Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

At the Kamisato Estate...

"Ugh, why aren't they back yet?"

Yoimiya lay sprawled on the stone table, rocking back and forth in boredom.

She occasionally glanced outside, only to pout in disappointment.

"..."

Mei sat nearby, quietly flipping through a book.

The tea beside her had long gone cold, but she remained absorbed, as though studying some intricate martial arts manual.

Curious, Yoimiya glanced over and suddenly lit up with excitement.

"Mei-nee, is that... the special-edition light novel collection from Yae Publishing House?!"

Wow, that was the kind of treasure you couldn't find on the market.

Packed with the romance stories young people loved, no less!

Yoimiya scooted closer, her eyes sparkling.

Who would've thought that cool and mature Mei had a taste for these kinds of stories?

It was a delightful discovery.

"..."

Mei gave Yoimiya a sideways glance before setting the light novel down.

Being interrupted mid-read clearly didn't sit well with her.

She had been at a pivotal moment, after all.

"Hehe, sorry about that."

Yoimiya shrank back apologetically, but before she could feel too bad, a calm voice broke the silence.

"Take it."

Mei spoke as she handed over an entire set of the novels.

"W-Whoa, this much?"

"Mei, did you... rob Yae Publishing House?"

Yoimiya's face was full of admiration.

"I just found them. They're good enough to pass the time."

Mei snorted softly, her tone indifferent.

That conniving fox? Never met her.

She should be grateful I didn't beat her up.

Yoimiya eagerly cradled the novels in her arms but suddenly sensed something.

From a distance, Ren and Kamisato Ayaka were finally returning.

"You're back at last," Yoimiya said, crossing her arms as she scrutinized the pair.

"Come on, spill it—what were you two doing, all alone together?"

Her suspicion was practically written on her face.

Ren rolled his eyes as he took a seat.

"Why don't you just read your novels? Where did these even come from?"

He pointed at the extravagant light novel set on the table, visibly surprised.

A collection like that didn't come cheap.

"Hehe, Mei-nee found them. Amazing, right?"

Yoimiya wasted no time throwing Mei under the bus.

Ren turned his gaze toward Mei, who remained calm.

"Found them"? Who'd believe that?

Ayaka chuckled softly and gently suggested, "Yoimiya-san, why don't you come help me prepare breakfast?"

"Yes! Time to eat!"

Yoimiya cheered and dashed off with Ayaka, leaving the courtyard quiet once more.

In the tranquil garden, only Ren and Mei remained.

Leaning his face on his hand, Ren felt a bit bored.

A light breeze carried a pleasant fragrance through the air.

The weather was perfect, and the flowers were in full bloom—a day that even the gods would likely smile upon.

Yet, none of that captivated Ren's attention.

He had to find the source of the fragrance.

Soon enough, his gaze landed on Mei.

The cool breeze gently lifted the hem of her skirt, revealing flawless skin.

Sitting there quietly, she was a serene and beautiful sight.

Though... her aura was as cold as ever, which was a little disappointing.

Ren couldn't help but smirk as he thought, A rural country girl reading a book. How amusing.

He allowed himself to admire her intricate braids.

The more he looked, the more pleasant they seemed.

"..."

Finally, the "country girl" reacted, raising her head to glare at him.

"What is it?"

Her tone was as sharp as ever.

Ren closed his eyes slightly, murmuring, "You smell nice..."

It was a bit of a cheeky comment, but it was also the most sincere thought he had at the moment.

"Boring."

Mei's gaze remained icy, but she still set her light novel aside.

"Mei, did you raid Yae Publishing House last night?"

"No."

"Then where did you get the novels?"

"I found them."

"..."

Ren chuckled helplessly.

Chatting with her was always an uphill battle.

"I don't believe you. Do you know how expensive a set like that is?"

Mei huffed softly.

She wasn't broke anymore; she could afford things now.

"That set costs enough to keep me working for the Raiden Shogun for a year."

"..."

Mei suddenly froze.

"What's wrong?" Ren waved a hand in front of her face.

Her reaction to the mention of the Raiden Shogun seemed unusually intense.

"..."

After a long silence, Mei finally spoke softly.

"If the Raiden Shogun summons you, why don't you go?"

"Do you think anything good would come of it?"

Ren took a pastry from the table and popped it into his mouth.

Mmm, delicious.

He was beginning to enjoy this peaceful life—no battles, just casual conversations with girls.

Life couldn't be better.

If only Mei weren't so cold all the time.

Mei shot him another glare, though it was unclear if it was because of the Shogun or the pastry.

"Maybe she just wants to meet you."

Her usual cold tone carried an unexpected hint of sincerity.

Ren blinked, scrutinizing her closely.

"You've changed. You used to look down on the Raiden Shogun. Why are you suddenly defending her?"

Something's not right.

Faced with his sharp gaze, Mei snorted softly.

"You'd better stay hidden forever."

With that, she picked up her light novel again, flipping through the pages in a flurry.

Ren blinked.

She seems upset.

He quickly held out another pastry as a peace offering.

"Take your hand away."

Mei's cold eyes narrowed at him in disdain.

"Don't be mad."

"I'm not mad."

[Ding! Emotional Point from Mei +1.]

Ren sighed. I just wanted a normal conversation.

"What would it take for you to calm down?"

"Go to Tenshukaku right now."

"..."

Ren's lips twitched.

You really won't be satisfied unless I take a Musou no Hitotachi, huh?

Annoyed, he retorted, "The Raiden Shogun is so violent; I'm not going!"

Bang!

Mei's fist slammed onto the table.

Ren raised his hands in surrender. "Let's talk this out, alright?"

The fierce look in her eyes was no joke, and faint traces of Electro flickered around her fingers.

Suddenly, a shocking thought struck him.

"Mei... Raiden Shogun?"

"!"

Mei's movements froze, her hand instinctively brushing her mask.

For just a moment, her composed demeanor wavered.

What is she avoiding?

Silence hung between them.

Ren's expression grew serious as he spoke slowly,

"Are you... a fan of the Raiden Shogun?"

?

Mei's hand tightened into a fist.

When the time came, she'd be sure to give him two strikes with her blade.

Mei's grudge has been noted.

---

T/N: sooo close Ren so close

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