Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

A faint rustling sound came from the forest.

Moments later, a boy carefully parted the bushes.

He looked out toward the distance.

The broad road ahead was silent and deserted.

"Good, the Tenryou Commission hasn't caught up."

Ren drew his blade, cutting down the vegetation blocking the path.

From behind him, a cold voice sounded.

"What a waste of use."

The blade she had forged wasn't meant for chopping trees.

Ren sighed helplessly and replied softly, "I just didn't want your skirt to get torn."

"Besides, isn't the Shogun's sword used to 'cut grass'?"

"This is called learning from the greats and improving my ideological awareness."

Mei let out a faint scoff. It was the first time she'd heard such reasoning.

Ren was the first to climb out.

The area was peaceful, with fireflies flitting about.

A perfect setting for a romantic rendezvous between lovers.

Unfortunately, the two of them were currently fugitives being hunted by the Tenryou Commission.

After confirming there was no one around, Ren turned back.

He extended his hand, smiling.

"Come on out, my runaway shrine maiden."

"..."

There was no response from the forest.

As if coaxing a child, Ren gently said, "Alright, come on now."

Finally, a slender hand emerged from the trees.

Under the moonlight, the skin looked soft and smooth, almost luminous.

What would it feel like to hold such a hand? Ren wondered. Would it be utterly enchanting?

The next moment—

Slap!

Ren's hand was ruthlessly smacked away.

The aloof village girl stepped out of the woods, graceful and composed.

She shot him a sharp look, her gaze a warning.

Ren withdrew his hand in defeat. What a cold stare.

"..."

Mei continued to regard him with icy detachment.

Had it not been for Ren holding her back earlier, she might have already stormed the Grand Narukami Shrine.

"We'll wait here for a bit; they should be here soon," Ren said as he surveyed the area.

The silence was unnerving—far too quiet to be normal.

"..."

Mei seemed to sense something. She turned to a particular spot, her gaze instantly sharp and dangerous.

"Come out," she commanded.

Ren blinked. Was someone there?

When no response came, Mei's fingertips sparked with electricity.

"Wait, wait!"

A panicked rustling came from the bushes.

Moments later, a small tanuki tumbled out.

"Oh no, Sayu's been caught!"

Sayu rolled over to Mei's feet, trembling.

Her young face looked up, tears welling in her eyes.

Such a scary person...

With just a glance, this intimidating woman had seen through her hiding technique.

Her eyes were sharper and scarier than Yae Miko's!

Mei snorted coldly, raising her hand.

"Wait, she's an ally!" Ren quickly intervened.

---

A man and a woman walked side by side, accompanied by a tanuki.

Under the gentle moonlight, the scene carried an unexpected warmth.

In the distance, the grand Kamisato Estate stood ablaze with light.

The headquarters of the Yashiro Commission.

"Miss Ayaka sent me," Sayu mumbled, stumbling as she walked.

She hadn't worked this late in a long time.

If Ren hadn't been holding her hand, she might've collapsed already.

"Got it," Ren said with a nod.

Everything was proceeding as he had anticipated.

Kamisato Ayaka couldn't openly oppose the Tenryou Commission.

After all, even Raiden Shogun's name had been invoked.

On Narukami Island, who would dare defy her directly?

But working in the shadows to slow them down? That wasn't difficult.

This was the confidence that kept Ren from panicking.

Now...

"There's no turning back," Ren muttered with a sigh.

By intercepting the communications between Kujou Takayuki and the Fatui, he had made his position clear.

He had also made an enemy of the Kanjou Commission.

Those two old schemers would surely report him to the Shogun tomorrow, embellishing the story as they went.

The script was practically set.

Raiden Shogun would be enraged and issue an order for his capture.

Once caught, both he and his Vision would be sealed into a statue.

The plotline was painfully predictable.

"To avoid getting cleaved by the Musou Isshin..."

For now, staying at the Yashiro Commission was his best bet.

"Oh, the Shogun's blade," Sayu muttered, half-asleep.

"A person like that? I'll never meet her."

She couldn't help but glance at Mei.

This woman is just as terrifying as Raiden Shogun...

I better stay far away!

Ren chuckled at her words.

If I hide out long enough...

Would it last until Lumine finishes her main storyline?

He couldn't help but recall Thoma kneeling before a statue for an entire month in his past life.

Taking it easy, though—that's his style.

"..."

Mei glanced at Ren silently.

Being cleaved by the Musou Isshin?

Beneath her fox mask, the corners of her lips curled up faintly.

---

The journey was surprisingly quiet.

Even the gates of the Kamisato Estate were devoid of guards.

With one exception.

Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.

Thoma was already waiting outside, waving warmly.

"Yo! Takahashi-san, you're finally here."

"And this must be... the lovely Miss Mei."

Thoma's gaze paused on the cool, elegant Mei.

With his experience as the Kamisato family's housekeeper, he could tell this woman was no ordinary person.

I need to handle this carefully.

Mei gave a slight nod in acknowledgment.

She said nothing, but her dignified aura was palpable.

Truly fitting for someone who casually suggested demolishing the Grand Narukami Shrine!

The invisible pressure made Thoma sweat.

"Thank you for your trouble," Ren said with a warm, sincere smile.

After all, this guy might be his future meal ticket—better make a good impression.

After exchanging pleasantries, Thoma led them further into the Kamisato Estate.

"The master and the young lady are waiting for you."

---

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