Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

This bonus chapter is a small gift—may it bring you a touch of tranquility.

---

"Lord Ayato."

Thoma handed over a cup of water.

Ayato accepted it silently, his eyes glimmering with thought.

To an outsider, it might have seemed like an ordinary cup of water.

But to Ayato, it was as if it were a cup of milk tea meticulously prepared by Ayaka herself.

"..."

Thoma's face fell, and he sighed internally.

Lord Ayato, you've already ruined Lady Ayaka's date. Be grateful if she doesn't spar with you harshly later. And milk tea? Forget it. Dream on.

Unaware of Thoma's lament, Ayato continued to ponder.

The scoundrel who whisked Ayaka away...

Even with Qin Yu's help, they'd failed to catch him.

How could things have gone so wrong?

Ayato furrowed his brows.

Something wasn't adding up.

Whenever it came to Ayaka, it seemed his usual calm demeanor had more cracks than he cared to admit.

Now that he thought about it, Qin Yu had stayed far calmer throughout.

Facing their supposed target, he'd shown no trace of panic or hesitation.

It was almost as if...

The person they were after was standing right in front of him.

"..."

Ayato fell silent for a long moment before letting out a soft chuckle.

It seems I still have much to learn about patience.

This setback would not be forgotten.

"Um..."

Yoimiya hesitated, about to speak but stopped herself.

Her heart was practically on fire.

Sure, Qin Yu could be annoyingly lazy most of the time and always denied having feelings for Ayaka.

But this time, things were serious.

If he didn't act fast, his "home" was about to be stolen!

"Ahem."

Thoma gave her a warning glance, shaking his head subtly.

It was best not to mention anything now.

If Lord Ayato grew angry, it wouldn't be good for anyone's health.

And if they accidentally brought up that dark cuisine again...

The memory made Thoma's face turn pale.

It was even worse than the hot pot punishment games.

"Oh..."

Yoimiya caught on and nodded quietly.

Although lively by nature, she could read the room when needed.

Still, her mind wandered back to the mysterious figure who'd gone on a date with Ayaka.

She didn't know who it was, but...

Qin Yu was undeniably more handsome.

He was also a skilled fighter, had those eight-pack abs, and...

Most importantly, he had her, the love guru of Hanamizaka, as his ally!

No need to worry too much.

With that thought, Yoimiya's confidence returned.

"Ha."

Finally, Ayato's expression softened.

The spring-like warmth of the Kamisato family's head returned.

He raised his head and smiled at Yoimiya and Mei.

"My apologies for letting personal matters affect my mood."

"You're here to dine, aren't you?"

"No need to stand on ceremony—this one's on me."

Yoimiya blinked in surprise.

You said it yourself.

She wasn't about to miss the chance to feast at someone else's expense.

After all, she needed her strength.

How else could she fight that scoundrel trying to steal Ayaka?

At that moment, Yoimiya fully sided with Qin Yu.

Ayato chuckled softly.

After all this running around with his blade, he was starting to feel a bit hungry too.

The group enjoyed a hearty lunch together.

Afterward, Mei began picking out desserts.

"This one, and this one."

"Just those two?"

"No."

Mei's tone was indifferent. "I'll take the rest, too."

The aloof "country bumpkin" struck again.

"?"

Ayato shook his head with a bemused smile.

Not shy at all, was she?

This enigmatic helper sent by Yae Miko seemed intriguing.

He made a mental note to investigate her further when he had the chance.

Perhaps there'd be a surprise in store.

"Is that everything? That'll be..."

The shopkeeper tallied up the bill and looked expectantly at Ayato.

It was time for the Yashiro Commissioner to pay up.

"Mm."

Ayato reached for his money pouch but froze mid-motion.

Where was it?

A sudden hush fell over the group.

Ayato's smile faded slowly.

He remembered now.

His money pouch...

Had been confiscated by the Raiden Shogun.

Apparently, she needed it for her meditative training to achieve martial enlightenment.

Thoma, sensing something was amiss, checked his own pockets.

His expression stiffened as he shook his head awkwardly.

He hadn't brought any money either.

Even the most meticulous plans can have oversights.

Ayato sighed helplessly and was about to ask for credit when...

"Is this enough?"

Mei casually produced a stack of Mora.

Ever since Qin Yu had teased her about being a "country bumpkin," she'd been waiting for this exact moment.

