Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

Ren cupped his hands together, momentarily lost in thought.

Reflected in his eyes was the sleeping face of the doll-like girl in the white dress.

"..."

She lay quietly in his palm, her delicate figure like a fragile porcelain doll.

The sea breeze swept gently past, ruffling her long lashes as they trembled slightly in slumber.

Her serene and exquisite appearance made Ren instinctively want to protect her.

"My partner..."

The girl murmured softly, a faint smile gracing her lips as she basked in the warmth of his hand.

It was a sensation Sandrone had never experienced before.

Unlike the eternal frost of Snezhnaya or the cold gaze of the Fatui, this warmth was entirely new.

For the first time, her world held a touch of comfort.

It was the warmth of the one she had chosen—Ren.

It felt safe. It felt right.

It made her want to rely on him just a little more.

"My partner... stay closer..."

Sandrone's brows furrowed slightly, her voice tinged with a drowsy plea.

Ren instinctively leaned closer.

The salty sea air carried a ticklish sensation as it brushed against his face.

Her delicate sleeping face became even clearer.

Unable to resist, Ren reached out a finger, as though compelled to poke her soft cheek.

"Reporting, Takahashi-sama!"

A samurai's voice rang out, breaking the tranquility.

The serene atmosphere vanished in an instant.

"What is it?"

Ren frowned, clicking his tongue in annoyance.

The finger that had almost reached Sandrone's cheek reluctantly pulled back.

"Ap-apologies!"

The samurai bowed deeply, beads of sweat forming on his brow.

A shiver ran down his spine—he could have sworn he felt a murderous glare.

Was it the doll girl who just glared at me?

No, that must be my imagination.

"The fleet is about to reach the designated waters!"

"We can already see the Millelith camp in the distance!"

"Understood."

Ren nodded curtly, dismissing the samurai.

He turned his gaze toward the horizon.

In the distance, the outline of an island came into view.

Finally, I'll get to meet Keqing.

"Hmm..."

A soft murmur came from his palm as the girl stirred awake.

"My partner, what's going on?"

Sandrone sat up slowly, still half-asleep.

Her drowsy expression was almost endearing.

"Nothing."

Ren kept his expression neutral, spreading his hands.

Me, wanting to poke her cheek? Impossible.

"Really, my partner?"

"I much prefer it when you're honest."

Her sapphire eyes sparkled as she smiled knowingly.

Had it not been for the interruption, someone would have...

"When we land, don't say anything unnecessary."

"Already rushing to defend that woman?"

Sandrone huffed, tilting her head defiantly.

"Ren, you belong to me."

"?"

Ren raised an eyebrow, his patience running thin.

Reaching for her, he prepared to toss her into the sea.

Sandrone clung to his finger, refusing to budge.

"Let go!"

"No way."

As the two bickered, the samurai from before reappeared, jogging toward them anxiously.

"Takahashi-sama! We've received a signal from the Millelith.

We can dock anytime!"

"Hmm?"

Ren and Sandrone both turned to glare at him.

Him again.

"..."

The samurai broke into a cold sweat.

Why does it feel like I always catch Takahashi-sama at the worst times?

I need to change his impression of me somehow.

"Takahashi-sama," he stammered.

"What?"

"You and... this young lady seem to have a very close relationship! Haha!"

"..."

Ren's face darkened.

---

The fleet finally dropped anchor.

"Takahashi-sama!"

The fully armed samurai assembled on the beach, awaiting his orders.

Meanwhile, a certain unlucky samurai scrubbed the ship's deck in silence.

"So, this is it."

Ren stepped onto the sandy shore, feeling the grains shift beneath his boots.

The breeze was refreshing, mingled with the cries of seagulls.

As his gaze wandered, he took in the sight of the island.

A sprawling military encampment stretched across it, the Millelith's banners fluttering in the wind, their soldiers moving with precision and order.

Clang—

The sound of armor echoed as a squad of heavily armed soldiers approached.

"Are you the envoy from Inazuma?"

The Millelith soldier's voice was steady and firm.

The strength of Liyue's military, the Millelith, was unmistakable.

"Yes, that's me. I look forward to working with you," Ren said with a polite smile.

"Welcome!"

The Millelith captain stepped forward, shaking Ren's hand firmly.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Ren's gaze swept the area subtly.

Where's my little Keqing?

Clearing his throat, Ren asked casually, "May I inquire about the Yuheng mentioned in the letter?"

The captain paused, then chuckled warmly.

"Ah, Lady Yuheng, she's—"

Before he could finish, a sharp voice cut through the air.

"You're looking for the Yuheng? That's me."

Ren instinctively turned toward the voice, his eyes lighting up.

A beautiful young woman stood before him, her expression serious.

Her violet twin-tails swayed as she moved, and her long, slender legs, wrapped in black stockings, were nothing short of captivating.

It's Keqing.

"Hello."

Ren greeted her with a smile, extending his hand.

Finally, my pen pal. We meet at last.

"Hello."

Keqing stepped forward, sizing him up.

So this is the envoy from Inazuma?

Her gaze lingered for a moment before she extended her hand for a brief, formal handshake.

And just as quickly, she withdrew it.

"..."

Ren sighed inwardly.

Did she just politely reject me?

"Hold on."

As Keqing turned to leave, Ren called out to her.

"What is it? Let's stick to business."

She frowned slightly, eyeing him warily.

Keqing had little patience for men trying to get too familiar.

She'd planned to finish this mission quickly—

after all, she still intended to take leave and visit Inazuma.

But what she didn't expect was...

The envoy from Inazuma leaned closer.

"You—!"

Her eyes narrowed as her hand instinctively moved toward her sword.

But then she froze, her expression changing to one of disbelief.

"Excuse me, are you the Mysterious Noodle Beef Master?"

The mysterious envoy, Ren, whispered her pen name softly.

Keqing blinked, stunned.

"You're..."

"My pen pal?!"

---

T/N: i forgot what her pen name was but POOR SAMURAI LMAO HE GOT DEMOTED