Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

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

---

The quiet forest grove.

"Are you leaving already?"

Kamisato Ayaka's face was tinged with reluctance.

Time always seemed so fleeting when she was with her master.

"There's something important I must attend to," Ren replied softly, nodding slightly.

"Alright then, Ayaka will wait for your return," she said, blinking meaningfully.

Ren gently patted her head.

As long as she wasn't waiting for him in a basement, that would be fine.

After their goodbyes, Ren watched her graceful figure fade into the distance, lost in thought.

Next, he needed to head to Ritou.

What awaited him there remained unknown.

But if he wanted to have a frank conversation about the future with Hiiragi Chisato, then it was necessary to go and talk things over thoroughly.

---

Ritou.

As a bustling port city, it was teeming with life and activity.

It was also under the jurisdiction of the Kanjou Commission.

At the center of the city, beneath the iconic massive maple tree...

"Hmm... The Kanjou Commission is defying the Shogun's orders?"

Yoimiya set down the letter in her hand, her small face serious.

The letter had been handed to Mei by Yae Miko.

Originally, Mei was planning to "visit" Yae Publishing House...

But Yae Miko just so happened to be there.

When Miko saw Mei, she wasn't surprised.

After offering a generous selection of sweets and light novels, she handed over this letter.

It purported to convey Ren's insights on the current state of affairs.

After reading the letter, Mei decided to head to Ritou.

"Wait a minute."

Yoimiya blinked, suddenly realizing something.

This letter was sent from the Kamisato Estate.

Didn't that mean Ren had already left?

Darn it, she'd been tricked!

Pouting her cheeks, Yoimiya grumbled inwardly.

She tucked away the letter and glanced at the aloof figure nearby.

"Mei, where should we head next?"

Amid the falling maple leaves, Mei stood quietly, gazing at the bulletin board before her.

On it were posted various announcements about Ritou's affairs.

Usually, it was mundane news about punishing merchants.

But lately, the most attention-grabbing topic...

...was undoubtedly the upheaval within the Kanjou Commission.

Hiiragi Shinsuke had been forced into early retirement.

And the one set to take over as the new head of the Kanjou Commission was, of course, Hiiragi Chisato.

...At least, that was how it should have been.

Mei's gaze remained cool as she let out a cold snort.

However, this bulletin was vague and contradictory.

The announcement was at odds with the Shogunate's official decree.

It claimed Hiiragi Shinsuke's successor had yet to be determined, and that an interim officer was handling affairs.

Did he seriously think he could reclaim his position?

"..."

Mei recalled the contents of the letter.

At the festival, Hiiragi Shinsuke had been seen interacting closely with the Fatui.

If they wanted to uncover evidence of the Kanjou Commission's collusion with the Fatui...

Perhaps Ritou held the key.

"Mei?"

Yoimiya waved her hand in front of Mei's face, speaking softly.

"Let's go."

"Huh? Where to?"

Yoimiya was slightly confused.

"The Kanjou Commission."

With that, Mei turned and walked away.

Yoimiya instinctively glanced down the road toward the Kanjou Commission headquarters.

The place was heavily guarded, with armed samurai patrolling in every direction.

"Wait, hold on!"

Yoimiya hurriedly grabbed Mei's arm, shaking her head repeatedly.

Mei, you're not planning to smash through their front gates, are you?!

"Why not?"

Mei's tone was calm, clearly unbothered by the prospect.

The fact she hadn't already summoned lightning bolts was a display of remarkable restraint.

But if she found evidence of their collusion with the Fatui...

Well, one lightning strike wouldn't suffice.

"But charging in recklessly won't accomplish anything," Yoimiya said, her face falling. She'd almost forgotten...

Mei had taken on their samurai before.

Hearing this, Mei paused, pondering.

Sometimes, brute force alone couldn't reveal the truth.

"Then we'll infiltrate their stronghold directly," she said, her eyes gleaming with violet light.

Before Yoimiya could react, she felt her body grow weightless.

"Infiltrate... what? Wait—!"

At the bulletin board, maple leaves fluttered down.

The two figures had already vanished.

"Was that... Yoimiya's voice?"

From a distant alleyway, Ren emerged, shaking his head lightly.

Quietly, he moved further away.

Just a little closer, and he could activate his skill to slip into the Kanjou Commission undetected.

---

Kanjou Commission Headquarters.

The vast council chamber had been silent for some time.

A soft-spoken girl sat at a desk, her expression focused.

It was none other than Hiiragi Chisato, the soon-to-be head of the Kanjou Commission.

"This part needs..."

She cradled a document in her hands, occasionally making revisions.

Though not officially appointed yet, she had already begun taking on administrative duties.

It was the will of the gods, and no one dared to truly oppose it.

Still, no one believed Chisato could handle everything on her own.

Even Hiiragi Shinsuke had considered her nothing more than a placeholder.

He had already secretly withdrawn most of her assistants.

Faced with such an overwhelming workload, he assumed she would flounder and give up.

Yet reality had thoroughly shattered their expectations.

Chisato's exceptional ability in managing finances and resources allowed her to handle everything efficiently.

She even improved upon several outdated policies.

Hiiragi Shinsuke had clearly shot himself in the foot.

What was meant to prove her incompetence only served to highlight her capabilities.

"Ugh... so tired,"

A soft sigh broke the silence of the room.

After working for so long, anyone would need a break.

Chisato stretched, her delicate eyes shimmering.

She reached for the Raiden Shogun plushie beside her and hugged it close.

It was a gift from Ren.

Pressing her face against the plushie, she nuzzled it gently.

"Hehe... Ren... and Shogun-sama..."

Her muffled voice echoed as she reveled in the comfort of the moment.

But just as she was about to let herself relax...

"Ahem."

...?

There was someone in the room.

Chisato froze, her body stiffening as she slowly raised her head.

Yoimiya was smiling at her, blinking mischievously.

So you're a Raiden Shogun fangirl too, huh?

Standing beside her was a woman in a flowing purple gown.

Her gaze was inscrutable as she stared at Chisato...

...and the Raiden Shogun plushie clutched in her arms.

"What... are you doing?"

"I-I..."

Chisato's mind blanked completely.

She'd been caught hugging a Raiden Shogun plushie.

---

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.

Our time together may be brief, but it is not without meaning. The Shogun and I will continue to watch over this journey, steadfast and unwavering. Until we meet again, may your steps remain steady on the path you walk.

— Ei