The country bumpkin holds grudges.

"Wow, Mei-senpai, you're loaded!"

Yoimiya was thoroughly impressed by her companion's wealthy demeanor.

That lavish air... it was almost as if she'd swiped the Mora straight from someone else.

Outside Uyuu Restaurant, the group parted ways.

Ayato returned to his duties with the Shogunate.

"Mei-senpai, should we head back now?"

Yoimiya put her hands on her hips, feeling content and full.

Ah, that meal was amazing.

She couldn't wait to tell Qin Yu all about how delicious it was and make him jealous.

Oh, and she'd have to remind him to punch that mystery scoundrel trying to steal Ayaka!

"No."

Mei's cool voice made Yoimiya's face fall.

"Mei-senpai, don't tell me you're planning to..."

"Of course. We're going to tear down Yae Publishing House."

Mei raised her chin, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"Mei-senpai, calm down!"

Why tear down Yae Publishing House all of a sudden?

It was just a cliffhanger chapter; no need to go that far!

But no matter how much Yoimiya protested, there was no stopping Mei.

Before long, she found herself reluctantly leading the way.

Just then, a passerby chimed in.

"Oh, you're heading to Yae Publishing House? What luck! Lady Guuji Yae herself is there today."

"You might even get to meet her in person!"

After promoting a newly purchased light novel, the passerby walked away.

Yoimiya's face scrunched up in distress.

"Mei-senpai, did you hear that?"

"Hear what?"

"Lady Guuji Yae is there!"

Yoimiya's voice was practically pleading.

That was the Guuji Yae—second only to the gods.

Starting trouble in her presence...

Even someone as fearless as Yoimiya clung to Mei's arm, shaking her head frantically.

"Don't go, Mei-senpai. You can't beat her!"

After an impassioned plea, Yoimiya felt she'd made a solid case.

Just as she thought Mei might reconsider, Mei scoffed lightly.

"Yae Miko?"

She sneered, her tone dismissive.

"Just a fox who's been spanked by me before."

"...Are you serious, Mei-senpai?"

"Let's go to Yae Publishing House."

"...Oh."

---

Outside Inazuma City, in a Quiet Grove.

Qin Yu and Kamisato Ayaka stopped to rest by a serene forest clearing.

"Alright, time to get down."

Qin Yu patted the pale, slender hands clasped around him.

This entire journey had been exhausting.

"Thank you for your hard work, Master."

"I had so much fun," Ayaka said with a smile as she hopped off his back.

"Next time, if there's a chance..."

Qin Yu rolled his eyes, waving her off.

Next time? Please spare me.

He shuddered, recalling Ayato blocking his path with a sword earlier.

"I have something to take care of. You rest here for now."

"Alright."

Ayaka watched as Qin Yu walked away, her delicate eyes lingering on his retreating figure.

The grove grew silent, with only her graceful silhouette remaining.

After a while, a sly smile graced her lips.

"Master..."

"When you yelled, 'Don't run!' earlier, was it because you were acting as 'Qin Yu'?"

Her perceptive mind had caught the slip.

"If I were to expose you now..."

A soft laugh escaped her lips.

"You'd have to stay by my side forever, wouldn't you?"

She whispered her thoughts, her voice tinged with anticipation.

---

Qin Yu approached a quiet riverside deep within the forest.

The surroundings were tranquil.

"Come out, little one."

He called softly, and the rustling of leaves followed.

A moment later, a small tanuki emerged from the underbrush.

"Nu! Long time no see."

Qin Yu smiled and asked, "Little one, did you deliver the letter to Yae Publishing House?"

"Nu! The fox-eared lady accepted it," the tanuki replied.

Qin Yu chuckled. How convenient.

This would speed things up nicely.

"Alright, go back and tell Chisato everything's on track."

After a brief pause, he took out the hairpin.

"And take this with you."

Waving goodbye to the tanuki, Qin Yu turned around.

In the distance, an elegant figure was approaching him slowly.

"Master..."

Ayaka's soft voice carried across the grove.

"There's something I'd like to tell you."

---

T/N: ITS OVERRR

Ah, Reader. You've stayed for the bonus chapter—how delightful.

Even amidst the quiet of eternity, there's joy to be found in shared moments like this.

If you wish to offer your strength, step forward: [patreon.com/WiseTL].

Each effort helps to shape a world where such moments can thrive.

— Ei