Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [157] [100 PS]

Kitty has officially joined the group chat.

Which meant—Ren had crashed and burned yet again.

He never expected this day to come so soon.

Sandrone, Keqing, and the lively fireworks girl…

Hmm, well, at least this one wasn't dangerous.

Ren sighed internally. Why is it that every time I get exposed, it's always connected to Sandrone?

Were they just naturally incompatible?

"…"

In any case, the long-awaited video call had begun.

But this time, someone had been unceremoniously kicked out of the group chat.

"Good morning, everyone…"

Ren maintained his usual sunny smile, waving at Sandrone with a gentle tone.

Outwardly calm, inwardly panicked.

He hadn't checked in with Sandrone last night. She was probably keeping a mental record of his offenses.

Not good.

Sandrone and Keqing locked eyes and, in perfect sync, said—

"Not good."

Their pretty faces carried a hint of coldness, making it clear they had no interest in talking to Ren.

Ren: "…"

He hadn't even made it back to Inazuma yet, and he was already being given the cold shoulder.

Should he just leave?

"Why are you here?"

Keqing snorted lightly, casting a sharp glance at Ren before scanning the area around them.

She was looking for her sword.

After a long search, she puffed up her cheeks and turned to glare at Ren.

Where was her sword?!

"Ahem, why are you looking at me like that?"

Ren shifted the [Lion's Roar] sword sheathe behind his back and looked up at the sky, pretending not to notice.

Internally, he sighed in relief. Good thing I was prepared in advance.

If he hadn't taken Keqing's sword ahead of time, things might have gotten… terrifying.

"Heh… And you're still flirting with my partner?"

Sandrone's face remained calm, but her voice turned chillingly cold.

Keqing coming all the way to Inazuma? That was unexpected.

My partner… really is a sinful man.

Should she snip him away?

"?"

Ren felt the weight of Sandrone's gaze and shivered.

Please stop with the dangerous thoughts!

Thankfully, the chilling sensation faded quickly.

"Yoimiya-nee."

"Ah…?"

Yoimiya stood there, momentarily stunned and unsure how to react.

Who was this unexpectedly beautiful girl?

She seemed close to Ren…

"Aren't you going to say hello?"

Sandrone blinked, her tone laced with meaning.

"Good morning, Yoimiya."

Ren took the opportunity to smile at her, subtly shooting her a look.

Now's the time for a neutral party to step in and smooth things over!

It's all on you, Hanamizaka's Love Guru!

"…Good morning."

Yoimiya averted her gaze, avoiding eye contact with Ren.

She wasn't a neutral party anymore.

Before Sandrone, the little secret she had buried was already exposed.

Ughhh, I'm being blackmailed…

Ren: "?"

What was with that awkward little expression?

Before he could ask—

"I still have things to clean up here, so I'll get going!"

Yoimiya picked up a large box and bolted.

Her figure disappeared from the screen, leaving only her hurried voice lingering behind.

Ren opened his mouth slightly.

Wait, she's not going to Ayaka to snitch on me, is she?!

Ren, in danger.

"Who's that cute girl?"

Keqing smiled at Ren, her voice soft and sweet.

Such a friendly attitude.

Didn't expect this—he hadn't even reached Inazuma yet, and already two girls familiar with him had shown up.

What about the two famous ladies from Liyue's rumors?

"She's actually—"

Sandrone's lips curled as she deliberately stretched out her words, clearly enjoying the moment.

She wanted to watch the chaos unfold.

"Just a normal friend."

Ren cut in immediately, shutting Sandrone down before she could stir up trouble.

No more adding fuel to the fire!

"So, why are you in Inazuma?"

Sandrone chuckled, letting the previous topic slide as she turned her gaze to Keqing.

"I just wanted a change of scenery."

Keqing huffed and turned her face away, carrying a touch of proud stubbornness.

Not because she was following Ren.

"…"

Sandrone's smile gradually faded.

She had never seen someone take a "casual trip" straight to Ren's side before.

The atmosphere grew tense.

Just as the two women locked eyes in a silent standoff—

Thud, thud, thud.

Yoimiya was darting back and forth behind Sandrone, bringing a lively energy to the small shop.

"Phew… There's a lot to do before opening up."

She was tidying up, her delicate face slightly flushed from exertion—utterly adorable.

"Yoimiya, slow down a bit."

Ren watched her bustling around and spoke softly.

Such a kind and hardworking girl.

Whoever married Yoimiya would definitely be happy.

"My partner, your gaze is getting impure."

Sandrone suddenly smiled.

"…Sorry, I zoned out."

Ren shook his head. Am I too tired?

Why did I just have such a weird thought?

"Takahashi, you must be exhausted from your sea journey! Make sure to get plenty of rest!"

Hearing her name, Yoimiya perked up and dashed to the communication device, her big eyes sparkling with joy.

Technically, she shouldn't be interrupting while Sandrone was talking to Ren.

But—Ren had mentioned her.

So sneaking in for a little chat should be fine, right?

The lively girl made a small victorious gesture in her heart.

Surely, she hadn't been found out!

"…"

Sandrone's lips curled into a knowing smirk.

She glanced at the girl beside her—Yoimiya, full of excitement, greeting Ren with a bright smile.

Interesting.

Yoimiya probably hadn't realized it yet.

Just moments ago, she had been like a cautious little rabbit, subtly trying to attract Ren's attention while fearing being caught.

All that running and bouncing around behind her…

It was just a small, clumsy trick.

…

"So, you're opening a fireworks shop?"

Ren glanced at the newly renovated space, puzzled.

Was Inazuma's arms dealer opening a branch?

The Tenryou Commission actually approved this walking hazard opening another store? Now that was surprising.

"No, no! It's Sandrone's shop!"

"She's opening a toy store!"

Yoimiya quickly corrected him.

She loved making toys for kids, so when she heard Sandrone was opening a toy shop, she was the first to support it.

"Oh, I see. That's—wait, hold on!"

Ren nodded before realization hit him.

The Marionette's toys were absolutely not safe for children!

"My partner, don't forget to come back and help."

Sandrone smiled meaningfully, blinking playfully.

Ren: …

Snezhnaya's finest toy maker?

"He's coming with me to explore Inazuma. No time."

Keqing snorted, shoving Ren out of the screen.

Had they not talked enough already?

"Keqing, stop messing around."

Ren tried to take back the device.

"Don't come near me."

Keqing hugged the communicator and walked several steps away.

So, Sandrone's real body is even more elegant and exquisite than her puppet form…

This opponent is too dangerous.

At the very least, she had to keep all other women away from Ren.

Absolutely no one could steal the home base in front of her!

"Be nice to each other, okay?"

Ren stood there helplessly, waving.

Read as 'getting along,' written as 'girl fight.'

Great. Now he was back to sunbathing alone.

But… could Keqing really argue against Sandrone?

Kinda wanted to see that.

Just as Ren leaned against the railing, gazing at the sky—

"Excuse me, are you Ren?"

A soft yet gentle voice suddenly spoke near his ear.

"?"

Ren froze, instinctively looking around.

"It's me, Nahida."

The warm voice carried a hint of delight.

---

"Gar... Devoir!! Voirrr!!"

- Gardevoir

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