Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

Inazuma City, Komore Teahouse.

"A punishment game during dinner?"

The girls blinked, murmuring softly.

Will the punishment... really be appropriate?

"Does this mean... you can ask for anything?"

Hiiragi Chisato leaned forward slightly, her tone serious.

The steam from the hotpot flushed her face a lovely pink, and her wide, glistening eyes locked onto a certain someone.

If she won this game...

Wouldn't that mean she could openly cling to Ren?

"Of course! Anything goes!" Yoimiya declared smugly, her little face brimming with pride.

As she spoke, she stole a glance at Kamisato Ayaka.

Well, Ayaka, my dear bestie, I've created the perfect opportunity for you. You better take it!

"..."

Ayaka's lips curved into a faint smile.

So this game was a joint plan.

Yoimiya, feeling guilty for letting Ren slip away earlier, had decided to redeem herself as Hanamizaka's self-proclaimed love guru.

This time, she swore there would be no mistakes!

"Keep those dangerous thoughts to yourselves," Ren said, flicking Yoimiya's forehead with a frown.

"Ow!"

Yoimiya rubbed her forehead, pouting.

This hateful Takahashi! Always picking on her!

Fine, just wait until Ayaka locks him up in a tiny, dark room.

She wouldn't lift a finger to rescue him!

Silently, Yoimiya added this grievance to her growing list.

Ren sighed, shaking his head.

These girls barely gathered together, and already they were plotting something.

If this continued, who knew how things might escalate in the future?

He had to establish some authority before it was too late.

Do they really think messing with me will be so easy?

His gaze drifted instinctively toward the silent figure nearby.

"..."

Mei was examining the boning knife in her hand.

Beside her lay a fish head, its mouth opening and closing faintly, still alive.

Ren's lips quirked into a slight smile.

At least Mei's quiet demeanor is refreshing.

No fuss, no competition. Less trouble.

"..."

As if sensing his gaze, Mei lifted her eyes, locking them onto him.

Her hand gripped the knife, a flicker of intent flashing in her expression.

How should I strike him with this blade?

A moment later—

Clink!

Mei raised the boning knife and brought it down, slicing the fish head cleanly in half.

Ren coughed lightly, his smile stiffening.

Maybe I should reconsider my earlier thoughts.

"It's just a game," Ayaka said elegantly, sipping her tea with practiced grace.

Her demeanor was poised, as though she didn't mind in the slightest.

Truly befitting the lady of the Yashiro Commission.

"In that case, Ayaka can sit this one out. We'll play without you," Chisato said, gently holding Ayaka's hand with a smile.

Her concern was genuine, like that of a close friend.

"..."

Chisato's narrowed gaze betrayed her thoughts.

Stay vigilant. Any woman trying to get close to Ren must be treated as a potential threat.

Currently, Yoimiya is harmless.

But Kamisato Ayaka? She's already on my list.

"It would be a shame to miss out—participation is important," Ayaka replied softly, her eyes twinkling.

The thought of stepping back now was inconceivable.

After all, this was her Master.

"Hehe..."

The two young ladies exchanged smiles, their apparent friendliness masking their hidden intentions.

"Alright, let's all play together. So, what's the game?"

As their gazes met, Ren spoke, a smile tugging at his lips.

"Huh?"

The girls turned to him in surprise.

They didn't expect him to voluntarily suggest a game.

Was he already eager to lose and face punishment?

"Yoimiya, explain the rules," Ren said with a calm smile.

He hadn't lost yet, after all.

"Alright, I'll explain!"

After a brief explanation, the game began.

Everyone sat around the table.

"Doesn't this game seem a little unfair?"

Ren covered his eyes with one hand, his tone skeptical.

"Don't question the fairness of the referee!" Yoimiya huffed, holding a stack of cards.

She distributed the cards to the girls, then patted Ren's shoulder.

"Wake up and open your eyes."

When Ren opened his eyes, he saw the girls gathered around him.

The game was simple: identify the "undercover" player.

One of the girls had received the undercover role, and the others had to protect her through careful discussion.

If Ren failed to identify the undercover player within a round, he'd lose.

As for the consequences of losing...

One look at the girls' faces was enough to guess.

"Let's start already," Chisato urged with a sweet yet pointed smile.

Her bright eyes sparkled, as if she couldn't wait.

Don't worry, we'll "punish" you gently.

"..."

Mei, meanwhile, remained cold and detached, holding her knife as if uninterested in the game.

Yoimiya covered her mouth, giggling quietly.

Do they think Ren can handle all of us together? Impossible.

Just surrender and accept your punishment already!

"?"

Ren glanced at Yoimiya, suspicion deepening.

This setup is clearly rigged against me.

"You're the referee—are you sure you're not the undercover player?"

"Ahem, why are you looking at me like that?" Yoimiya turned her head, avoiding his gaze.

Ren smiled faintly.

So you've been bought off, Yoimiya. Fine, just you wait.

"Alright, let me ask the first question."

Ren's gaze swept over the group, his tone serious.

The girls exchanged subtle glances before nodding slightly.

Ren turned to Mei first.

"Are you the undercover player?"

Mei lifted her chin, replying flatly, "No."

Such an honest response—classic Mei.

Next, Ren turned to Chisato.

"What about you?"

"Me?"

Chisato blinked in feigned surprise, though her hand clenched slightly under the table.

She was the undercover player.

"I'm not, Renny," she said softly after a moment's pause, her smile unwavering.

"Is that so..."

Ren didn't press further, his expression unreadable.

Chisato's breathing hitched as tension crept into her heart.

Her eyes briefly met Ayaka's, and a flicker of unease passed between them.

Why does he look so confident? Did he figure it out?

"If you confess now, the punishment will be gentler later," Ren said with a slight smirk.

He was entirely serious.

This game had been unfair from the start.

In his mind, a notification chimed:

[Ding! Emotion Resonance from Ayaka +1.]

[Ding! Emotion Resonance from Chisato +1.]

[Your game assistant has been successfully loaded.]

Honestly, coming up with a game like this...

You're practically handing yourselves over on a silver platter.

---

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— Furina ✨