Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [156] [50 PS]

The Shogun doll dimmed, signaling that Ei had severed their connection.

Having recognized Ren's rapid growth, she needed time to consider a few things.

"Shogun-sama?"

Ren held the doll in his hands, feeling a pang of disappointment.

Why did the conversation end so quickly?

He hadn't gotten enough of admiring Ei's up-close beauty yet.

"Looks like I really need to get back to Inazuma City as soon as possible," Ren murmured, gazing at the towering tree in the distance.

Suddenly, he slapped his forehead, looking annoyed.

Damn it, I forgot to ask what the Shogun-sama's mysterious reward was!

"Ren, what's going on?"

Keqing's voice called out as she hurried over, her gaze fixated on the massive tree rising from the ocean.

Her eyes widened in disbelief at its sheer size.

She had barely fallen asleep when the loud commotion woke her.

Rushing out of her cabin, her first thought was Ren's safety.

But to her surprise, she found out that Ren's boss had contacted him again!

So, she'd waited until the two were done talking.

"Nothing much—just testing out… a new ability," Ren said nonchalantly, shrugging.

He sneaked a glance at Keqing, unable to hide a tiny bit of smugness.

Impressed? That tree? Yeah, I made it.

"?"

Keqing crossed her arms, looking Ren up and down skeptically.

Her delicate face was full of disbelief.

Something that massive? There was no way Ren could've done it.

If he said it was the power of a god, maybe she'd believe him.

"You don't believe me even when I tell the truth," Ren said, laughing lightly, though he didn't dwell on it.

The power wasn't something he could sustain for long anyway. It would be foolish to become intoxicated by the illusion of strength.

He would need to discuss the core's situation with Sandrone later.

And Ei—she seemed to know something about it. He'd ask her when he returned to Tenshukaku.

"Fine, let's just say you're impressive," Keqing said with a little huff, her skepticism softening slightly when she noticed the resigned look on Ren's face.

In her mind, Ren really was impressive.

Impressive at slacking off, anyway.

"Keqing, I knew you'd understand me," Ren teased, spreading his arms wide as the ocean breeze brushed against him.

The vastness of this newfound divine power filled him with an irrepressible excitement.

But before he could bask in it for long…

"You were chatting with the Raiden Shogun just now, weren't you?"

Keqing stepped closer, leaning on the ship's railing and giving him an intent look.

Her big, bright eyes sparkled with curiosity—and suspicion.

She'd come to Inazuma willingly, knowing she might have to deal with unexpected situations.

And her instincts told her something was off.

Very off.

"Uh… well, how should I put this…"

Ren froze for a moment, startled by how sharp her instincts were.

Is this a natural talent of cats?

Keqing narrowed her eyes, her expression growing even more scrutinizing.

She wanted to see how Ren would try to wriggle out of this one.

"We were discussing… work," Ren replied, putting on his most serious face.

Technically, it wasn't a lie. His "work" involved staying at Tenshukaku, chatting with Ei, buying her sweets and light novels.

Absolutely legitimate.

"Work? And you were grinning like that while talking about work?"

Keqing shot him a skeptical glare, clearly not buying it.

A subordinate smiling so happily while discussing work with their superior? Something was definitely up.

"Um… well, the Shogun-sama has a… casual attitude toward work," Ren said after a pause, carefully choosing his words.

Ei's "casual attitude" was basically not doing anything at all.

"?"

Keqing sniffed out his laziness immediately and was about to press further.

"Alright, alright, don't dwell on it," Ren said with a laugh, reaching out to take her small, soft hand.

He gently kneaded it, his fingers reluctant to let go.

With such nice weather, wouldn't it be better to just bask in the sun together and chat about life?

"You're always up to something," Keqing muttered, her cheeks tinged pink as she pouted.

She sneaked a glance at Ren, noticing the warmth in his gaze.

And with so many people watching on the ship…

"Ahem!"

Ren coughed lightly and turned his gaze toward the samurai, who were staring at them with expressions of envy and admiration.

What are you looking at? Don't you have something better to do?!

He tightened his grip on Keqing's waist, pulling her closer.

"Ah, what a beautiful day…"

"Time to go!"

The samurai laughed as they quickly scattered, unable to watch any longer.

Ren's luck was too enviable. Not only had he won the favor of such a stunning woman, but she was also one of Liyue's most prominent figures—and she'd even been "invited" onto the ship.

Any more of this, and they might just die of jealousy.

"…"

Keqing's delicate ears flushed pink at the teasing laughter.

W-what are they laughing about?

Inside, she was a mess of emotions, caught between shyness and delight.

She lowered her head, lightly resting it on Ren's shoulder without saying a word.

"Well, now that the crowd's gone…"

Ren looked down at the little cat nestled against him, his voice soft.

"I… I need to go rest," Keqing muttered, trying to pull away.

"Ah!"

With a startled cry, her escape plan failed.

Ren's arm had already wrapped firmly around her slender waist, stopping her in her tracks.

"In broad daylight, what… what are you planning to do?"

Keqing leaned into his chest, biting her lip nervously.

"What do you think?"

Ren grinned, gazing at her with a mix of mischief and affection.

Obviously, I want to…

Ring ring ring—

The sound of a bell suddenly interrupted them.

"!"

Keqing jumped slightly, quickly pushing Ren away.

Ren clicked his tongue, annoyed.

"Who's the prankster this time?"

He instinctively pulled out the noisy object, his tone impatient.

"This is…"

Ren froze.

It was the familiar iron contraption—his communication device.

The next moment, a holographic screen popped up.

"My dear partner, have you been thinking about me?"

The elegant, petite girl in the wheelchair greeted him with a gentle smile, waving her hand.

Ren's breath caught.

Oh no, I forgot to contact her last night after the experiment!

"My dear partner, don't tell me you've been… distracted?"

"Sandrone."

Ren's voice was stiff as he glanced at the wide-eyed Keqing beside him.

Danger!

"Oh? Is there someone with you?"

Sandrone's voice grew colder as her sharp eyes narrowed.

"Uh, it's just…"

Before Ren could finish, the device was snatched from his hands.

The air grew still, the only sound being the tense silence between the two women now staring at each other.

"It's you?"

"Hmph. It's me."

The atmosphere practically crackled with tension.

Ren sighed in relief. At least it was just the two of them.

But just as he was about to relax…

"Sandrone! Look what I found!"

A cheerful, lively girl burst into the room, her excited voice filling the air.

It was Yoimiya, her face brimming with enthusiasm.

But the moment she saw the hologram, her excitement froze.

Her gaze landed on the unfamiliar girl beside Ren—breathtakingly beautiful.

"?"

Keqing blinked at Yoimiya's stunned expression, then turned to Sandrone's poised, calculating smile.

Finally, her eyes landed on Ren, who was looking skyward as if praying for salvation.

"Uh… good morning, everyone," Ren said with an awkward smile, raising his hand in a weak wave.

"Ladies…"

---

T/N: GURAURAH I CANT IM TOO MUCH OF A.... MONSTER HAHAH CLIFFHANGER FRIG YOU!!!!!! anyway since this was only 6 chapters of the afforementioned 10 so 4 chapters left so ill add that to tomorrows chapter thingies so 9 chapters tomorrow (ignore this for patreon stuff)

"Gar~de! Voir voir."

- Gardevoir

(End of Bonus Chapter—If you like my work, consider supporting me at [patreon.com/WiseTL]!)