Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

The Raiden Shogun is short-tempered and violent?

That much was true.

Even gods who provoked her had been cut down—how could she not be violent?

But to directly say it so bluntly...

Ren might just be the first.

The real trouble, however...

Was the person reading the letter now.

"Violent... is it?"

Mei's fingertips tightened as she let out a cold snort.

The air in the empty room became stifling.

The thin sheet of paper groaned under the pressure, on the verge of disintegrating.

Her usually calm demeanor was visibly shaken, her chest rising and falling.

Crackle—

A sharp streak of lightning flashed across her chest.

For a moment, Mei seriously considered drawing her blade.

Then plunging it straight into Ren's head.

"...Hah."

She stood silently for a long while, her violet eyes slowly opening.

She continued reading.

If the rest of the contents failed to satisfy her...

There would be no need for Ren to voluntarily report to Tenshukaku.

She'd simply tie him up and hang him on the Raiden Shogun's statue herself.

Let him properly admire the "violent visage" of his "superior leader."

The latter half of the letter read as follows:

"Thank you for sharing so many stories about the Traveler."

"She should be arriving in Inazuma soon."

"I know you have a connection with her."

"But to think you'd ask me to take care of her..."

"It's quite surprising."

"Isn't she a renowned adventurer?"

"Why would someone like that need looking after?"

So, it's that person from Liyue?

And they dare send someone to sneak into Inazuma.

Mei let out a soft snort.

Once that girl set foot on Inazuman soil, she'd issue a warrant for her arrest immediately.

Poor golden-haired Traveler. She hadn't even arrived yet and was already on someone's radar.

The letter continued:

"I can't wait to meet her."

"It would be wonderful if we could become friends."

"I have so many companions to introduce her to."

"For example, this one Electro Girl..."

Mei's brow furrowed slightly.

Electro Girl? Who's that?

"She dares to openly question the gods, much like you."

Mei paused, blinking in surprise.

So, it's about me.

Unknowingly, she'd grown accustomed to the "Electro Girl" nickname Ren used in his letters.

"She's cold and distant, very violent."

"She has a fondness for sweets."

"Recently, she seems to have taken a liking to light novels."

"She might just be a seasoned otaku by now."

...

Mei's lightning-infused hand clenched slowly.

Maybe I really should hang Ren on the statue...

The thought simmered as she kept reading.

"But she's facing the resentment of gods alone."

"Honestly, someone this brave..."

"You wouldn't find many like her in the entire Tenryou Commission."

"She's truly an incredible woman."

The writing paused.

After a moment of thought, the letter continued:

"I think she's also a simple and kind person."

"Her heart must be filled with concern for the people."

"Though she appears cold, maybe it's because of something she's been through."

Mei's eyes widened slightly as she read.

Her hand lowered slowly, and she stood in silence.

Her tightly clenched fingers now revealed a single line of text:

"In any case, she's much cuter than the Raiden Shogun."

...

Mei placed the letter back on the desk.

There was more written, but she didn't feel like reading further.

He said I'm... cuter than the Raiden Shogun?

Mei wasn't sure what "cute" meant exactly.

It felt like something foreign, yet oddly endearing.

It must've been a compliment—an acknowledgment of some kind.

"..."

Mei gently placed a hand over her chest.

There, a warm and fulfilling sensation grew stronger.

Even in her mortal form, this feeling of being recognized was something novel.

And the part about protection...

Ren, what else could you bring into my life?

After a long pause, she let out a soft sigh.

"Truly foolish."

Behind her fox mask, the corners of her lips curved into a faint smile.

The icy air she'd carried with her melted away.

---

Yoimiya peeked her head out, blinking.

"Strange, why hasn't she come out yet?"

"Even if it's to spank him, that should've been over by now."

"Could something else be going on in there?"

Growing curious, the lively girl tiptoed toward the door.

Just as she was about to investigate further...

The door creaked open.

Mei stepped out, her gaze lifting to the sky, lost in thought.

Yoimiya jogged over.

"Mei-nee!"

Mei seemed to be in a surprisingly good mood.

What did Ren say to smooth things over?

Yoimiya's curious eyes darted toward the room.

But before she could make out anything...

"..."

Mei gently closed the door behind her and walked away.

Time for sweets and light novels.

As for hanging someone on the Raiden Shogun's statue...

She'd wait and see how Ren behaved going forward.

"She just left?"

Yoimiya blinked in confusion.

These two are getting stranger by the day.

She considered pushing the door open to see for herself.

But the image of those eight-pack abs flashed in her mind.

No way. I'm not falling for that again!

"Mei-nee, wait for me!"

The girl chased after her.

---

Inazuma City.

Under the Sakura trees, petals danced in the air.

A young woman had wandered away from the noisy streets to this tranquil spot.

She sat on the soft grass, tilting her face upward.

Dappled sunlight filtered through the cherry blossoms, warm and comforting.

In this moment, she was free of the constraints of her noble status.

She was simply a young woman, filled with anticipation.

"Master, Ayaka misses you."

Her gentle smile radiated happiness.

Her snow-white skin and graceful figure, framed by the falling cherry blossoms, made her look like a scene from a painting.

"Will you arrive on time?"

"If you're late... I might have to lock you in the basement."

---

T/N: wow, bro has a talent (morax transferred to scribble hub!)

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