Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [180]

With a soft click, the door shut tightly.

Ren exhaled, staring at the doorknob for a moment.

Finally, I can get some rest.

"Make sure you behave yourself tonight, okay?"

Outside, the girls knocked on the door meaningfully.

Although Nahida's birthday celebration had eased the tension between them, it didn't erase the fact that they were all rivals.

Behind the harmonious front, a new round of silent vigilance had already begun.

If Ren were to be eaten up tonight…

Click.

A second sound followed, and suddenly, the corridor outside fell silent.

"I locked the door from the inside. You should all get some sleep."

Ren's voice came from behind the door, instantly crushing any mischievous intentions that might have been brewing.

Which is why, as a man in this situation—he had to protect himself.

"Goodnight, Ren."

"Goodnight, everyone."

The sound of retreating footsteps gradually faded, and soon, the teahouse was enveloped in quiet.

So quiet that Ren could hear his own heartbeat, still slightly quickened.

"Finally some peace."

Ren murmured to himself with a helpless chuckle.

At first, he hadn't planned to lock the door.

Not because he was hoping for a midnight ambush or anything.

It was just that keeping the room completely shut in this humid weather felt suffocating.

But in the end, he had no choice—

Because the girls had sent in her.

"Ren, is this our new home?"

A soft, sugary voice piped up behind him.

Accompanied by the light pat pat of tiny feet against the wooden floor.

"Yeah, our home."

Ren turned around, watching as Nahida curiously explored the small room.

She looked just like an inquisitive little kitten.

"Nahida, slow down."

Leaning against the door, Ren felt his heart melt all over again.

She's just too cute.

"Hehe, Ren~"

Nahida tilted her head and playfully stuck out her tongue.

Even now, she still felt a little anxious—what if the other girls discovered her little trick?

After all, pretending to be Ren's younger sister had been quite the gamble.

But the plan had worked flawlessly.

As Ren's adorable little sibling, she had won over the trust of the others.

And now, she could openly cling to Ren and monopolize his warmth.

This feeling…

Nahida realized she liked this.

A mix of exhilaration and a guilty little thrill.

It made her heart race.

Her resolve grew stronger—

She had to keep the sun by her side.

"Thank you, Nahida."

Ren lowered his voice as if sharing some grand secret.

Just between the two of them.

His sincerity made the white-haired fairy giggle uncontrollably.

Today had been a truly wonderful day.

And she was sure that many more would follow.

Because ever since she had found her sun—

The darkness could never touch her again.

She blinked her bright green eyes, a gentle smile playing on her lips.

No one would intrude on them here.

Tonight would be a peaceful, happy night.

The little Archon looked forward to it.

...

After some tidying up, their sleeping arrangements were prepared.

"Here, your pillow."

"Thank you, my sun."

Nahida hugged the pillow close, her small hands patting the blanket beside her.

Come sit.

"Why do you call me your sun?"

Ren ruffled her hair, his voice filled with amusement.

(Not because he secretly enjoyed hearing her call him "big brother.")

At the same time, he sat down at the edge of the bed.

"Because you gave me a new life."

Nahida's large eyes shimmered with warmth.

It wasn't just about this free and unrestrained body—

It was about the joy, the lightheartedness, the freedom.

She had come to understand—Ren was different.

"I see… Well then, let's get some rest."

"Tomorrow, the others and I will take you out to explore. How does that sound?"

Ren smiled, his voice gentle.

"Then… I want to meet your Archon."

Nahida pondered for a moment, her eyes lighting up.

She wanted to learn from her fellow Archon—

Surely, Inazuma's peace and prosperity were thanks to the Shogun's diligent leadership!

"Uh… if we get the chance."

Ren wiped at non-existent sweat.

Meeting the Archon, huh?

To witness firsthand how she spent her working hours reading light novels and snacking on sweets?

Now that he thought about it…

Ren felt a chill run down his spine.

The Shogun was probably still waiting for him at Tenshukaku.

If he didn't return tonight—

Wait.

Why did he suddenly feel so uneasy?!

"If something's troubling you, you can tell me."

Nahida scooted closer, gently tugging on his hand.

"We can figure it out together."

As always, his little fairy was endlessly thoughtful.

"It's nothing."

Ren shook his head with a soft chuckle.

Ei was a certified shut-in—she probably wouldn't even leave Tenshukaku.

No need to overthink it.

But speaking of the sun…

An idea suddenly struck him.

He turned, carefully studying the white-haired girl beside him.

At the same time, he caught her tiny, delicate hand in his own.

"Would you be willing…?"

It was deep into the night.

Just the two of them, alone in a locked room.

A perfect opportunity.

"For you, anything."

Nahida's emerald eyes curved into crescent moons, her voice as soft as a dream.

"Alright, then."

Ren nodded and pulled out a small, glowing orb—

A core of violet energy.

"The… Gnosis?!"

A sudden clap of thunder echoed outside as Nahida's eyes widened in shock.

"You know what this is?"

Ren was surprised.

Not bad. The little one is quite knowledgeable.

"I-I read about it in the library."

Nahida looked away, suddenly flustered.

"…"

Ren didn't press further.

After all, she was the daughter of Rukkhadevata.

"By using the Gnosis' power, we might be able to find clues about your mother."

Ren explained, watching her reaction carefully.

If possible, he wanted to find Rukkhadevata as soon as he could.

Ma'am, you wouldn't want to see your daughter suffer alone, would you?

"Mm. I trust you."

Nahida placed her small hands over his, without hesitation.

Their gazes met, and they couldn't help but smile.

"Oh, I heard that a Gnosis can summon gods."

Nahida added carefully, hinting at something.

Specifically, the gods of Celestia.

"It's fine."

Ren thought back to what Ei had told him.

The gods of Celestia had long since fallen into slumber, isolating themselves from the world.

In other words—no one was picking up that call.

"Okay… Just, be careful, okay?"

Nahida watched the flickering lightning, her voice tinged with worry.

If anything went wrong and her sun got hurt—

"I will. I'll take it slow."

Ren focused, carefully channeling the Gnosis' power into Nahida.

...

In the end, the lightning dissipated.

No change.

It seemed like a failure.

Ren sighed, deciding to get some sleep.

"Goodnight, Ren."

The room darkened as the little Archon snuggled under the covers.

She peeked out from beneath the blanket, her gaze lingering on Ren, who was now lying on the floor.

The moonlight spilled through the window.

And in her hair—

A third green leaf quietly unfurled, brimming with life.

"Goodnight…"

Ren murmured, suddenly overwhelmed with exhaustion.

Channeling the power of two elements had taken its toll.

He drifted off.

In his half-conscious state, he vaguely heard a voice—

Mmm… chicken drumsticks… so good…

…Was Celestia's god munching on chicken in his dreams?

Half-asleep, Ren smacked his lips.

Weird dream.

Now he was hungry.

---

A silent figure appeared in the darkness.

"Ren… So you really are here…!"