Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

The girls' lips parted slightly as their gazes all converged on one person.

"Anyone else who isn't going to behave?"

Ren slowly withdrew his hands, clasping them behind his back, his expression calm.

"…"

Silence filled the room—no one spoke.

Especially not Keqing and Kamisato Ayaka.

Both of them had their heads lowered, biting their lips, their faces flushed a deep red.

The intensity of their confrontation earlier only made their current obedient appearance all the more striking.

Ren had given each of them a single smack.

And in that moment of surprise, they had let out an incredibly embarrassing sound.

Right in front of all the other girls!

The lingering sensation tingled at their senses, as if still teasing their nerves.

And the more they focused on that feeling, the clearer it became—

To the point where it seemed to be spreading throughout their entire bodies…

"Ugh."

Keqing was the first to falter, her body going weak as she gripped the table for support and sat down.

She buried her face in her arms, letting out a soft whimper like a little kitten.

Getting her butt smacked like that…

That was way too humiliating!

The usually prideful and composed Cat completely gave up on thinking.

"…"

Ayaka stood frozen in place, her long lashes trembling.

Her usually bright eyes shimmered with moisture.

She sneaked a glance at Ren.

What do I do, Master?

I'll never be able to get married now…

Her flushed cheeks looked like ripened fruit, enticingly soft, almost as if inviting someone to take a bite.

"Ahem. So, no one else, then?"

Ren coughed lightly, pretending to be serious as he scanned the room.

Of course, he was also carefully observing the two girls' reactions.

Keqing's response was just as adorably sensitive as ever.

As for Ayaka… her gaze was a bit too captivating—if he looked too long, he might lose control.

Wait—had he accidentally unlocked something in her?

Ren took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.

He couldn't help but recall the feedback he had received when he acted earlier.

With their different outfits, the texture naturally felt different as well.

One on the left, one on the right… yeah, that was—cough.

Anyway, the important thing was that he had established order.

It totally wasn't because he wanted to take advantage of them.

Please, do not overthink this.

"N-No one!"

Yoimiya, feeling Ren's gaze sweep over her, instinctively placed her hands behind her back in surrender.

She squeezed her thighs together, her face growing even redder.

Recalling that dream she had shared with Ren…

He had done the same thing to her in it.

She peeked at Ren secretly.

Was this… one of his unique preferences?

"…?"

Ren twitched.

Yoimiya, why were you acting flustered too?

Now that he thought about it—why was she always present when things got out of hand?

Ah, right. She was Ayaka's best friend.

"Ren, you're too mean."

Chisato suddenly placed a hand over her chest, lowering her gaze as she spoke softly.

"I…"

Ren's expression turned apologetic, and he was about to say something—

After all, in the heat of the moment, he had been a little rough.

"But I was here first… and yet you've never done that to me."

Chisato pouted, looking utterly wronged.

"?"

Ren froze, unsure how to respond.

So—what, did she want him to do it?

Lady Hiiragi, are you feeling okay?

"Hmph, shameless!"

Keqing crossed her arms, immediately retorting.

But then—she noticed Ren looking at her with a thoughtful expression.

Her confidence crumbled, and she quickly lowered her head, shifting uncomfortably in her seat.

"Heh… you little sisters are so fun to watch."

Just then, Sandrone let out an amused chuckle, elegantly setting down her teacup.

There was no way she was going to sit this one out.

"?"

Ren's brow furrowed—something felt off.

Sandrone was never an easy person to deal with.

If she was laughing at a time like this…

It definitely meant trouble.

And, thinking about it—she had not stopped laughing this entire time.

"!"

As expected, in an instant, all the girls' attention shifted to the quiet and composed dollmaker.

"Ah, I almost forgot—this is Sandrone's first time meeting Ren in person, isn't it?"

Ayaka, having recovered slightly, provoked her with a calm challenge.

Let's see if you can do it.

"Sandrone, don't—"

Ren, realizing something, sighed helplessly.

At the same time, he instinctively clutched both Keqing and Ayaka's swords to his chest.

"Sigh… my dear partner, have you forgotten?"

Sandrone let out a soft sigh, her sapphire eyes shimmering.

Paired with her fragile, doll-like demeanor, she looked almost pitiful.

"As I recall… that night, you 'punished' me the same way."

The other girls immediately turned to stare at Ren.

Sandrone's meaning was very clear.

So—Ren had already done it to her first?!

She was actually the first one?

"…"

Did it really matter who got spanked first?

Ren didn't feel like answering this question.

"It does matter!"

"…"

Under Sandrone's meaningful gaze—

Ren sighed and gave a small nod, admitting to it.

In that dream, he had taken action.

She had even asked him how it felt afterward…

"My dear, it seems you've learned some bad habits from that experience."

Having gotten the response she wanted, Sandrone smirked.

She elegantly swept her gaze over the other girls.

Her meaning was obvious.

They were all just playing catch-up.

"Hmph! But Ren also—!"

Keqing, feeling competitive, almost blurted out their kiss.

But she quickly tugged at the hem of her dress and cleared her throat.

Her body was being very honest—she was afraid of getting smacked again.

"…"

In Yoimiya's arms, Nahida shifted slightly.

She had been quietly observing the girls while pondering something.

This sudden emotional stimulation seemed to bring them relief.

Could it be that getting spanked felt more refreshing than going to the bathroom?

Another new piece of information about interacting with Ren…

The little Dendro Archon took mental notes.

Perhaps it would come in handy someday.

"Did what?"

Sandrone arched a delicate brow, her smile amused.

Little kitten, did you sneak a bite while I wasn't around?

"You all…"

Ren looked at the girls, who were once again about to start arguing, and felt a headache coming on.

Where was this random sense of competition even coming from?

And if they kept talking like this, who knew what kind of mess they'd get into next?!

"Everyone finally got together—how about we talk about something else?"

Ren tried to shift the conversation.

"Yes, yes! Let's eat something first!"

Yoimiya waved Nahida's little hand, suggesting enthusiastically.

At the same time, she playfully poked Nahida's cheek.

The little white-haired girl was just too cute.

"I want to be by Big Brother Ren's side."

Nahida softly expressed her wish.

She wanted to bask in the warmth of her sun.

"Nahida."

Ren's gaze softened as he reached out a hand.

The little angel always put him at ease.

He had been away for too long.

I won't leave again. I promise.

Ren whispered in his spiritual link.

"Big Brother Ren…"

Hearing his voice in her mind, Nahida's emerald eyes sparkled with joy.

Her sun knew now.

And he promised to stay with her.

So happy.

Nahida nodded firmly, her smile warm and radiant.

"Wait a moment."

Just as Nahida and Ren's hands were about to touch—

Sandrone gently stirred her tea and spoke softly.

Ren paused, glancing at her.

"This child… seems quite attached to you."

Sandrone's blue eyes narrowed slightly, deep in thought.

An influence over others' minds… who exactly was affecting whom?