Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [185] [40 PS]

The previously relaxed atmosphere froze once again.

The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata blinked in slight surprise.

The conversation had shifted so abruptly that even she, the God of Wisdom, was caught off guard.

At the same time, however, her gaze softened.

Raiden Ei… was still as direct as ever.

How nostalgic.

For a moment, it felt like returning to the past.

But this false sense of peace—someone had to break it eventually.

And from what she observed, the person most suited for that role was…

"…Sigh."

Ren slowly covered his face and let out a long sigh.

Did she really just ask that outright?

Ei had delivered her question with all the seriousness of "Why aren't you dead yet?"

That was the Shogun for you.

But what could he do?

Sandwiched between two goddesses, he didn't dare say a word.

Didn't dare move.

His safest option was to remain invisible and quietly eavesdrop.

Maybe—just maybe—he'd uncover some earth-shattering secret.

But clearly, he was out of luck.

"If you really want to know, I can tell you."

The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata remained as gentle as ever, her composure unwavering even as she acknowledged her own supposed demise.

A warm smile lingered on her lips as she met Ei's gaze.

Her emerald eyes shimmered as knowledge flowed between them in an instant.

"…So that's what happened."

Ei closed her eyes, murmuring to herself.

"?"

Ren stared at the two women, feeling completely left out.

What's with the whispering? I wouldn't interrupt, I swear!

Silence returned to the small room.

Only Ei's breathing, steady but laced with emotion, filled the space.

Her chest rose and fell, drawing an astonishing curve—so much so that Ren found himself glancing down more than once.

Yeah. That was definitely his Shogun.

Time passed slowly.

Finally, Ei opened her eyes again, her gaze complex as she looked at the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.

"Thank you. I understand now."

"I'm glad I could provide clarity."

The two goddesses exchanged a silent nod.

As if they had reached an unspoken agreement.

"…"

Ren lowered his head and shook it.

This was exactly why he hated cryptic conversations.

Was it a rule among wise individuals to speak in riddles?

Not like his Shogun—straightforward and to the point.

…Wait.

That made her sound a little dense.

Why did that thought make her seem kind of cute?

…

Ren smirked.

Good thing Ei can't read my mind.

"I'll be leaving now."

Ei remained silent for a moment before finally rising to her feet.

The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata remained seated on the bed, smiling as she waved lightly.

"Ei, won't you stay a little longer?"

Ren quickly stood up, intending to see her off.

But before he could even get on his feet, a single finger pressed him back down.

The momentum nearly sent him toppling into the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's embrace.

Not good—not in front of the Shogun!

"?"

Ren steadied himself, blinking in confusion as he sat back down.

Is she… leaving me here?

"You stay."

Ei's voice was calm as she turned her gaze toward the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.

I hope everything you said is true.

The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata nodded gently.

"Stay with the Dendro Archon tonight."

Ei hesitated briefly before closing her eyes and sighing.

"…Yes, Shogun-sama."

Ren instinctively responded to the command.

Not even a second later, his brain caught up to what she had just said.

…Wait.

What—what did she just say?!

"Hehe… Thank you, Raiden Shogun."

The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's delicate fingers rested lightly on Ren's shoulder.

"From this moment on, you must be obedient."

In the darkness, her emerald eyes gleamed with a peculiar light.

Like a hunter appraising a defenseless rabbit.

"…Ei, what exactly did you two discuss?"

Ren shuddered, his expression stiffening.

He had not expected this outcome.

Shouldn't this have ended with a peaceful resolution and both goddesses leaving in harmony?

How did things spiral into this development?!

Before he could voice his protest—

"…"

Ei remained silent, eyes closed as if unwilling to explain.

She simply raised a hand, signaling for the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata to proceed.

Ren was shocked.

In an instant, his mind spun through countless scenarios.

Was Ei just going to watch from the sidelines?

Wouldn't that be a bit much—?!

"It's time for you to leave, Raiden Shogun."

The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata spoke gently.

Any longer, and someone here wouldn't be able to relax.

"Hmph. I don't need you to tell me that, Dendro Archon."

Ei huffed softly, flicking her long violet hair as she turned to leave.

"Ei, wait."

Just as she was about to step forward, Ren called out.

"What is it?"

"…Cough. Could you, um… take the window?"

Ren asked cautiously, feeling an ominous premonition.

If Ei just walked out the front door—if someone saw her leaving—

He was done for.

"…"

Ei clearly understood what he meant.

She glanced at him, her expression unreadable.

But the aloof Shogun-sama Shogun didn't care for such trivial concerns.

She simply strode toward the entrance.

If anyone dared question her—

She would just dismantle Komore Teahouse on the spot.

Ren opened his mouth but ultimately said nothing.

"…Are you worried?"

The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata leaned in slightly, whispering.

Ren shook his head, feigning indifference.

It doesn't even matter anymore…

Of course, that was a lie.

His initial shock had settled, allowing him to think more clearly.

He was still curious—what had the two Archons agreed upon?

As things stood, it seemed like he had been traded away.

But he knew Ei wouldn't put him in harm's way.

After all, if he wasn't around, who would buy her sweets and light novels?

And the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata… was a kind god.

Yes.

Her daughter, Nahida, was absolutely adorable.

So, if Ei had allowed it, then whatever was about to happen was probably good for him… right?

"…You seem to have accepted your fate. How brave."

The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata smiled and gently patted Ren's head.

The gesture was soft, almost lulling—like a young mother soothing a child to sleep.

"Now, come with me… into the world of dreams."

Ren chuckled lightly, about to respond—

But then, an overwhelming drowsiness crashed over him.

"…So… sleepy…"

He fell into slumber.

"…Forgive me. This is only for tonight."

The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata wrapped her arms around Ren, letting him rest against her.

Bathed in moonlight, her smile grew ever more tender.

Forget her.

Forget everything about the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.

Only then could the Irminsul heal.

Only then could the people of Teyvat avoid destruction.

Only then could Nahida find true happiness with him.

He was her sun.

But he would never be hers.

…No one would remember her anymore.

"Mmm… familiar scent…"

Ren murmured, instinctively nuzzling against the soft warmth.

Why did it feel so familiar?

"…Are you sure about this?"

A cool voice suddenly interrupted.

The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, her chin resting lightly on Ren's shoulder, tilted her head.

"Of course. This has been my duty for five hundred years."

"You won't succeed."

The two goddesses locked eyes.

Ei's gaze softened as she looked at Ren.

"…Maybe, just maybe, Ren will save you."

Just as he had saved her from the darkness.

"…Impossible."

The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata shook her head with a faint smile.

How could Ren possibly fight against a force from beyond this world?

"Hmph. We'll see."

Then—

With a sharp motion, Ei flung open the door.

"—Ah!"

A few figures tumbled forward, accompanied by startled gasps.

Thud!

The air grew thick with awkward silence.

"Hehe… You've been eavesdropping for quite some time."

The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's voice carried amusement.

"…"

Under the moonlight, Ei looked down at the girls sprawled on the floor—

And the girls, wide-eyed, looked up at her.

"!"

"S-Shogun-sama?!?!"

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T/N: hehehe... uhhh one of the stories that is about to catch up to the updates is this one... so I'm gonna try to drag it until the new translations comes out... (old news)