Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [192]

"…Stop talking."

Ren's words were simply too shocking.

If not for the fact that he was beyond the constraints of the Irminsul, Celestia would have already sentenced him to death.

Thinking of this, she shot him a disapproving glare.

You reckless fool. How do you even dare?

"I already told you—I'm just guessing."

Ren chuckled, unfazed.

If the sky falls, the tall ones will hold it up.

As long as the Traveler exists, this has nothing to do with him.

"You're really carefree about this."

Rukkhadevata sighed, calming herself as she nestled into Ren's embrace.

After a brief silence, she continued:

"Humanity was born under the laws established by the heavens, and it has flourished."

"But now, Celestia enforces an iron-fisted, eternal rule."

"If one day, you could reach the level of laws, what would you do?"

Ren sighed. "What kind of ridiculous question is this?"

To reach the level of laws… wouldn't that make him like Heaven's Will itself?

This riddle is really something else.

Two enigmatic gods playing word games together—this was next-level nonsense.

Honestly, he was getting sleepy.

Might as well just hold Rukkhadevata and take a nap.

"Tell me, my sun."

Rukkhadevata tugged at the hem of his robe, her emerald eyes filled with anticipation.

Ren's reasoning had already exceeded her expectations.

As the God of Wisdom, she was now eagerly awaiting his answer.

And this… this was also the Flower God's final question.

"Then I would obviously work to uphold that law."

Ren thought for a moment and gave his answer.

"But…"

Rukkhadevata was momentarily stunned—she hadn't expected him to support Celestia's rule.

"But what?"

Ren looked at her in confusion.

"If humanity is already thriving, what else do you want me to do? Overthrow it?"

Why go looking for trouble and cause unnecessary chaos?

"…I see."

Rukkhadevata nodded.

Ren's choice was neither right nor wrong.

It was simply one of many possible paths.

"The riddle is over."

She gently pulled away from his embrace and picked up the Padisarah.

As expected, he didn't receive the recognition.

Flower God, you will never find someone who truly understands you.

"I should call Nahida back."

Rukkhadevata tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, smiling softly.

There was only the faintest trace of regret.

"Mm."

Ren's gaze flickered, but in the end, he nodded.

Rukkhadevata turned to leave.

"…Wait."

Suddenly, Ren's voice called out from behind.

"What is it, my sun?"

"Nothing."

Ren shook his head. "I just think… everything that exists must have a flaw."

"If the laws of this world were truly perfect—"

"Then why has Celestia fallen silent? Why was the Irminsul tainted by forbidden knowledge?"

As he spoke, his expression remained calm, and he slowly raised his fist.

"An existence that refuses to do its job—just smash it and replace it."

"…!"

Rukkhadevata halted mid-step, turning around in shock.

"Do you even realize what you just said?"

To destroy the laws themselves—he dared to go that far?

Before she could press him further—

The Padisarah in her hand suddenly began to glow.

"This is…?"

Ren immediately noticed the change, his eyes fixed on the radiant bloom.

Within it, he could sense a young girl's joy.

"It's the Flower God. She is responding to you."

Suddenly, the glow expanded, spreading like a spring breeze.

In Ren's widened eyes, an endless sea of violet-red flowers bloomed before him.

"…Are these all Padisarahs?"

He crouched down, gently plucking one, momentarily lost in thought.

The fragrance of the flowers was intoxicating.

Their beauty soothed the soul.

So this… this was the paradise the Flower God had dreamed of.

"Is it beautiful?"

Rukkhadevata stepped beside him, lightly taking his hand with a soft smile.

A sea of flowers, blooming in the light of the sun.

Perhaps one day, you really will change everything in this world.

"I've never seen such a breathtaking sight."

Ren pulled Rukkhadevata into his arms, completely content.

He didn't care about world peace.

As long as he could hold the ones he cherished close, that was enough.

As long as they didn't cause trouble for him.

Otherwise…

"Who is more beautiful—the flowers, or me?"

"You, obviously."

That was an easy question.

"Hehe… You hear that, Flower God?"

"?"

Ren sensed something was off and opened his eyes.

…Was someone else here?

"This is simply my final farewell to an old friend."

Rukkhadevata lifted her hand, and the Padisarah in her fingers dissolved into shimmering light.

"The last remnants of her will have faded. It's over now, my friend."

She closed her eyes, gently pulling Ren down into the sea of flowers.

"She's… completely gone?"

"Yes."

Fingers intertwined, they reached toward the scattering light.

Ren turned his head, gazing at the gentle woman bathed in sunlight.

"How long are you staying in the Irminsul?"

"Oh? Missing me already, my big friend?"

"…Yeah, worried a certain little friend might get lost."

"Not long."

Rukkhadevata nestled into his chest and tilted her face up.

And then—

A soft chu.

Ren felt a kiss land lightly on his cheek.

"…A sneak attack?"

Before the mischievous little friend could pull away, she was caught.

Actions have consequences.

And so, she was met with a far more intense kiss in return.

"Mmm…"

In the sea of flowers, the gentle woman was thoroughly kissed, but still clumsily tried to reciprocate.

"M-My sun… w-wait…"

She weakly pushed against Ren, trying to catch her breath.

Ren stared at her, silent.

There was nowhere for this mischievous little god to run.

"N-Nahida… she's still nearby…"

Rukkhadevata turned her face away, her entire body going weak.

The fragrance of the flowers carried an intoxicating charm, pulling them both deeper into its embrace.

"She won't find this place."

Ren lowered his head, his voice deep with suppressed emotion.

"…Then, my sun, you understand the consequences, don't you?"

Rukkhadevata wrapped her arms around him, her voice barely a whisper.

This time… both of them were serious.

"Even in dreams, you must give it your all."

She gave him a playful little chu, her tone light.

But before she could say another word—

A startled gasp was swallowed by the rippling sea of flowers.

At last, the bold and greedy Ren had finally claimed his goddess.

---

Late at night, the Grand Theater was empty.

On the slightly worn stage, a single spotlight shone down.

At its center, a red-haired girl lay slumped over a small table, fast asleep.

"Nilu… must work harder…"

Beside her hand, a Padisarah bloomed.

Her lips parted slightly, and a drop of crystalline drool glistened at the corner of her mouth.

"Hehehe… Sva…gata… hehe…"

A dog… and a cat.

"Little Lord Kusanali… Nilu will perform the true Dance of the Flower God just for you…"

Murmuring in her sleep, she moved the heavens themselves.

Light fell upon her, melting into her body.

Within the girl, a second soul was born.

The soul of the Flower God.

"…Ren… I want to…"

The girl's small hand clenched ever so slightly.