Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [128]

Outside the window, the night was pitch black, save for the faint, cold moon hanging in the sky.

At the center of the small room, a round table had been set up.

Seated around it were several stunning young women.

Ordinarily, such a gathering of girls would promise a warm, harmonious atmosphere.

But instead, tension filled the air as they exchanged silent glances.

On the table sat a lonely object—a crumpled doll.

It was Little Takahashi.

Weak, solitary, and utterly helpless, the doll sat alongside a photo album.

The album contained a group photo of Big Takahashi with several women.

Ren, smiling brightly, looked the picture of happiness.

The women beside him were none other than:

Kamisato Ayaka, Yoimiya, Hiiragi Chisato...

...and a certain mysterious shrine maiden who happened to wander by.

Now, with everyone squeezed into the frame, the photo seemed almost overcrowded.

But the same could be said of the atmosphere in the room.

"..."

Yoimiya propped herself up with both hands, her face buried deep in her palms.

Her thoughts were blank as she stared at the faint indentations on her thighs.

Caught between the opposing camps, she couldn't move an inch.

The tension in the room felt like a brewing storm, ready to burst at any moment.

After what felt like an eternity, Yoimiya clenched her lips tightly, her body stiff with anxiety.

Meeting the sweet and well-mannered Sandrone had been a delight.

The surprise visit from her closest friends should've made the day even better.

This should've been double the happiness!

But now...

How did it turn into this nightmare?!

Ding—

A crisp sound broke the silence.

"!"

Yoimiya jolted upright, startled.

Kamisato Ayaka narrowed her eyes slightly, her folding fan closing with a soft snap.

Hiiragi Chisato's expression shifted subtly, her gaze sharpening.

Meanwhile, the graceful Sandrone gently stirred her tea.

The freshly brewed red tea wafted its delicate aroma into the air.

Her serene demeanor betrayed no awareness of the tension from the two other women.

"..."

The atmosphere grew even more strained.

"Hehe... Yoimiya-nee," Sandrone suddenly addressed her with a gentle, sweet voice.

Her demeanor was so pure and innocent, like that of a younger sister from next door.

Kamisato Ayaka and Hiiragi Chisato both stiffened, their expressions hardening.

Is there a traitor among us?

"!"

"Hahaha, I... I..."

Yoimiya's mind was screaming.

She had never expected Sandrone to direct the first blow at her!

This isn't how it was supposed to go!

Why me?! You're all bullying me!

Sandrone smiled faintly and slid a teacup toward Yoimiya.

Her playful gaze sparkled as she said softly:

"Drink up. I made this just for you."

"I-I need to, um, step outside for a moment!"

Yoimiya stammered as she tried to get up and flee.

But she froze under Sandrone's unrelenting gaze.

"Are you sure, Yoimiya-nee?"

Sandrone rested her chin on her hand, her voice dripping with sweetness.

"Oh, by the way... that photo..."

Her words trailed off suggestively, the implication clear.

You wouldn't want your crush on Ren revealed to your dear friends, would you?

Yoimiya's lips quivered as she reluctantly sat back down, her trembling hand reaching for the tea.

Kamisato Ayaka and Hiiragi Chisato watched with silent intensity.

"I-I'll drink it."

Yoimiya had no choice but to surrender.

"You can add some sugar or milk if you'd like," Sandrone offered with a pleasant smile.

"No need, hahaha..."

Yoimiya's hands shook as she sipped the tea, a defeated look on her face.

She's not betraying her friends willingly!

It's because she's being blackmailed!

"Hehe... My dear friend," Kamisato Ayaka said, her head tilted slightly, her voice warm yet firm.

"You seem to have grown quite close to Miss Sandrone."

Her kind smile lingered, but her emphasis on "Miss Sandrone" didn't go unnoticed.

Yoimiya kept her head down, clutching the teacup in silence.

Ayaka's presence feels so intense right now!

Takahashi, where are you?! Come save me!

Somewhere far away, Ren felt a sudden chill run down his spine.

"Would you two like a cup as well?" Sandrone's smile turned colder, her composure unwavering.

She regarded Kamisato Ayaka and Hiiragi Chisato with a calm yet distant demeanor.

These two were the real troublemakers, after all.

"Renny has never liked red tea," Hiiragi Chisato interjected casually, her gaze fixed on Sandrone.

Who is this woman, and where did she come from?

"He enjoys it when he's with me," Sandrone replied, picking up the Little Takahashi doll with a serene smile.

Chisato's eyes narrowed. "I won't let you take him away."

"That's not for you to decide," Sandrone countered, her voice light. "After all, Ren and I have already worked on..."

The doll-like girl trailed off deliberately, her words hanging in the air.

The room went dead silent as all three women's eyes widened in shock.

They had worked on mechanical devices together!

But Sandrone, ever the provocateur, continued:

"...Though his skills were clumsy at first—far too rough. Almost damaged the circuits."

"You!"

Hiiragi Chisato's voice sharpened, her gaze filled with suspicion.

This opponent... is far too cunning!

She's not even trying to hide her audacious claims!

"Miss Sandrone doesn't appear to be a native of Inazuma," Kamisato Ayaka observed, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

The wheelchair-bound girl's delicate appearance and unfamiliar demeanor made her stand out.

Judging by her style, she seemed to hail from Fontaine.

Something about her isn't right.

"The Commission can help arrange your return home," Ayaka said gently but firmly.

"Regrettably, I have proper documentation," Sandrone replied smoothly, producing her temporary residence permit with a calm smile.

"I'll be staying here for quite a while. Plenty of time for us to get acquainted."

Kamisato Ayaka glanced at Hiiragi Chisato, who nodded gravely.

The paperwork was authentic.

This woman had clearly come prepared.

She had been planning something involving Ren for a long time!

"Are you the doll-like girl spotted at the port?" Ayaka's tone grew sharper.

"Does that mean... you're still with Ren?"

Sandrone's lips curled into a sly smile.

"Well, would you like to see for yourselves?"

"See what?"

The women blinked, momentarily confused.

"What else? What Ren is up to right now, of course..."

---

T/N: OH I LOVE SANDRONE YESSS STIR THE POT GIRL

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