry with me?"

Her soft, pleading tone and furrowed brows added a touch of vulnerability, stirring a sense of pity in those who saw her.

Ren stepped back, pulling away from her grasp.

"Miss, please respect yourself," he said evenly. "And don't call me Renny."

The girl's body trembled, her eyes growing misty as if she were about to cry.

"But... I'm your fiancée. Are you really going to abandon me?"

Her words caused an immediate uproar.

The once-bustling street fell deathly silent as heads turned to gawk at the unfolding drama.

Quick! Get the popcorn!

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T/N: uhhh yeah gonna try and do honorifics also