Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [146]

Under the starry sky, the melodious sound of a zither echoed.

The evening breeze swept gently, and all was silent.

After the strange power spread out, the resentment of the Archon completely dissipated.

Finally, the melody came to an end.

Leaning against a rock, the young man gently set down the strings.

"You were amazing, my partner."

On his shoulder, the elegant doll-like girl clapped her hands softly.

Sandrone leaned against Ren, her eyes gently closing in the stillness.

This newfound warmth—she wanted to savor it just a little longer.

"Did you like it?"

Ren smiled faintly and spoke in a soft tone.

In his eyes, a gleam of golden light, as radiant as the sun, flickered.

It was an unfamiliar energy.

Though incomplete, it carried incredible power.

Ren had temporarily harnessed the mysterious core's strength to dispel the Archon's resentment.

But this also meant that the doll-like girl, now devoid of energy, would soon fall into dormancy.

"This is the most beautiful melody I've ever heard," said Sandrone.

Leaning against Ren, she lifted her delicate face and smiled.

"The best? What about Columbina?"

"That's… different."

"How is it different?"

"Well, compared to Sister Columbina, I still like you more."

The doll-like girl blinked mischievously, then leaned closer to whisper into Ren's ear:

This is our little secret, okay?

Ren chuckled and extended a finger, gently poking Sandrone's cheek.

He'd been wanting to do that for a while.

"Eek."

The sudden "attack" left the doll-like girl stumbling, nearly losing her balance.

Ren laughed at her flustered expression.

"My partner, you're being mischievous again."

Sandrone huffed lightly, retaliating by poking Ren's face in return.

Before long, she rested back against him once more.

Her lips parted slightly as she murmured breathlessly:

"My partner… wait… I'm a little tired…"

Without the core's energy, her strength was fading.

But she still wanted to linger by Ren's side for just a while longer.

Ren carefully cradled Sandrone in his hands.

"If you're tired, then rest. I'll stay by your side."

Hearing this, Sandrone gave a soft hum of acknowledgment and obediently closed her eyes.

As if murmuring in a dream, she whispered softly:

"Come back soon, okay? I'll be waiting for you."

Ren nodded slightly. "Alright."

"Oh, and I'll check in with you from time to time," Sandrone added with a faint smile, "along with those sisters of mine…"

Ren: "?"

The mountaintop suddenly felt a little chillier.

...

The doll-like girl finally fell into a deep sleep.

Ren stood up, exhaling deeply.

He knew this was only the beginning.

The true reunion awaited in Inazuma City.

But before that...

"The weather is getting colder," Ren murmured, deep in thought.

Wait a minute—didn't he forget someone?

The wind grew colder still.

"!"

Ren instinctively turned around.

"Mm, Ren."

"Did I fall asleep?"

Keqing stretched lazily, like a cat.

Her delicate face still bore a hint of drowsiness, a telltale sign of just waking up.

Ren walked up to Keqing, concern in his voice.

"You're awake. How are you feeling?"

"..."

Keqing lowered her gaze and remained silent.

Under the moonlight, she bit her lip lightly, silent for a long moment.

She'd seen everything.

All of it.

This feeling…

It's not fair.

It was supposed to be her. She was the one who came first!

The turmoil inside her heart was unbearable.

She wanted so badly to speak up, to yell it out loud.

But what right did she have when she had only pretended to be asleep?

"Keqing, why aren't you saying anything?"

Ren leaned closer, gently reaching out his hand.

He sighed inwardly.

That moment when Sandrone had leaned in earlier—there was no way Keqing hadn't seen it.

"The mountaintop is cold. Let's head down together," he offered.

"…No."

Keqing turned her face away from his outstretched hand.

"I-I don't need you to accompany me."

"I can manage just fine on my own," she muttered, her eyes downcast.

The joy she had felt earlier had vanished, replaced by a sinking feeling.

Ah… there it was again. She'd said something she didn't mean.

The words she wanted to say were replaced with rejection.

Keqing couldn't understand why she kept doing this.

"Keqing."

Ren gazed at her, noticing the way her small mouth pouted in a sulky expression despite her efforts to act composed.

He sighed softly and reached out again.

Before Keqing could react, he ruffled her hair.

"What are you doing!" Keqing stammered, flustered.

"Punishing the little cat who pretended to be asleep," Ren said, pulling back his hand with a mock-serious expression.

It wasn't because he thought this sulking Keqing was adorable or anything. Not at all.

"I-I just had a dream, that's all," Keqing insisted, her voice defensive.

"After waking from a dream, is there nothing you want to say?"

Ren crouched in front of her, pointing at himself.

"If you're upset, you can take it out on me."

Surely she wouldn't actually hit him, right?

"I…!"

Keqing instinctively raised her small fists.

Ren blinked, startled, and instinctively dodged.

Was she really about to hit him?

"Why are you dodging? Feeling guilty?"

"Ahem, reflex," he replied awkwardly.

In the end, Keqing lowered her hands.

Punching Ren… she just couldn't bring herself to do it.

Not because she couldn't, but because she didn't want to. Not really.

She pressed her knees together and lowered her head.

"It's nothing. Don't worry about me."

Her voice was soft, almost a murmur.

"So… do you still want to go down the mountain together?"

Ren extended his hand once more, smiling gently.

He looked like some strange man trying to coax a stray kitten.

"Mm."

Keqing nodded slightly.

Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she added with emphasis:

"I'm only doing this because I'm worried it might be dangerous for you to go alone."

"Don't get any strange ideas!"

---

"..."

- Gardevoir

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