Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

The wind gently swept through Inazuma City.

A faint chill lingered in the quiet streets.

"?"

Ren snapped out of a light, floating sensation, shivering slightly.

Something felt off.

He lifted his head and scanned his surroundings.

Nearby, aside from the tense-looking vendors, there was no one else.

As for the people further away…

They were staring at him in shock, eyes filled with awe—

And envy.

Because standing beside Ren was a figure of noble elegance and cold beauty.

The distant crowd began to stir.

"It's the Shogun! She actually came here!"

"And the one beside her… that's Takahashi-sama, right?"

"As expected of Takahashi-sama—so young yet so accomplished!"

"My idol is so cool!"

…

Ren blinked.

Sure, being admired like this was satisfying—

But why did he feel a strange chill down his spine, as if something bad was about to happen?

Just as that thought crossed his mind—

"You were distracted."

A cool, clear voice suddenly spoke beside him.

Calm and indifferent, yet carrying a hint of… something else.

Mm, dissatisfaction.

"Apologies, Shogun-sama."

Ren instinctively turned to look at the cold yet breathtaking figure walking beside him, an apologetic expression on his face.

Crap. He had dared to zone out in front of the Boss.

Did he even want to keep living in Inazuma?

"Why apologize? I never said I was angry."

Ei lifted her chin slightly, her tone calm.

"…"

Ren let out a wry chuckle.

It didn't matter what the answer was—this was a deadly question either way.

Clearly, the Boss was in a mood.

And when the Shogun was in a mood, the consequences were usually serious.

But then again…

Ren was different.

He had a unique privilege.

At worst, he'd be hung from a statue or locked in Tenshukaku.

The air grew silent.

Ahem.

Ren stole a quick glance at the Boss.

And then—he couldn't look away.

The wind carried soft cherry blossoms, scattering them across Ei's long, flowing violet hair.

Her usually cold and distant aura now held an almost ethereal beauty, like a dream.

A slight smile formed on Ren's lips as he watched her.

She was so close—so close he could reach out and touch her.

Now that he thought about it, ever since their duel at Tenshukaku, Ei had never worn her signature long braid again.

A bit of a shame.

"…"

Ei's expression remained calm, as if waiting for something.

She gazed at the bustling city of Inazuma, her violet eyes soft.

After centuries, she was finally walking its streets again, experiencing it all firsthand.

And this beautiful scene before her—

Was the result of Ren's efforts.

A nation free of Vision Hunts, war, and internal strife.

Its people thriving, full of life.

Just as her sister had once described—so beautiful.

This was Ren's gift to her.

A one-of-a-kind treasure.

And she cherished it.

If only she could witness this sight a little longer…

Ei let out a silent sigh of contentment, glancing at Ren.

Her lips curved into the faintest smile.

How long was he going to stare at her?

"Do you like what you see?"

She suddenly asked.

"It's beautiful."

Ren coughed lightly and quickly looked away.

Getting caught staring at the Boss—his heart was racing.

Report: Someone's flirting with me.

On a busy street, Ren found himself feeling strangely self-conscious.

Especially with so many people watching and eating lemons.

"Walk with me a little longer."

But, of course, the ever-dignified Shogun didn't care.

She wanted to stroll with Ren, so she would.

If anyone dared to harm him, she would protect him.

If someone tried to take advantage of him, even the gods wouldn't be spared from her blade.

That was Ei.

Sometimes, she was completely unreasonable.

But Ren liked that about her.

"Of course, Shogun-sama." Ren smiled.

Yet, she still showed no sign of leaving.

"How long are you planning to hold onto that?"

She glanced at the dango in Ren's hand, her tone unreadable.

"…"

Ren blinked, finally understanding.

Wait… her little mood was because of this?

He suddenly found the ever-dignified Boss incredibly adorable.

What else could he do but feed her?

"?!?"

The crowd watching from afar widened their eyes in shock.

Because—right in front of everyone—

Ren held out a skewer of dango… to the Shogun.

And then—

"?!?!!"

The ever-dignified Shogun took the dango.

And took a small bite.

Their movements were so natural, so practiced—

As if they had done this countless times before.

"How is it, Shogun-sama?"

Ren watched as Ei quietly savored the sweet treat, his voice unconsciously softening.

The atmosphere was… strangely peaceful.

Shogun, you're too good at this.

"It's good."

The sweetness melted on Ei's tongue, and she closed her eyes slightly.

A soft, genuine smile appeared on her beautiful face—breathtaking beyond words.

"She's so beautiful."

Ren muttered unconsciously.

Report, Boss—someone's flirting with me again.

This time, he couldn't hold out.

…Alright, fine.

He never held out, actually.

Suddenly, something came to mind.

"Wait a moment, Shogun-sama."

He ran off to a nearby stall and quickly returned.

Ei watched his comings and goings, her violet eyes flickering.

Such simple gestures—

Yet they filled her heart completely.

How strange.

"Shogun-sama, please enjoy some dango milk!"

Ren returned, holding a small bottle with a serious expression.

"Mm."

Ei reached out to take it—

But Ren moved first, opening the lid before handing it to her.

This was how one properly attended to the Boss.

Ei gave a satisfied nod and took a light sip.

"It's sweet and delicious."

She murmured in contentment.

Ren watched her smile and found himself smiling too.

Such a simple moment, yet it warmed his heart.

"Come back to Tenshukaku with me."

"Of course, Shogun-sama."

---

Meanwhile…

"Sister-in-law!"

Kazuha greeted with the utmost respect.

"?"

Nahida blinked, her large eyes full of confusion.

Sister-in-law?

"?"

Keqing's elegant brows furrowed, and she instinctively took a few steps back while holding Nahida.

If not for Nahida being in her arms, she would've drawn her sword already.

Who was this random guy, calling her sister-in-law out of nowhere?!

"I'm Ren's friend."

Kazuha realized his mistake and quickly explained.

"Oh… so you're…"

Keqing paused, scanning him up and down.

Then, her cat-ear-shaped braids twitched.

Her violet eyes widened slightly as realization struck.

Okay. Known facts:

This young man was Ren's friend.

He called her sister-in-law.

Which means… if you round it up, she and Ren are married?!

"Ahem, sharp observation."

Keqing huffed, feigning composure.

So this is Ren's friend?

He does seem quite impressive.

Not that it's because of what he just said.

"…"

Nahida tilted her head in deeper confusion.

It felt… wrong.

But she also felt strangely happy?

So this was what it felt like to be around Ren…?

The little Dendro Archon fell into quiet contemplation.

"You've traveled far. Have you rested well? Be careful not to tire the child."

Kazuha smiled, gazing at Nahida.

So this is Ren's daughter?

She's adorable.

"We're fine."

Keqing, still immersed in her sister-in-law role, responded instinctively.

"By the way, the commission office…"

Kazuha was about to give directions—

Of course, to the Tenryou Commission.

The Yashiro Commission? Absolutely not.

Kazuha had vowed never to get Ren into trouble again.

But then—

"May I be of assistance?"

A gentle voice suddenly chimed in.

Kazuha froze.

That voice…?

"You are…"

Keqing turned, holding Nahida as she looked at the elegant figure before them.

"Kamisato Ayaka."

Ayaka closed her fan with a graceful smile.

"My lady, you have a very adorable daughter."

Kazuha closed his eyes.

He had officially given up on thinking.