Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

Kamisato Ayato, ever the watchful older brother, was observing from the shadows.

For the safety of his precious sister, this was absolutely necessary.

"My lord, how about having something to eat first?"

Beside him, Thoma offered his suggestion with concern, though he couldn't help but sigh internally.

The esteemed Yashiro Commissioner, head of the Kamisato Clan, a noble family of unparalleled influence in Inazuma...

...was crouched here, spying on someone.

Who would believe it?

In the end, wasn't he just a super doting brother?

"Are you going in to confront them now?"

"No need to rush."

Ayato shook his head, casting a sidelong glance at Thoma.

"Patience, Thoma. One must act with deliberation."

"..."

Thoma froze, swallowing his retort.

My lord, you're the one clutching the wall so tightly it might crack. If anyone's impatient, it's you!

"We'll wait a little longer."

Ayato's eyes gleamed as he spoke coolly.

"Let them settle in and drop their guard..."

The faint chill in his tone made Thoma shiver internally.

Young Lady, I can't help you this time. Good luck.

---

Inside Uyuu Restaurant.

Ren and Kamisato Ayaka entered together.

The dimly lit interior was tastefully designed, with warm tones radiating from soft lights.

In the distance, chefs bustled about, filling the air with mouthwatering aromas.

Ren nodded in approval.

As expected of one of Inazuma City's premier dining spots.

Holding onto Ren's arm, Ayaka asked softly:

"Do you like it here, Master?"

Ren smiled as he looked at her.

The hopeful gleam in her eyes made her seem as if she were awaiting praise.

He reached out and patted her head, his voice warm.

"Of course I like it, though I imagine it's not cheap."

Ayaka tilted her chin up confidently.

"That's no problem."

Ren chuckled.

She really is a little heiress through and through.

"Welcome, are you new customers?"

A cheerful voice called out from nearby.

The restaurant owner, having just finished some task, approached them with a friendly smile.

Uyuu Restaurant's proprietor, Rikuo Okazaki, was a robust middle-aged man with a sharp glint in his eye.

Despite his graying hair, he exuded a subtle air of authority.

"Good day, sir," Ayaka greeted gracefully, bowing slightly.

The respect in her gesture was genuine, for this man was no ordinary restaurant owner.

Once a high-ranking official in the Tenryou Commission, Okazaki now lived a quieter life running this renowned establishment. Yet many nobles still visited him for old times' sake.

"So, which noble family's young lady graces us today? Please, have a seat."

Okazaki's laughter was hearty, though his sharp gaze had already discerned her noble origins.

"Erika! Come here!"

"Coming!"

A mature-looking woman approached quickly, a light sheen of sweat on her forehead.

Shooting a mock glare at Okazaki, she huffed:

"You're just going to stand there while I do all the work?"

Okazaki scratched his head sheepishly, but his gaze toward Erika was full of affection.

Ren paused, momentarily startled.

Are they... openly flirting right in front of me?

Ayaka seemed to sense his thoughts.

With a soft huff, she tightened her hold on his arm and leaned against his shoulder, as if staking her claim.

What an odd sense of competitiveness.

After a brief exchange...

"May I ask which table you've reserved?" Erika asked with a polite smile.

She was, of course, the restaurant's proprietress.

"A private room, please," Ayaka replied smoothly.

Private rooms at Uyuu Restaurant weren't just expensive; they required connections to book.

Erika raised an eyebrow in surprise before nodding in understanding.

"Ah, distinguished guests—this way, please."

They were led to a luxurious, secluded room upstairs, far removed from the noisy main dining area.

The ambiance was serene, and soon their ordered dishes arrived, each one exquisitely prepared.

As expected from a young lady of a noble house, Ren thought. Money really isn't an issue.

His mind wandered briefly.

If someone were to marry this Kamisato heiress... wouldn't life just be a series of such indulgent, uneventful days?

After a delightful meal...

Ayaka elegantly placed her chopsticks down, her voice as soft as ever.

"Master, are you still thinking about earlier?"

Ren didn't deny it.

As someone who had read a bit about Inazuma's history after arriving in this world, he knew some details about the restaurant's owner.

"Wasn't he once a prominent figure in the Tenryou Commission?" he mused aloud.

Ayaka's eyes sparkled with amusement as she leaned forward slightly.

"And what do you think of his relationship with his wife?"

Having removed her mask, her breathtaking beauty was fully visible.

She gazed at Ren intently, as if she could never grow tired of looking at him.

This respect I feel for Master... it's slowly changing into something else, she thought.

"Hm?"

Ren raised an eyebrow.

Why's she asking about this all of a sudden? Is she leading up to something?

"Not sure," he replied casually, taking a sip of his tea.

Ayaka's lips curved into a subtle smile.

Her lashes fluttered lightly as she leaned in further, her body language suggesting she was about to share some mischievous secret.

The two were now close—too close.

Ren's eyes widened slightly.

He had to admit, she was becoming more alluring by the day.

This girl's getting better at testing my willpower.

Are you planning to rebel against your Master, Ayaka?

"I was just thinking... what if I were to marry you, Master?"

"Pfft—!"

Ren choked on his tea.

"Ha ha... Master."

Ayaka giggled, her eyes glinting with playful mischief.

"I was joking."

"..."

---

Outside Uyuu Restaurant.

Ayato waved a hand decisively.

"Thoma, stand guard at the entrance. Don't let any suspicious individuals slip by."

"My lord, isn't this a bit—"

Before Thoma could finish, Ayato added coldly:

"If we fail, be prepared to eat my cooking tonight."

Thoma froze, horrified.

My lord, there's no need to go that far!

---

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