Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

"How I wield my blade is my decision," Ei said softly, shaking her head as she turned to leave.

"Then I'll begin the preparations," Yae Miko called out, waving the document in her hand with a playful smile.

This farce called the Vision Hunt Decree was finally coming to an end.

Surely, Inazuma would soon step into a new era.

"Hm," Ei responded with a faint nod, her tone calm and indifferent.

"Not giving Ren a bit more time?"

Miko's lips curled into a teasing smirk.

She had seemingly discovered the perfect way to provoke her deity.

My dear Shogun-sama... you wouldn't want anything to happen to Takahashi, would you?

"..."

At the mention of Ren, Ei paused mid-step.

After a moment of silence, her voice turned cold.

"If he cannot withstand my blade, then he's merely a fleeting passerby."

"I won't show any mercy."

"Absolutely not."

Her tone was resolute, befitting the aloof and commanding Shogun.

"Very well," Miko said, watching Ei's retreating figure with an amused glint in her eyes.

No mercy, huh?

You might as well have "favoritism" written all over your face.

At the entrance of Yae Publishing House, Mei emerged with slow, measured steps.

The editors followed nervously behind her, their movements careful and deliberate.

This fearsome lady had to be handled with utmost caution—she really had threatened to tear the place down!

"..."

Mei extended her hand.

"Mei-sama, here are the light novels you requested!"

The editors handed over the books with both hands, their voices full of respect.

Suddenly, they seemed to remember something and hurriedly retrieved another book with a pink cover.

"This one is personally recommended by the Editor-in-Chief!"

Mei took it, glancing at the cover.

[How a Fierce and Strong Woman Becomes Adorable When in Love]

...?

Maybe I should still consider tearing this place down.

"P-Please don't be angry, Mei-sama!"

The editors trembled, bracing for the inevitable outburst.

But to their surprise, no violence followed.

Instead, Mei gently ran her fingers across the cover, her attention caught by a particular word.

Adorable...

For some reason, Ren's face came to mind.

Under the warm sunlight, his tone had been so earnest:

"Am I cuter than the Raiden Shogun?"

A faint smile tugged at Mei's lips.

Perhaps this is worth studying.

The aloof "country girl" paid no mind to the word love on the cover.

After all, she had no concept of romance.

Clearly, it had nothing to do with her.

---

In Inazuma City, the evening was falling, and the streets bustled with the rush-hour crowd.

"Boss, how much is this piece of jewelry?"

At a small stall, an elegant young woman squatted down, holding up a necklace she admired. Her eyes sparkled with delight.

Her sleeves were rolled up, revealing skin as pale as snow. A small cloth bag filled with various ingredients hung at her side.

Her fresh, gentle demeanor carried the air of a young homemaker.

Behind her stood a young man laden with bags and packages—Ren.

They were out shopping together, just like any ordinary pair.

The vendor chuckled. "Miss, you have excellent taste. Your boyfriend will love it!"

Kamisato Ayaka blushed under her mask, her cheeks burning.

The vendor was certainly perceptive.

"Come again soon!"

After leaving the stall, the two strolled hand in hand down the street.

"Master, are you tired?" Ayaka asked softly, gazing at Ren with tender eyes.

As expected, when they were alone, she preferred addressing him as "Master."

Ren smiled and shook his head. "I'm fine."

Although holding hands made carrying the groceries more challenging with one arm, he didn't mind.

Because Ayaka's hand was so soft.

It was worth the extra effort.

"You're so good to me, Master," Ayaka murmured, leaning slightly against his shoulder.

As they passed a milk tea shop, Ayaka suddenly stopped.

"Master, wait here for a moment," she said, hurrying inside.

"Take your time," Ren replied, shaking his head with a small smile as he watched her go.

The streets bustled with activity—after all, it was rush hour.

Indeed, it was rush hour.

It was also the end of the workday for the Inazuma Shogunate.

On another street, Kamisato Ayato walked alongside Thoma.

"Thoma, where's Ayaka's milk tea?"

The head of the Yashiro Commission sounded a bit weary after a long day.

He hadn't gotten to enjoy his sister's homemade milk tea all afternoon.

"Master Ayato... the young lady was busy," Thoma replied tactfully.

This was, of course, a lie.

There was no pressing matter.

She'd simply been interrupted during her date and had taken note of it.

Milk tea?

What's that?

"I see," Ayato said with a light chuckle, shaking his head.

Once again, he'd been brushed off by his sister.

But what truly bothered him was that he still hadn't caught the scoundrel who had whisked her away.

At that thought, his eyes sharpened.

"If I ever see Ayaka on a date with someone else..."

He didn't finish his sentence.

Ayato's gaze locked onto a masked figure in the distance—a graceful young woman who had just emerged from a shop, holding two cups of milk tea with a delighted expression.

"It's Ayaka!"

---

Ahem! Gather close, esteemed audience! Do you comprehend the privilege of basking in my radiance? Truly, you're witnessing history in the making—a performance unparalleled in the annals of Fontaine!

Ah, but don't get distracted! Let me be clear: this brilliance isn't conjured from thin air. No, no, no! It requires effort, dedication, and… well, a touch of your generosity. If you fancy being part of something truly extraordinary, do step forward here: [patreon.com/WiseTL].

Oh, but wait! You're probably wondering, "Furina, how can someone as magnificent as you need assistance?" To that, I say: why deny mortals the honor of contributing to such greatness? Supporting me is supporting art, and who doesn't want to say they were instrumental in a legend's rise?

Now, off you go. Make your offerings, and perhaps, perhaps, I'll acknowledge you in my next soliloquy!

— Furina ✨