Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

The strand of violet hair, drifting gently through the air, was strikingly conspicuous.

"..."

The cold and composed Ei slowly let her chilling aura dissipate.

Everything Ren had done surprised her.

From the impulsive promise under the moonlight to this very moment, he had fulfilled it honorably.

To do so, he had crossed all of Inazuma City, broken through countless Tenryou Commission elites, and even dared to raise his blade against a god—

all for the sake of his promise to the shrine maiden known as Mei.

"Hah..."

Ei's violet eyes lowered slightly.

As the defeated party, she should have felt humiliated.

But in the hollow silence of Tenshukaku, her heart was filled with an unfamiliar warmth, a feeling so complex it made her frown.

What was this sensation?

Clang—

The sound of Musou Isshin being lowered broke the tension.

Though she had countless reasons to justify continuing, the outcome was already clear.

She had lost.

And Ren had won.

It was over.

What swordsmanship was that?

A breeze brushed against her face, and she noticed Ren extending his hand toward her.

The defeated Shogun's lashes fluttered faintly, but she didn't react, merely watching him approach.

What was this victor planning to do to her?

But...

Nothing happened.

"How was my strike, Shogun-sama?"

Emerging from the dissipating lightning, Ren smiled as he reached out.

With an almost casual motion, he plucked the strand of violet hair from the air and clenched it tightly in his hand.

A faint fragrance lingered, causing his lips to quirk into a grin.

This is a precious keepsake. I'll treasure it forever.

For a moment, Ren stood there, holding the hair as if it were a priceless treasure.

"..."

The previously softened look on Ei's face grew cold again.

Her eyes darkened as she stared at Ren, now completely absorbed in the strand of her hair.

Does he seriously value that piece of hair more than me?

"What are you doing?!"

Ei raised Musou Isshin, her tone sharp and commanding.

"Ahem, Shogun-sama!"

Realizing his mistake, Ren quickly hid the hair behind his back.

No matter what, there was no way he was giving it up now.

"Hmm?"

"...Shogun-sama, your hair is impeccably maintained."

"!"

"Sorry."

The two stared at each other in tense silence.

Ei held Musou Isshin aloft, but she didn't strike.

Ren stood respectfully, awaiting her verdict.

After all, she was his superior.

Defiance wasn't an option.

"Hmph."

After a long moment, Ei let out a soft snort.

Just then, a commotion erupted outside Tenshukaku.

"Shogun-sama—!"

The loud voices broke through the stillness.

Ei frowned slightly, realizing she must have instinctively lowered the barrier she had placed around the palace.

Ren glanced toward the source of the noise, then shook his head with a resigned sigh.

"Why is it him again?"

Of course, it was the soldiers of the Tenryou Commission,

with Kujou Takayuki leading the charge.

Sword drawn, he stormed in ahead of the others, his gaze venomous as he fixed it on Ren.

"Takahashi has insulted the Shogun-sama!"

"I, Kujou Takayuki, will see to it that justice is done!"

The killing intent radiating from him was almost theatrical, as if he were playing the part of a hero.

"..."

Ei's expression darkened with disdain.

She already knew the crimes of both commissions.

She had shown mercy by not confronting the Tenryou Commission immediately.

And now they dared to interrupt her!

"?"

An uneasy silence fell over the hall.

The soldiers froze in place the moment they stepped in,

instantly aware of the Shogun's frigid aura.

Did we... come at the wrong time?

"Hmph. How noisy."

Ei snorted coldly and turned her back on them.

"Sh-Shogun-sama!"

Kujou Takayuki dropped to his knees, bowing respectfully.

"Takahashi has offended you. I beseech you to mete out divine punishment!"

This time, that brat won't escape my grasp!

Ren's face twitched slightly as he shook his head.

"You can shake your head all you want, but there's no saving you now!"

Kujou Takayuki sneered, shouting angrily.

"Enough."

The Shogun's cold and commanding voice echoed through the chamber.

Takayuki flinched, pointing toward Ren.

Something felt off.

Wasn't there supposed to be a duel?

How was Ren still standing?

"Hello."

Ren waved nonchalantly, his smile pleasant.

"??"

The elite samurai of the Tenryou Commission exchanged bewildered glances.

What was going on?

They had come expecting to witness the Shogun's unparalleled swordsmanship.

But instead...

Ren chuckled softly.

You all really don't get it, do you?

Wait until the Shogun gives her next order—then we'll see who's confused.

At that moment, Ei raised a hand, her back still to the crowd.

"Tenryou Commission, hear my command."

"Yes, Shogun-sama!"

The elite samurai saluted in unison, their voices reverberating.

"Detain Takahashi Ren."

Her voice was as cold and authoritative as ever.

"Did you hear her? Detain me," Ren nodded in agreement—

until he realized what she had said.

"Wait, detain who?"

Turning sharply, he saw Ei standing regally, her arms crossed.

Her long hair cascaded down her back, her posture flawless.

"Hold on, who are you detaining?!"

This wasn't right!

Before he could fully process her words, the samurai surged forward, grinning wolfishly.

"Kid, we've been waiting for this!"

"With Shogun-sama's order, there's nothing you can say now!"

At Kujou Takayuki's signal, they pounced.

"!"

Moments later, Ren was restrained by the group of samurai.

His expression screamed disbelief as he turned to Ei.

This is revenge, isn't it? Pure, calculated revenge!

"Hmm."

Ei nodded slightly, glancing at him with an air of satisfaction.

Her earlier frustration from losing the duel had vanished entirely.

"Shogun-sama, what are your orders?"

Kujou Takayuki asked eagerly, his voice brimming with anticipation.

"..."

Ren decided not to speak.

He simply glared at Ei.

Bullying an honest man—is that how it is?!

"Orders..."

Ei tapped her chin thoughtfully as she paced slowly, though no one noticed the faint smirk playing on her lips.

"Blindfold Takahashi Ren."

"Take him to my private chambers."

"Yes, Shogun-sama!"

The samurai roared their assent, dragging Ren toward the exit.

"Where do you think you're going?"

Ei's cold voice halted them in their tracks.

"?"

The samurai froze, puzzled.

Wasn't this what she had just ordered?

Wait a second.

This didn't sound like she meant to throw him out.

"My private chambers. I won't repeat myself."

"And don't let Takahashi Ren get hurt."

With a flick of her sleeve, Ei disappeared in a flash of lightning.

The samurai, including Kujou Takayuki, stood dumbfounded.

Wait... something doesn't feel right.

"I agree," Ren muttered, blinking at the group.

They all stared at each other in stunned silence.

"Wait—WHAT?!"

---

T/N: LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Oh, you're still here? Nice. While I'm out here juggling revival matches and reminding villains why they should reconsider their life choices, someone's behind the scenes making sure my story reaches you. Gotta admit, they're doing a pretty solid job.

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Anyway, time to get back to saving the day. See you in the next chapter—don't forget to stay out of trouble (that's my job).

— Xia Luo 🕸️