Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [132]

"Shogun-sama."

"What is it?"

"You smiled again."

"You don't like it?"

"I do. I'd like to see it more."

Ren gently cradled the Shogun's doll in his hands, his voice soft.

A smiling Ei was something utterly irresistible.

However, the fleeting beauty of her smile had already disappeared.

"Mm."

Ei gave a slight nod, offering no further response.

Turning her face away, she shot Ren a glare.

The aloof Shogun was back.

"What happened to letting me see it again?"

Ren sighed, blinking meaningfully.

He was clearly growing anxious about missing the opportunity to see her smile again.

"..."

In the light screen, Ei's gaze flickered with contemplation.

"Shogun-sama?"

Ren poked at the doll, his expression expectant.

He felt like there was a chance here.

Just as he was about to press further and plead his case, the dignified Shogun cast him a sidelong glance.

"How's the progress on your work?"

The superior had once again returned to her role as taskmaster.

Ren froze for a moment.

The abrupt shift in topic caught him off guard.

Wait, wasn't she the one leading the charge in slacking off just now?

Why was she suddenly so concerned about his work?

Hold on.

Ren suddenly realized something.

"I'll try to return to Inazuma City as soon as possible."

Under Ei's silent, watchful gaze, Ren sighed in defeat.

"Suit yourself."

Satisfied, Ei nodded, her gaze softening slightly.

Ren's answer seemed to have passed, barely.

Without Ren by her side, who else would bring her those sweet desserts?

The cold, empty Tenshukaku only made her restless.

"If I come back, will you smile for me again?"

He couldn't let go of the idea.

"No."

Ei's lips curved upward slightly, but she refused outright.

"..."

Ren held the little Raiden Shogun doll in silence.

This wasn't fair, Shogun.

"..."

Noticing Ren's quietness, Ei's gaze flickered again with thought.

Eventually, she made a decision.

"Ren."

"Yes, Shogun-sama?"

Ren was engrossed in poking the doll, his tone casual.

"Stop poking it!"

Ei glared at him, her tone sharp.

"Oh."

Ren nodded obediently before realizing something was off.

The light screen was clearly generated in front of the doll.

How did Ei know he was poking it?

Unless…

Before Ren could figure it out, the light screen suddenly shifted.

The perspective, which had been centered on Ei, zoomed out slightly.

This change revealed her entire figure.

And what Ren saw left him stunned.

"Shogun, you…!"

Ren stared at the screen, his eyes slowly widening.

What he saw was far from the solemn and imposing image he'd imagined.

On the contrary, Ei was dressed entirely differently.

She was wearing an Inazuman yukata. (No, not that kind of imagination!)

The simple fabric was light and breathable, perfect for the warm evening.

In the dim lamplight, her flawless skin seemed to glow faintly, like polished jade—impossible to look away from.

Ren's widened eyes confirmed that indeed, he could not look away.

Though this was a common festival outfit for women in Inazuma, on Ei, it was anything but ordinary.

She was breathtaking.

Was he even allowed to see this?

"How is it?"

Ei turned slightly, her expression faintly uneasy.

It was clear she wasn't entirely comfortable in this attire.

Seeing Ren's lack of response, Ei began to pull the perspective back.

"Wait, Shogun-sama! Please wait!"

"...It's beautiful."

Ren spoke quickly, his gaze drifting unconsciously to the delicate line of her collarbone.

This Tenshukaku sure is… expansive.

"..."

Ei glared at him, pulling the perspective closer once more.

The stunning view was gone.

Ren looked visibly disappointed.

There was still so much of Tenshukaku left to explore!

"What were you looking at just now?"

Arms crossed, Ei's gaze grew dangerous.

"At you, Shogun-sama."

Ren didn't even try to hide it anymore.

"..."

Ei let out a faint huff.

"Shogun-sama, may I ask you a question?"

"What is it?"

"Has anyone else seen you dressed like this?"

Ei tilted her face slightly.

"...Only you."

Ren's heart seemed to skip a beat.

A wave of inexplicable satisfaction surged through him.

So this view was his alone.

No one else could see it, even if they wanted to!

Damn this vanity—he was getting carried away.

"Why did Shogun-sama change into this outfit?"

Ren pressed further.

Could it be… for someone?

"With the Sakoku Decree ending, there will be a grand festival."

"I'm merely getting accustomed to the attire in advance."

Ei's calm reply was accompanied by another glare.

Ren nodded silently. Guess he'd been overthinking it.

"Return to Inazuma City soon."

"Yes, Shogun!"

Ren responded instinctively.

"...When you do, I'll reward you."

Ei glanced at a romance novel on her desk, her tone light.

"Yes… Huh? Wait, Shogun-sama!"

Before Ren could react, the light screen disappeared.

"???"

Holding the Shogun's doll, Ren fell into deep thought.

A reward?

What kind of reward?

Shogun, could you be a little more specific?

Ren's mind began to race.

…

After a long while.

"Well, looks like I'll have to work extra hard!"

Ren raised the doll triumphantly, his spirits high.

But his joy didn't last long.

The Shogun's doll lit up again.

A new light screen appeared.

The scene this time was completely different from the Tenshukaku.

Ren: ?

Who is it this time?

As the image cleared, his eyes widened.

Seated around a table was a group of stunning young women.

They noticed Ren and turned their attention to him in unison.

One, two, three, four…

So many people!

"Good evening, Ren," Kamisato Ayaka greeted with a gentle smile, her voice polite yet subtly chilling.

"Who were you chatting with just now? You seemed quite happy."

Her dark eyes glimmered with an unsettling light.

Beside her, Chisato puffed up her cheeks.

"...Hey there," Yoimiya said, poking her fingers together awkwardly.

And then there was Sandrone, smiling mischievously.

Fun.

Ren: …

A chill ran down his spine as the cold wind seemed to blow through.

Hadn't he already left Narukami Island?

Why were so many people still coming after him?!

---

T/N: hmpoh thats what you deserve

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