Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [190]

"Mom, are you leaving right away?"

Nahida tilted her innocent little face up at Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, her wide green eyes full of curiosity.

She looked exactly like a rebellious daughter reminding her mother to hurry off to work—while secretly planning to sneak some snacks at home.

"There's no rush."

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata reached out and gently poked Nahida's soft cheek, her gaze filled with warmth and fondness.

My sweet little angel… you're not as obedient as you pretend to be.

She cast a glance at a certain bold man—who was still holding onto both her and her daughter.

And it's all because of you, our sun.

"…You two…"

Ren sensed something odd in the air and looked at Greater Lord Rukkhadevata questioningly.

Why did it feel like the atmosphere was getting a little… tense?

Was Nahida upset about parting with her mother?

"Well then, do your best, alright?"

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata bent down and hugged Nahida, her voice full of gentle encouragement.

Bathed in sunlight, she radiated the warm glow of a loving mother.

At the same time, she swiftly pulled Nahida out of Ren's arms.

"Mhm, Mama."

Nahida snuggled into her mother's embrace.

A good mother should stay by the Irminsul and let her daughter have all the fun with her sun.

"…"

Ren chuckled. The bond between mother and daughter was truly strong.

He really liked this feeling—this warmth of a family.

"Nahida, go play for a bit, alright?"

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata released her daughter's small figure—

And naturally took Ren's hand in front of her.

Clearly sending a message:

It's time for the child to leave.

"…Mama?"

Nahida clenched her small fists, as if wanting to say something.

Ren gently patted her head and smiled.

"Go on ahead. Rambalanga is waiting for you."

High emotional intelligence: Sweetheart, go play first.

Low emotional intelligence: Mom and Dad need some alone time.

"…Okay."

Nahida pouted slightly, clearly reluctant, but quickly brightened up as she glanced into the distance.

"Little Lord Kusanali, I'm over here!"

A round, chubby little figure waved its tiny staff.

Rambalanga had not only gained divine power—

He had also been entrusted with the important mission of keeping Nahida company.

He was now the officially recognized divine attendant of the Dendro Archon.

"Let's play a new game!"

Nahida jumped off the swing and ran toward the Aranara hiding among the trees.

After a few steps, she suddenly turned back and smiled sweetly.

"My sun, see you later!"

"See you later."

Ren waved, watching the little white-haired girl skip away.

A fond smile crossed his lips.

No matter how divine Nahida was as the current God of Wisdom—

At this moment, she was just a child, running and laughing with the forest spirits.

I wonder when she'll finally grow up.

…

Once again, the forest returned to silence.

Ren cleared his throat and stole a glance at the gentle woman beside him.

Bathed in sunlight, Greater Lord Rukkhadevata looked like a divine vision, her figure draped in golden light.

Which meant—

Right now, it was just the two of them.

And Ren was feeling a little restless.

"…"

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata seemed oblivious to his thoughts.

She lifted her flawless face, her green eyes shimmering thoughtfully as she gazed at the Irminsul.

"…What are you thinking about?"

Ren slowly reached toward her slender waist.

Strange… why are my hands moving on their own?

Smack.

As expected, before he could do anything, Greater Lord Rukkhadevata swatted his hand away.

"My sun, what exactly are you up to?"

She turned her gaze back to him, smiling, her expression filled with quiet amusement—

And a hint of scrutiny.

Bold of you to try this after holding both mother and daughter for so long. Still not satisfied?

"…The weather's nice today."

Ren awkwardly looked up at the sky, pretending nothing happened.

Weren't you the one who sent Nahida away?

Now you're giving me no chances at all?

"Hmph. You seemed happy just a moment ago."

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata huffed softly, her tone carrying a faint trace of dissatisfaction.

"…"

Ren caught the faint floral scent lingering around her and suddenly—

Realized something.

She was jealous.

Looking at the delicate flower crown atop her head, Ren couldn't help but chuckle.

The God of Wisdom… had such a cute side.

Was she actually jealous of her own daughter?

"I was thinking about the Irminsul."

She crossed her arms, trying to appear serious.

Ren blinked.

Was she really thinking about work?

Because she looked more like she was waiting for him to comfort her.

Well, if that's the case…

"Wanna try the swing?"

Ren took her hand and invited her over, his tone playful.

Like some mischievous older brother luring a child into trouble.

You watched Nahida playing for so long—don't you want to try it too?

He knew.

She definitely wanted to.

"…You finished coaxing the little one, and now you're targeting me?"

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata didn't pull away.

Instead, she basked in the sunlight, closing her eyes briefly as she relished the warmth.

Their fingers intertwined naturally, sharing their warmth.

This feeling of companionship, of having someone by her side—

She liked it.

…Should she tell Ren about that matter?

"Come on, have a seat."

Ren smiled, guiding her onto the swing.

"…You're awfully eager."

She instinctively grabbed the vines for support but soon blinked in surprise.

Beneath her flowing white dress, her delicate legs dangled slightly—

The size was a perfect fit for her.

"…Did you plan this from the start?"

She looked up at Ren.

From the very beginning, when he made the swing—

He had thought of her.

The realization made her heart skip a beat.

Sunlight bathed her figure, but now, warmth bloomed inside her as well.

"Of course. How could I forget about you?"

Ren grinned as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"You're a little kid who needs to be taken care of, too."

As he spoke, he gently adjusted the flower crown on her head.

And—

Ruffled her hair.

A goddess so beautiful should be cherished properly.

He couldn't afford to lose her.

"…"

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata lowered her gaze, the corners of her lips curving slightly.

A soft blush colored her flawless face.

Calling her a child who needed looking after—

How completely illogical.

But…

"…What are you waiting for?"

She swung her legs slightly, playfully kicking at Ren.

A child on a swing should be pushed, shouldn't they?

"At your service."

Ren stepped behind her, placing his hands gently on her waist.

For support, of course.

Absolutely no other intentions.

"You're up to no good."

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata sighed as the swing began to move.

She had expected him to take advantage of the moment.

Yet—

The smile on her face only grew softer.

At this moment, she was just a child of the forest—

The happiest child in the world.

"No way. I'm a good guy."

Before Ren could finish, she shot him a sidelong glance.

Pure innocence, of course.

Warmth swirled between them as they quietly enjoyed the fleeting, peaceful moment.

…

Time passed.

Eventually, she leaned back against his chest, eyes gently closing.

"…Now, are you ready to tell me?"

Ren wrapped his arms around her lightly, his voice low.

"…Do you know Nahida's divine authority?"

Ren thought for a moment. "Dreams, right?"

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata nodded and slowly opened her eyes.

"That power once belonged to the Goddess of Flowers."

"…The Goddess of Flowers?"

Ren was caught off guard.

Yet another god he hadn't heard of before.

"She has long since passed."

"…?"