Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [125] [100 PS]

All around, the icy stillness began to melt away.

The small boat resumed its gentle drift over the waves.

Ren tilted his head back to gaze at the moon, releasing a silent sigh.

That doll-like girl, Sandrone... she's trouble. I can't keep her around.

Suddenly, a streak of violet light flashed across the horizon.

Ren blinked, momentarily stunned.

Could it be... the Shogun watching him?

The image of a dignified figure filled his mind unbidden.

A faint, tender smile appeared on his lips.

No, she couldn't possibly be that idle.

"My partner, what are you thinking about?"

Sandrone swung her legs playfully from her perch on Ren's shoulder.

Her long skirt fluttered in the sea breeze, her demeanor quiet and demure.

As she spoke, she reached out a delicate hand to poke his cheek.

The warmth and elasticity of his skin brought a sparkle to her eyes.

Ren's display of power fascinated her. The mysteries surrounding him excited her even more.

Her hand wandered absentmindedly down his neck, her thoughts darkening.

If only he would obediently submit to modification...

"Say one more weird thing, and I'll toss you into the sea," Ren said coldly, turning his head to glare at the mischievous doll.

Without waiting for a response, he began steering the boat back toward the fleet.

"Guh—how heartless," Sandrone huffed, her displeasure evident.

Propping herself up on his shoulder, she pouted. She knew full well he wouldn't actually throw her overboard, but the thought still stung a little.

Annoyed, she kicked at him lightly with her tiny foot.

"?"

Seeing Ren's expression darken further, Sandrone giggled.

Gazing at him with innocent eyes, she murmured, "You're so wonderful, my partner."

Before I knew it... I've gotten used to having him by my side.

This warmth, so unlike the cold precision of machinery, brought her a rare sense of comfort.

She decided she would keep it close—forever.

"What's so wonderful about me?" Ren asked reflexively.

"You'll take care of everything from here, won't you?"

Sandrone smiled and leaned against him, closing her eyes.

The doll-like girl, so intricately crafted, seemed ready to drift into slumber once more.

Under the moonlight, Keqing stood by, lost in thought.

Her gaze, filled with admiration, lingered on Ren.

All around them, Millelith soldiers and Tenryou samurai cheered loudly.

Ren responded with a wave and a smile.

Their eyes met across the distance, and for a moment, their shared joy was unmistakable.

"Show-off..."

Keqing turned her head away, trying to hide the faint smile tugging at her lips.

Inwardly, however, she exhaled in relief.

She hadn't expected the usually laid-back Ren to be this capable.

All that worrying earlier...

Wait. She wasn't worried about him!

"Would you like to join me for some overtime?"

Ren's voice called out to her, tinged with humor.

When dealing with the cat-like Keqing, sometimes a little initiative was necessary—even if it meant suggesting overtime.

Though... the idea of spending a night working with her didn't sound too bad.

"Working together, huh..."

Keqing murmured softly, her hand tightening slightly as she glanced at the expectant look on Ren's face.

If you insist, I suppose it wouldn't be impossible...

Beneath the moonlight, a faint smile graced her face.

Unbeknownst to her, she was already considering his offer—completely ignoring the mention of overtime.

There was something more important before her now.

The surrounding Milellith soldiers, meanwhile, exchanged uneasy glances.

The sea breeze sure is noisy tonight.

Lady Yuheng... isn't she going to issue orders?

Instead, she's just exchanging glances with that envoy from Inazuma...

Something's off.

"Ahem! Why are you all standing around?"

Keqing snapped back to reality, quickly turning to address the soldiers. She furrowed her brows, attempting to regain her usual authority.

But the way her gaze flickered betrayed a hint of insecurity.

The soldiers shared knowing looks, their expressions turning amused.

Is Lady Yuheng being... too gentle today?

"Get back to work already!"

"Yes, Lady Yuheng!"

The soldiers saluted and scattered to their posts, breathing sighs of relief.

This felt more like their usual boss.

As for what Lady Yuheng planned to do with that Inazuma envoy next...

Well, some things are better left unsaid.

"Come on down already."

Ren looked up at Keqing, who stood hesitantly on the deck.

Under the moonlight, her violet hair fluttered softly in the breeze. The cat-like ears styled into her hair seemed to twitch slightly.

So tempting... I want to pinch them.

"Turn around first," Keqing demanded, clutching the hem of her skirt.

She glared at Ren, her cheeks slightly flushed.

This bad guy... staring at me like that. He looks like he's waiting for a kitten to leap into his lap. How is a proper lady supposed to come down gracefully?

"But I need to make sure you land safely," Ren replied with a serious tone, a faint smile playing on his lips.

If he missed her leap, he'd regret it forever.

"Hmph, I don't need your protection..."

"Come on."

Finally, under Ren's persistent urging, Keqing nodded.

With a soft plop, the light sound of her landing reached his ears.

Keqing's slender figure appeared before him, illuminated by the moonlight.

For a moment, Ren's eyes widened.

What a big cat... Wait, no.

"Keqing..."

He noticed something in her arms.

The Raiden Shogun doll cradled the hairpin he had given her—their exchanged gifts.

She had been carrying them with her all this time.

"!"

Keqing quickly hid the doll behind her back, her voice barely above a whisper.

"It just happened to be there."

Her shy, evasive demeanor only made her more endearing.

Ren's gaze softened, and his voice was gentle.

"Let's go."

"You're always staring at me..."

Keqing muttered, turning her flushed face away.

Under the moonlight, her flawless features were tinged with a faint crimson.

Ren hesitated for a moment, then, almost instinctively, reached out.

While Keqing was distracted—

He pinched one of cat ears.

"Ah!"

Keqing froze, her entire body stiffening.

A soft, adorable yelp escaped her lips.

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T/N: keqing a freak