Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [122] [30 PS]

"You agreed so quickly."

Keqing turned her head slightly, letting out a soft huff.

It wasn't as if she was inviting Ren to accompany her... She just didn't want to leave him alone, that's all.

At least, that's what she kept telling herself.

"Let's go, Keqing."

Ren smiled warmly, his voice gentle.

Sunshine, sandy beaches, and the company of Keqing—no interruptions. This was the perfect getaway.

And for the record, that doll-like girl was securely locked away. No chance of anything going awry.

"Mm."

Keqing didn't hesitate, nodding in agreement. As an afterthought, she picked up the nautical chart.

"Let's deliver this to the Millelith soldiers first," she said, glancing at Ren with a soft, expectant smile.

Most of the time, she worked alone. With her unmatched efficiency and drive, few could keep up with her pace.

But having Ren by her side felt... different. Nice, even.

Her spirits lifted at the thought. Maybe she should find an opportunity to work overtime with him?

"Sure."

Ren smiled back, offering no objections. Little did he know, he had already been marked as her overtime partner.

---

"Whoa! Incredible!"

Cheers echoed from the distant shore, where a group of soldiers had gathered in a noisy circle.

Among the excitement, the mechanical whirring of gears and servos could be heard. The atmosphere buzzed with energy.

"What's going on over there?"

A sentry, curious, craned his neck toward the commotion. That area was supposed to be for the team mapping and salvaging the coastline. Why did it suddenly feel like they were on holiday?

Another soldier, clearly more informed, shrugged and replied casually:

"You haven't heard? It's that miraculous mechanical crab from Inazuma."

"With it around, exploring the waters is a breeze! It can even transform into different shapes."

"And apparently, there's a doll-like girl with them too—"

"Wait, what? You're telling me this is real?"

The two soldiers were deep in conversation when they abruptly stopped, their mouths snapping shut.

"What are you two doing?"

Keqing approached, her tone sharp and her expression serious.

Loafing around during work hours? Did they have no respect for military discipline?

"S-sorry, Lady Yuheng!"

The two soldiers immediately lowered their heads in apology.

They exchanged panicked glances, inwardly cursing their luck. Caught slacking by none other than Lady Yuheng? This was bad.

But just as they braced for the inevitable punishment, Keqing let out a small sigh.

"You two..." She inhaled deeply, then huffed. "Be more mindful next time. I'll let it slide today."

Without further reprimand, she turned and left.

"Yes, Lady Yuheng!"

The soldiers were stunned, glancing at each other in disbelief.

Lady Yuheng seemed... unusually lenient today. Almost gentle.

Could it have something to do with...?

Their eyes drifted to the boy walking alongside Keqing—the envoy from Inazuma, chatting and laughing with her without a hint of discomfort. And she hadn't dismissed him!

"This is bad. Big trouble," one muttered.

The other nodded, whispering, "If this gets out in Liyue... every suitor chasing after Lady Keqing is going to be heartbroken."

---

Time slipped by, and as dusk approached, the day's work finally came to a close. Ren and Keqing strolled along the beach, chatting as the sun dipped toward the horizon.

"Mm..."

The gentle sea breeze swept over Ren, and he closed his eyes in comfort. The scenery was soothing, but it wasn't the view that relaxed him most—it was the company beside him.

Still, it was clear Keqing had something on her mind.

"Are you still thinking about those two soldiers?" Ren asked softly, glancing at her.

"..."

Keqing nodded slightly, then shook her head.

It wasn't just about them. Her gaze flickered to the hairpin Ren wore. Normally, she couldn't stand anyone slacking off in her presence. She had fully intended to assign the two soldiers overtime as punishment.

But with Ren by her side, she had held back. She didn't want to come across as too harsh—not when she was trying to convince him to come back to Liyue and work overtime with her.

"Ren."

Her voice brought him to a halt. She turned to him, her expression serious.

"What is it, Keqing?"

Ren stopped, turning to face her.

The fiery hues of the setting sun painted the sky and sea, casting Keqing's face in a warm, crimson glow. She looked breathtakingly radiant.

"Why do you carry the hairpin with you?"

She didn't hold back, asking him directly.

"This?"

Ren reached for the hairpin, tilting it so it caught the light.

"Mm."

Keqing nodded firmly, her gaze unwavering.

"Hmm..."

After a moment of thought, Ren raised the hairpin higher, letting the sunset's rays glint off its surface. The light shimmered like gemstones, mesmerizing.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Ren said softly.

Keqing nodded silently.

"You think so too," Ren continued, looking at her intently. "I like it very much. That's the only reason."

"..."

The sea breeze lifted strands of Keqing's hair as she turned her flushed face slightly away.

He must mean the hairpin.

But why...

Why did he have to look at her so earnestly when he said it?

"Oh."

After a long pause, Keqing responded in a small voice. She stayed rooted to the spot, her thoughts swirling.

Could it mean what she thought it did?

"..."

Noticing her hesitation, Ren extended a hand toward her. They locked eyes in silence for a moment.

"Shall we keep walking?" Ren asked gently.

Keqing's lips curved into a soft smile as she nodded.

With her hands clasped behind her back, she stepped closer to him.

"Mm. I want to see more."

Her voice, carried on the breeze, was soft and light.

Ren caught the gleam of joy in her eyes and nodded slightly.

"Alright. Let's keep looking."

The two strolled along the shore.

The sound of waves and wind accompanied them, creating a serene atmosphere.

Under the setting sun, their shadows gradually drew closer together.

This moment belonged to them alone.

At least, it should have...

Clack—

Until a mechanical crab approached, carrying a doll-like girl in its grasp.

"Nice to meet you, Miss Keqing," the girl said, her sweet voice accompanied by a friendly wave.

"And you are?"

Keqing asked curiously, her gaze fixed on the doll-like figure.

Meanwhile, Ren's eyes widened in horror. A sinking sense of dread swept over him.

Wasn't Sandrone locked away?!

Before he could react, the girl's lilting voice rang out.

"I'm Ren's partner."

"..."

Keqing froze, her expression stiffening as she instinctively turned to Ren.

"?"

---

T/N: LMAOOO