Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

Inside the room, the expressions of the girls shifted.

What did that mean?

"Hmph."

Keqing straightened her posture, arms crossed over her chest.

Her fair chin lifted slightly—confident, composed.

"Quite impressive."

Kamisato Ayaka smiled gently.

Yet, beneath the surface, she subtly made comparisons.

In the end, all the girls' gazes converged on Yoimiya.

No matter how you looked at it… it felt a little unfair.

"…"

Yoimiya buried her face, wanting to stare at her feet instead.

Damn it! Something was blocking her view!

"Hmm?"

Only Nahida blinked in confusion.

Logically speaking, she should be the biggest.

But why was everyone staring there?

The little Dendro Archon clutched her chest.

What did this have to do with age?

"Little one, we're talking about rankings among us sisters."

"Do you want to join in?"

Sandrone's lips curled into a smirk, teasingly.

She didn't consider Nahida a real threat—just a child.

As she spoke, her blue eyes gleamed as she turned toward Ayaka.

"Right, Ayaka dear?"

Earlier on the streets, Kamisato Ayaka had referred to Keqing as sister.

Unfortunately, Sandrone had overheard.

And since Keqing had previously lost a bet and had to call Sandrone big sister…

That meant, by logic, their hierarchy had been established.

"?"

Yoimiya blinked.

So, she had somehow ended up as the eldest among them?

Did that mean Ren also had to—

No, no, no!

The lively girl fidgeted, shaking her head internally.

Her best friends were right here—she could not have weird thoughts!

"Heh…"

Ayaka let out a soft chuckle, her expression serene.

Did they really think a simple title would throw her off balance?

How naive.

She gracefully slid a warm teacup toward Keqing.

"Rankings don't mean much."

"Besides… there should be an order to things, don't you think?"

Ayaka smiled, her elegance unwavering.

"Since Keqing has just arrived in Inazuma, it's only natural that I take care of her."

Her tone was gentle, yet her message was clear.

She subtly emphasized that she had been by Ren's side first.

The so-called sisterly love among them? Gone in an instant.

"…"

Keqing narrowed her eyes, staring at her own reflection in the tea.

"Not to your liking?"

Ayaka's gaze flickered, her smile deepening.

Why wasn't she drinking it?

Keqing shook her head slightly and picked up the teacup.

Her brow arched faintly.

It's a bit too hot.

Was Ayaka subtly implying she was a latecomer? Forcing her to back down?

"Thank you."

Keqing smiled politely, yet her violet eyes remained calm.

Ayaka was poised, and her tea-making skills were excellent.

The girls around Ren were definitely not ordinary.

To put it bluntly—none of them were easy opponents.

But did they really think she would just back off?

Keqing met Ayaka's gaze and smiled.

"There's no need to take care of me."

"I prefer to go after what I want myself."

Sorry, but that approach doesn't work on me.

Keqing was a firm believer in action.

Of course, when it came to emotions, she was a complete tsundere.

Luckily for her, Ren had a direct approach.

That kiss from before—was already her answer.

She wouldn't let go anymore.

"Heh… such boldness, Keqing."

Ayaka clapped her hands lightly, as if in admiration.

Another troublesome girl had appeared, Master.

Ayaka was starting to get anxious…

"Keqing is right."

Sandrone stirred her tea gently and spoke in a soft voice.

"But in a foreign land, one always needs friends."

"…"

Keqing and Sandrone exchanged a glance and nodded.

For now, they would form a temporary alliance.

As for their opponents—

That would be the two noble ladies.

"Keqing, how long have you known Ren?"

Chisato asked with a gentle smile.

Keqing didn't answer immediately.

She realized—this seemingly harmless noble lady… was not to be underestimated.

"…"

Sandrone subtly shook her head.

Chisato had the advantage of being Ren's childhood friend—his former fiancée, even.

Conventional tactics wouldn't work on her.

If there was anyone easier to corner…

"?"

Yoimiya hugged Nahida tightly, her large eyes darting around.

This whole situation was getting way too complicated!

At least the little white-haired girl in her arms was cute.

"Hmph, the length of time doesn't matter."

Keqing scoffed confidently.

"What matters is what's been done."

The girls immediately sensed something was off.

Before they could even ask—

"You mean you and Ren…!"

Yoimiya gasped, bringing her fingers together in a gesture.

A kiss?

No need for further explanation—everyone understood.

"Of course."

Keqing turned her face away proudly, the corners of her lips lifting.

She then added, almost casually—

"He made the first move."

Let's see if any of you can say the same.

(Sandrone doesn't count.)

The atmosphere instantly froze.

"…"

Ayaka took a deep breath, her gaze drifting toward the sword at her side.

The ever-elegant noble lady—was breaking.

Her master…

When exactly had this woman taken him away?!

"Hmph. I've been wanting to test Inazuman swordsmanship."

Keqing rested her [Lion's Roar] blade on her lap, showing no intention of backing down.

If they couldn't settle this with words—

Then let's fight it out!

"Huh?! W-Wait a second!"

Yoimiya panicked, jumping in to stop them.

When had they brought weapons in here?!

What happened to a friendly conversation?!

Just as the tension reached its peak, a soft voice echoed through the room.

"Big Brother Ren… wouldn't like this."

The moment that gentle, healing voice sounded—

All the girls calmed down slightly.

More importantly, they had heard Ren's name.

The tense air loosened ever so slightly.

"Hmph."

Keqing huffed lightly before glancing apologetically at Nahida.

"Sorry, did we scare you?"

Nahida simply shook her head with a warm smile.

She then blinked her innocent eyes at Ayaka.

"Can't everyone just get along?"

Nahida had endured solitude for too long.

Locked away by the Akademiya, stripped of her freedom—this was the first time she had been surrounded by so many kind people.

She genuinely wanted to protect this happiness.

They all had the same sun—Ren.

So why were they fighting?

"…"

Ayaka's gaze softened.

This child… was too adorable.

In that moment, the girls' attention shifted to Nahida.

The little angel had become their ceasefire flag.

"Thank you, everyone."

Nahida clapped her small hands together, her smile warm and bright.

"?"

Sandrone's expression subtly shifted.

This child… had a power over the mind?

She had noticed something unusual about Nahida.

Just as she was about to speak, she let out a soft chuckle instead.

"Heh… well, look who's here."

She had thought they would have more time to chat.

But it seemed their little gathering—

Was about to come to an end.

Outside, steady footsteps approached.

With a swift motion, the door slid open.

"Who's there?"

The girls instinctively turned toward the entrance.

"Ren!"

A joyful voice rang out.

Standing before them—who else could it be but Ren?

"Good evening, everyone."

However, at this moment, Ren's expression was stern.

In the next second—

He strode between Keqing and Ayaka.

Under their shocked gazes, he reached out—

And took both of their swords, slamming them onto the table.

"No fighting. Do you hear me?"

Ren said seriously.

"I—!"

Keqing and Ayaka instinctively wanted to argue.

But before they could—

Smack!

Two crisp sounds echoed in the room.

"Ah!"

Both girls' faces flushed red as they clutched their backsides.

"Are you going to behave?"

Ren withdrew his hands, his voice firm.

If he didn't assert some authority now—

This place would descend into chaos.

And spanking—was undoubtedly the fastest, most effective solution!

---

T/N: who is this man? this isnt Ren

lookie here, i posted an original thingie called uhh 'What The World Leaves Behind' it's just for practice for my upcoming original fic but all the stories take place in the same world so if you feel like reading some short stories take a little peak please? uwu