Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

Kamisato Ayato's eyes gleamed as he stared at the hairpin.

Something was odd.

Traces of elemental energy lingered on it.

And then...

Ayato turned his gaze to Ren.

Why is he here?

The second-floor corridor was deathly silent, the kind of quiet where even the fall of a pin would echo loudly.

A faint pressure hung in the air, unsettling and heavy.

For most people, standing here would have already made their legs weak.

Ren, however, remained composed. With a smile, he spoke casually:

"Just taking a stroll to pass the time."

Ayato smiled faintly. "The people in the estate..."

"Naturally, they didn't notice a thing," Ren replied calmly, entirely unruffled.

Ayato nodded quietly.

The Raiden Shogun had ordered Ren to be taken to Tenshukaku.

With so many factions keeping an eye on him, sneaking out to avoid the chaos made sense.

Ayato's warm smile returned, and his suspicion eased.

He patted Ren on the shoulder, striking up a conversation:

"The ambiance on this second floor isn't bad. How long have you been here?"

"..."

Ren didn't respond, only shaking his head slightly.

Ayato's eyes flashed.

"I was just on the first floor," he continued.

"I thought I recognized your silhouette, so I came up to check."

Ren smiled.

Don't think I didn't catch you trying to bait me.

The second-floor patrons here are either wealthy or noble.

How could I possibly be among them?

"..."

Ayato's gaze remained fixed on Ren's face.

"Why didn't I see you earlier?"

"Out and about, I've learned a thing or two about holding my breath," Ren answered.

He subtly activated a skill he'd inherited from Sayu.

[Innate Talent: Yoohoo Art: Silencer's Secret]

His expression stayed serene, dispelling any lingering doubts.

"..."

The oppressive aura around Ayato gradually dissipated.

Given Ren's current precarious position, staying low-profile was only natural.

But to evade Ayato's detection? That was impressive.

Almost on par with Sayu from the Shuumatsuban.

Ayato's gaze grew even more approving.

So young yet so capable.

Able to confront enemies head-on or work covertly in the shadows.

Brave and strategic, with a steady mind.

He truly was the perfect candidate to be Ayaka's partner.

Far better than that good-for-nothing idiot hiding around here somewhere.

"..."

Ren kept up his harmless smile.

Yet internally, he couldn't help but grumble.

Why does this feel so irritating?

Who's badmouthing me behind my back?!

"You..."

Suddenly, Ayato's eyes sharpened.

Ren tensed.

If Ayato shouted [Kamisato Art: Suiyuu] right now...

Instead, Ayato leaned in with a serious expression.

"That man is here."

"..."

Ren feigned seriousness and leaned closer.

"Who exactly do you mean?"

"Who else? The scoundrel who deceived Ayaka."

Ayato shot Ren a side-eye.

When it comes to Ayaka, how are you this slow to react?

Do you even want to marry her?

"Ah... you mean him."

"Hmm?"

"The vile scoundrel who deceived Lady Ayaka!" Ren adjusted his tone, sounding suitably enraged.

"Indeed."

Only then did Ayato nod in satisfaction.

As expected of someone he approved of—his principles were commendable.

Standing in solidarity with the Yashiro Commission without hesitation.

"When we catch him, I'll let you punch him once," Ayato encouraged, patting Ren's shoulder.

It's a perfect chance to show off in front of Ayaka.

"...Thank you in advance, then."

Ren's smile almost cracked.

I'm already cursing myself; now I have to punch myself too?

Ayato waved him off.

Sooner or later, they'd all be one family. Why be so formal?

For a moment, the two men exchanged smiles.

But neither's thoughts aligned with the other...

Ayato's expression turned serious again as he whispered:

"What's your plan for capturing that scoundrel?"

Ren fell into contemplation.

That "scoundrel" was standing right in front of Ayato.

But he couldn't exactly say that.

"Thought of anything yet?"

Ayato's approving gaze rested on the deeply pensive Ren.

He's definitely formulating a thorough capture plan.

"Mm..."

Ren nodded quietly.

I definitely need to formulate a thorough escape plan.

