Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [134]

"I like…"

Yoimiya froze as realization struck, her bright eyes widening.

She had almost blurted out his name.

Sandrone, you little devil, this is not okay!

The air grew tense, heavy with silence.

"T—"

Sandrone blinked slowly, her expression full of playful malice.

Careful there, Yoimiya. That was close.

"?"

Ayaka and Chisato both turned their attention to Yoimiya, their curiosity piqued.

Both young ladies sensed that something was off.

"Well, Yoimiya," Ren teased, grinning.

"Don't tell me you actually have someone you like? Who's the lucky guy?"

"I… I…"

Yoimiya stammered, her mouth slightly open as tears began to well up in her eyes.

Wait, why is everyone staring at me?

Wasn't this supposed to be a fun conversation?

And liking someone…

How could she just say it out loud in front of her best friends?

The usually lively girl was on the verge of a complete shutdown.

"Yoimiya, who is it?"

Ayaka gently took Yoimiya's hand, her tone encouraging.

If her close friend had someone she liked, that was wonderful news.

She sincerely wanted to celebrate with Yoimiya.

So, come on—just say it.

"H-he…"

Yoimiya trembled, her brain overloading.

In front of her stood her kind and supportive best friend.

But her gaze betrayed her, drifting past Ayaka toward the screen.

Her eyes landed on Ren, who was casually enjoying the moment as a spectator.

Biting her lip, Yoimiya's eyes lowered slightly.

Dummy…

The next moment, she forced a bright smile.

"N-no one! Really!"

"It's just that the topic caught me off guard."

"?"

Ayaka tilted her head, her eyes filled with doubt.

"But aren't you the renowned 'Love Guru of Hanamizaka'?"

Ren suddenly chimed in.

"!"

Yoimiya's face turned bright red in an instant.

The so-called "Love Guru of Hanamizaka" was struck speechless.

What am I supposed to say now?

She was running out of ways to keep the truth hidden!

Luckily, the uncomfortable silence didn't last long.

"This is a perfect topic for us," Sandrone said with a sly smile, blinking at Ren.

Ren: Why am I being dragged into this again?

"What do you mean?" Ayaka asked, still holding Yoimiya's hand as she frowned slightly.

Sandrone turned her sweet smile toward Ren.

"When girls gather together, it's only natural to talk about who they like," she said, her gaze sweeping across the group.

Excluding the now-defeated and flustered Yoimiya, Sandrone's next target was clear.

"So, who do you all like?"

Clapping her hands lightly, she added with a cheerful tone, "Oh, by the way—Ren is my chosen partner."

"?"

Both Ayaka and Chisato instantly fixed Sandrone with serious looks.

This was a challenge—no doubt about it.

"Sandrone…"

Ren's expression darkened, and he opened his mouth to protest.

If he didn't stop her now, who knew what she might come up with next?

"This is a topic for us girls," Ayaka said with a composed smile, folding her fan gracefully.

Master, you just sit back and watch.

The other girls nodded in unison, completely in sync.

Ren: Am I free to leave then?

"I, of course, like Renny," Chisato said without hesitation, her voice playful and bold.

"…"

Ayaka remained silent, her steady gaze on Ren speaking volumes.

Her feelings were equally clear.

"What a coincidence," Sandrone murmured as she sipped her tea, her smile sharpening.

"Seems like everyone likes Ren."

"!"

"I… I…"

Yoimiya's head shot up, her instinct to protest immediately kicking in.

Don't just lump me in with them!

Ayaka smiled warmly and said in a gentle tone, "It seems that Ren truly has a way of stealing hearts."

"To have so many girls in love with you…"

Master, how do you explain this?

"This is too much. He deserves some punishment," Sandrone said as she stirred her tea, feigning a thoughtful expression.

Ren opened his mouth to protest. "This is—"

Stop these dangerous ideas right now!

"Punish Ren?" Chisato tilted her head, her eyes lighting up mischievously.

Why are you joining in too?!

"Of course, before Ren can misbehave…"

Sandrone made a slicing motion with her hand.

Though she wasn't a crazed scientist like the Doctor, her experience tinkering with machines meant she had some expertise in dismantling things.

Relax—it'll only hurt for a moment, her sweet smile seemed to say.

Ren felt a chill run down his spine.

You're serious, aren't you?

"Hmm."

Ayaka nodded in agreement, her gaze fixed on Ren.

This does seem like a suitable solution for an unruly master.

"Ayaka, you're joking, right?" Ren asked helplessly.

"Who knows?"

"D-don't worry! Even if they… I'll still like you, Ren!" Chisato declared earnestly.

"Should I feel touched?!" Ren protested.

"Is that what you're thinking?"

The girls' conversation grew increasingly lively, their tones as warm as the sea breeze.

Meanwhile, the topic had taken a bizarre turn, leaving Ren utterly exasperated.

…

"Goodnight, Ren," the girls said in unison, their figures now dressed in adorable pajamas on the screen.

It was late into the night, and they had decided to share a sleepover.

Ren felt like he had truly feasted his eyes today.

"Goodnight," he replied, waving softly.

"Or… are you planning to keep watching us sleep?"

Sandrone's glittering eyes twinkled mischievously as she tilted her head.

"If it's my partner, I wouldn't mind—"

"Not interested. Goodnight," Ren interrupted, moving to end the chat.

"Oh, one last thing, my partner."

"What now?"

"Did you hear any singing on this island?"

"?"

Ren frowned slightly, his curiosity piqued as he turned instinctively.

"I'm not sure."

"Hehe… Perhaps you'll meet someone interesting," Sandrone said with a cryptic smile, her tone laced with mystery.

---

A good story, much like a well-fought battle, is all about precision, strategy, and passion. Every choice matters—the right move, the right word, the perfect balance between staying true to the original and making it shine in English.

That's why you should support WiseTL at [patreon.com/WiseTL] – where every pledge helps ensure more high-quality translations, faithful to the original while flowing naturally in English. Trust me, as a Champion, I know a thing or two about mastery.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have another battle to prepare for. But you? You should definitely check out that Patreon.

—Cynthia