Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

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

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In the middle of the stream, Ayaka stood on tiptoe gracefully.

Her gaze softened as she looked toward Ren, standing on the bank.

"Master, I'd like to ask you to play a song."

As the daughter of the Yashiro Commission, Ayaka was naturally skilled in both singing and dancing.

But what she cherished most was performing alongside Ren—

Him playing music, her dancing in harmony.

In those moments, their eyes would meet, and the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them.

"Alright."

Ren understood her unspoken thoughts.

Leaning against a tree, he pulled out an instrument and nodded, signaling her to begin whenever she was ready.

"Thank you, Master."

Ayaka's smile was tender as she raised her arms, beginning to hum a soft tune.

The melody from the instrument rose to match her voice, weaving seamlessly with the gentle rhythm of her song.

Droplets of water splashed as Ayaka twirled, her skirt becoming slightly damp.

Her movements were elegant and fluid, every step a reflection of her grace.

Through it all, her gaze never left Ren, her eyes filled with warmth.

This exquisite dance—her most treasured—was for him alone.

[Ding! Five-star talent unlocked.]

[Kamisato Art: Soumetsu.]

When the song ended, Ayaka's lashes fluttered as she opened her eyes.

Having finished her dance, she walked back to the shore.

"That was beautiful."

Ren set down the instrument and smiled.

"Is that all you have to say?"

Ayaka bit her lip lightly, a trace of dissatisfaction in her expression.

Dummy Master—don't you know how to properly compliment a girl?

If that's how he was going to play it...

"Come on up," Ren said, extending a hand.

Her dance was lovely, but... her socks are probably ruined.

"Mm."

Ayaka blinked and obediently reached out her hand.

But just as Ren was about to take it—

"Ah!"

Ayaka's foot slipped, and she stumbled.

"Careful!"

Instinctively, Ren moved to catch her.

Yet the force of her fall was much greater than expected.

As she tumbled toward him, the world seemed to spin.

In that split second, one thought dominated his mind:

She's doing this on purpose. She's definitely doing this on purpose!

Is this the start of her rebellion against me as her Master?!

The next moment—

Splash!

Caught completely off guard, both of them toppled over.

"Ugh..."

Ren's head hit the base of the tree, leaving his ears ringing.

Is this girl trying to kill her Master?!

Before he could voice his complaints—

"Master..."

Her soft, delicate voice called to him, accompanied by a ticklish sensation on his neck.

Ren instinctively opened his eyes.

What greeted him was Ayaka's face, framed by silver hair cascading down, carrying a faint, elegant fragrance.

She was propped up on his shoulders, trying to lift herself.

"It hurts," Ayaka murmured, her brows furrowing slightly.

Her arms gave out, and she collapsed onto Ren's chest again, wrapping herself around him in the process.

"Mm—!"

Darkness filled Ren's vision, and he struggled to breathe.

"I'm hurt, Master. I can't get up," Ayaka said, her tone tinged with suppressed laughter.

After a chaotic struggle, Ren finally managed to extricate himself and help Ayaka sit up.

"Are you alright?"

Ayaka sat by his side, her head tilted as she gazed at him with feigned concern.

The playful curve of her lips, however, betrayed her thoughts.

Nothing is more enjoyable than getting this close to Master.

"I'm fine," Ren sighed, shaking his head to steady himself.

Why did she hold on so tightly? What if she tries something even bolder next time?!

Ayaka blinked her wide eyes innocently and whispered, "But I'm not fine."

"?"

This girl... Is she seriously enjoying this little act?

"Where are you hurt? I'll—"

Before he could finish, Ayaka had already pointed at her foot.

She'd been waiting for him to ask.

"..."

Ren was momentarily at a loss for words.

There was no way Ayaka had actually twisted her ankle. He didn't buy it for a second.

"I'll take you to see a shrine maiden," he said, attempting to assert some authority as her Master.

But Ayaka blinked at him again, her voice soft as she countered, "Wouldn't that be too tiring for you?"

Master, that's not the answer I was hoping for. Care to try again?

"..."

Ren realized where this was going.

"Want me to massage it?" he asked reluctantly.

"Yes, please!" Ayaka's face lit up instantly.

With a mixture of resignation and caution, Ren reached toward her ankle.

Step one: remove her damp sock.

"Mm..."

A faint, ambiguous sound escaped Ayaka's lips.

Ren froze, immediately pulling his hand back.

Nope, I'm done. Not doing this.

"Sorry, please continue," Ayaka said softly, her wide, shimmering eyes filled with feigned innocence.

Wait. If your ankle is hurt, why are you blushing?!

"No more strange noises," Ren warned, giving her a light flick on the forehead.

"If Master could just be a bit gentler..." Ayaka murmured.

"?"

What does that even mean?!

Eventually, Ren resumed and completed the massage.

The results were miraculous. Ayaka stood up easily, her movements as fluid as ever.

"Thank you, Master. That felt wonderful."

She smiled brightly, clearly satisfied.

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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