After a moment, he looked up.

"We each take a side; that way, there's no chance he escapes."

"If he tries to run, I'll be the first to catch him!" Ren declared confidently, pledging his loyalty.

If an insider betrayed them, though, it wasn't on him...

Ayato nodded.

A simple plan, but it hit the mark.

"Let's do that, then."

"I'll take that side?" Ren suggested, picking the opposite direction.

His eyes casually swept over the door in front of them, where he'd hastily staged a trap with the proprietress earlier.

Sure enough, it caught Ayato's attention.

"Alright."

Ayato nodded, drawing his sword behind his back and entering the room.

A sly smile tugged at the corner of Ren's lips.

Perfect.

Wasting no time, he turned and bolted.

In reality, the room he and Ayaka were using was on the other side!

---

Inside the room.

Kamisato Ayaka had been sitting quietly for some time, calming her mind.

The serene atmosphere accentuated her graceful figure, making her seem even more ethereal.

Suddenly, her ears twitched.

Familiar footsteps approached.

Ayaka opened her eyes, delight flickering in her gaze.

It's Master. He's come back for me.

The door burst open the next moment.

Ren rushed in at top speed.

On the way, he'd already swapped outfits in record time.

Without a word, he grabbed the delicate hand resting on Ayaka's lap.

"Master..."

Ayaka's beautiful eyes widened slightly.

To treat her so boldly and roughly all of a sudden...

What an unusual sensation—it's making her weak.

She should probably protest demurely.

But if Master insisted...

Before she could say a word, Ren interrupted.

"Your brother's here."

Without pausing, he pulled her along and ran.

If they didn't leave now, Ayato's blade would soon come down on him.

"Brother is here?!"

Ayaka followed him in a daze, her expression blank.

Then, as realization struck, she bit her lip lightly.

Her once-gentle gaze grew dark.

Finally, she'd secured a date with her master, and it had to be ruined...

Looks like the next time she sparred with her brother, she wouldn't hold back.

And as for preparing him tea? He could forget about it.

Hand in hand, the pair ran out of the room, making their way straight for the staircase.

Closer, closer!

In her haste, Ayaka tightened her grip on Ren's hand.

The warmth spread through her, making her feel as if she held the whole world.

"Master!"

Her soft laugh suddenly rang out.

It was light and sweet, filled with the pure joy of a girl in love.

As they ran, she looked at him with increasingly tender eyes.

...Just like the stories her mother used to tell.

On a journey, evil villains would pursue them.

But she wouldn't be afraid.

Because her treasured one was by her side.

No matter the trials or where they went,

so long as they stayed together,

it would always be happiness.

"Now's not the time to laugh!"

Ren glanced back at her and quickened his pace.

"With you here, Master, I'm not scared," Ayaka replied with a soft hum, lifting her chin.

Then, emboldened, she suddenly leaped forward.

Clinging directly to Ren.

When she was little, Ayaka had often clung to him like this during their adventures, as he carried her across rivers and streams.

"Master, faster, faster!"

The girl wrapped her arms around his neck, her tone full of affection.

At this moment, she cared nothing for the decorum of a noble daughter.

All she knew was that this was one of her happiest, most cherished memories.

"Stop squirming!"

Ren's face darkened.

This girl had even learned sneak attacks?!

Once they were safely away, he'd have to give her a proper lesson!

Carrying Ayaka on his back, he dashed downstairs at full speed.

"This is a predicament," the shopkeeper muttered to himself.

Suddenly, he spotted Ren rushing down with Ayaka on his back.

Excited, he called out to Ren:

"Young man, take the back door!"

"Erika, open the door!"

The old couple seemed even more invested in their escape than they were.

"Thank you! I'll come back to settle the bill..." Ren started.

"Settle what bill? Think of it as a wedding gift!" the shopkeeper laughed heartily, his generosity overflowing.

Ren, seeing no point in explaining further, kept running.

Meanwhile, Ayaka buried her face shyly, resembling a bashful bride.

"Treasure each other forever!" the shopkeeper's voice echoed behind them.

---

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