Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

Under the cherry blossom tree, Kamisato Ayaka's gentle smile radiated warmth.

She took Ren's hand, swaying it playfully.

"Come on, Master, you'll understand when you see it."

Ren couldn't help but mentally sigh.

Ayaka, do you realize how suggestive that line sounds?

Still, he had pieced together her intentions by now.

"Alright, let's go," he said, gripping Ayaka's hand and preparing to leave.

But Ayaka remained rooted in place, not moving an inch.

She hesitated for a moment before letting out a soft sigh.

So Master really figured it out, she thought to herself.

Reaching into her sleeve, she produced a mask she had prepared earlier.

"Master, I almost forgot to mention."

"The me that sneaked out today isn't the eldest daughter of the Kamisato Clan."

Ren chuckled knowingly, ruffling her hair.

He had already guessed as much.

Komore Teahouse? That was one of the Yashiro Commission's bases.

Disguised as she was, Ayaka wouldn't be able to enter.

In other words...

She had been trying to scare him just now, and he had nearly fallen for it.

Such playful mischief from Ayaka was unprecedented.

Has she started to suspect my true identity?

"Master!" Ayaka huffed in protest.

"You're messing up the hair I worked so hard on."

"It's fine. Let's go."

Though they couldn't visit Komore Teahouse, there were still plenty of snacks to try in Inazuma City.

Ren extended his hand again.

"Mm!"

Ayaka obediently clasped his hand, her fingers soft and warm.

It had become a ritual of sorts.

Every time they met, her Master would take her to explore new and unknown places.

Sometimes it was for delicious snacks, sometimes for fascinating trinkets.

Other times, it was an impromptu training session at a Hilichurl camp.

Each trip was filled with surprises, a feeling Ayaka cherished deeply.

As she gazed at Ren's back, a soft smile graced her lips.

"Master, where are we going this time?"

"You mentioned wanting to try that..."

She trailed off, blinking as she held onto the warmth in her palm.

If only we could keep walking like this forever...

Sakura petals danced in the breeze as they walked hand in hand, their steps carrying a peaceful, intimate rhythm.

---

On the streets of Inazuma City.

It was midday, and the sunlight blazed down mercilessly.

"Lord Yashiro Commissioner, I'll take my leave now."

"Very well. We'll finalize the remaining details this afternoon," Kamisato Ayato replied with a polite wave.

As the government official departed, his smile faded.

"Finally, the morning's work is done."

Shaking his head, Ayato's brows furrowed slightly.

The recent influx of tasks is overwhelming. Even someone as diligent as me is feeling the strain.

He wandered into the shade of a nearby tree, a hint of warmth flickering in his usually composed gaze.

Moments later, he retrieved a bubble tea from his sleeve, smiling as he took a sip.

Ah, the joy of a good bubble tea during a rare break.

The cup even had an extra serving of pearls, and a heart-shaped sticker adorned its surface.

"Mm, delicious."

"This tea is full of love," Ayato murmured, his spirits noticeably lifted.

Indeed, the bubble tea in his hand was a gift from his beloved little sister, Ayaka.

"Lord Ayato!"

Thoma's voice rang out as he jogged toward him.

"You've worked hard, Thoma. How did things go?" Ayato asked casually, sipping his tea.

"Here's the report..."

The two continued their conversation as they strolled out of the administrative district.

Once Thoma finished his debrief, he exhaled deeply, then asked:

"Lord Ayato, where would you like to have lunch today?"

This was part of their daily routine: work, eat, work...

"Anywhere's fine," Ayato replied absentmindedly, clearly preoccupied.

His focus was entirely on Ayaka's bubble tea.

"Alright, in that case..."

Thoma pondered their options, considering something both healthy and delicious.

Lord Ayato's well-being is crucial—not just for the clan, but for Ayaka as well. He's been working too hard.

While Thoma deliberated, Ayato suddenly let out a soft "Hmm?"

His gaze turned uncertain as he raised a hand to point at a figure in the crowd.

"Thoma, over there. Do you see who that is?"

"She looks a lot like Ayaka, doesn't she?"

Thoma froze, following Ayato's line of sight.

In an instant, his eyes widened.

She really does look like the young lady!

---

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