Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

The once harmonious atmosphere shifted once again.

"Dependence…?"

All eyes turned toward Nahida.

It was just an instinctive reaction—not that they were overthinking it.

Ren cleared his throat.

After all, looking around the increasingly crowded little teahouse…

Once, Kamisato Ayaka had confidently believed this space was big enough to accommodate everyone.

But now, she had clearly underestimated the situation.

With the addition of Keqing and Sandrone—

Thankfully, a certain mysterious shrine maiden wasn't present.

If she were here too…

They really wouldn't be able to fit anymore.

Of course, Nahida, being a small white-haired girl, wasn't really counted among them.

None of the other girls considered her a threat.

"Mm."

Sensing everyone's gaze, Nahida blinked her large eyes, looking slightly confused.

"What's wrong, sisters?"

She reached out and gently grasped Ren's fingers.

Feeling his warmth, she immediately relaxed.

She wanted her sun—forever by her side.

"So cute…"

The girls' eyes lit up, murmuring unconsciously.

They had an overwhelming urge to scoop her up, rub her tiny belly, and poke her chubby little cheeks.

So—

Once again, they all turned their attention to Ren.

What exactly are you doing?

"Wait, why are you all looking at me?"

Ren lifted the white-haired girl into his arms, his face full of innocence.

You all want to hold her too?

"Brother, hug."

Nahida, sensing their intentions, burrowed deeper into Ren's embrace.

Her soft voice carried a clear message.

She didn't want the other sisters—

She only wanted to snuggle up to Ren.

"Good girl."

Ren chuckled softly.

Just one call of big brother was enough to make him feel weightless and completely at ease.

Nahida was truly the sweetest little angel.

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, you're so lucky to have such an adorable daughter.

At the same time, Ren couldn't help but glance at the girls with a hint of smugness.

Sorry, but aside from her mother, she only clings to me.

Come to think of it—he still didn't know who Nahida's father was.

But whatever. He had already claimed her.

"This child… what's the story, my dear partner?"

Sandrone swirled her teacup, her tone casual.

Yet, a flicker of suspicion passed through her eyes.

Could Nahida be the daughter of Ren and some white-haired woman?

"She's just a distant cousin. What are you even thinking?"

Ren ruffled Nahida's soft hair, speaking gently.

"Mm! Big Brother Ren treats me very well!"

Nahida lifted her face, obedient and adorable.

"Is that so? But…"

Sandrone clearly didn't buy it and was about to press further.

However, before she could continue—

Ren, having anticipated this, swiftly changed the topic.

"Let's not dwell on that—take a look at this gift I prepared especially for you."

He pulled out a blueprint and placed it right in front of Sandrone.

"Oh? A gift for me…?"

Sandrone let out a soft laugh, intrigued.

Of course, her interest stemmed from Ren himself.

After all, it was just a mechanical design blueprint.

As a specialist in Khaenri'ahn technology, what kind of industrial schematics hadn't she seen before?

She had already prepared herself to receive something ordinary.

But then—

Glancing at the jealous expressions of the other girls, Sandrone's lips curled into a satisfied smile.

What pleased her the most was—

Ren had given her a gift in front of all of them.

How greedy and bold of him.

Though, she couldn't deny—she absolutely loved it.

After all, a little vanity was natural for every girl.

And the Eleventh Harbinger, "The Marionette", was no exception.

With that thought, Sandrone deliberately dragged out her words.

"Oh my, how mysterious~ I wonder what it could be—"

"…"

The other girls instinctively clenched their fists.

This woman was definitely doing this on purpose!

"Just hurry up and open it already."

Ren's eyes gleamed knowingly.

Sandrone blinked, then smirked.

"Seems like you're quite confident in this little gift meant to win me over."

With that, she gracefully unsealed the blueprint.

And then—

What she saw exceeded the limits of human engineering.

"Wait… this is?!"

Sandrone's blue eyes widened in shock.

It was King Deshret's technology!

Without another word, she lost all interest in everyone else.

She immediately spread the blueprint across the table and began analyzing it.

"You like it?"

Ren smiled, satisfied.

He had no idea what any of it meant—

But surely, this was enough to win over Sandrone.

"My dear partner, I love you!"

Sandrone caressed the schematics, her gaze filled with obsession.

To receive the wisdom of a lost civilization, concentrated into one document—how could she not lose herself in it?

My dear… just how many more secrets are you hiding?

Ren: …

At least look at him when you say that.

"!"

Ren didn't notice—

But in his arms, Nahida's lips parted slightly in surprise.

How could this be?

It was King Deshret's civilization.

Even the Sumeru Akademiya and the Akasha system had failed to decipher its secrets.

And yet, now—

"What about me?"

Keqing was the first to step forward, extending her hand.

She refused to fall behind.

"Yours."

Ren pulled out a Rex Lapis figurine.

"I-I don't even like this kind of thing—"

"Alright, alright, just take it."

Ren stuffed the figurine into the tsundere's hands, smiling.

Judging by that spark in your eyes, you love it, don't you?

With Keqing taken care of, Ren moved on.

"There's more."

One by one, the gifts appeared.

"Ayaka, this is the little fox mask you liked last time we went out."

Ayaka accepted it with both hands, her eyes lighting up with joy.

She had only glanced at it a few times—

Yet he had remembered.

Who could possibly resist such a thoughtful and gentle master?

"And this is for you."

Ren handed a carefully arranged flower bouquet to Hiiragi Chisato.

The arrangement was beautifully designed, filled with flowers from all over Teyvat.

Of course, a few wildflowers, clearly handpicked by Ren, stood out.

"Thank you, Ren."

Chisato's smile softened.

She still remembered—

When they were kids, sneaking out to play, they had picked these very same flowers together.

Now, they had both grown up.

Yet the flowers remained as beautiful as ever.

Yoimiya, watching all the girls receive gifts, felt a bit envious.

Would there be one for her?

Probably… not, she thought.

Lowering her gaze slightly, she quickly smiled again.

"Then I'll go get some snacks!"

She was about to leave—

Perhaps wanting to step away from the crowded teahouse for a bit.

But then—

"Where are you going?"

Ren asked curiously, handing her a small box.

Yoimiya's lashes trembled.

She hesitated, then slowly reached out.

Was this… for her?

"Mm."

Ren nodded with a smile.

"…"

Suddenly, Yoimiya found herself unable to meet his eyes.

If you keep looking at me like that… people will misunderstand.

She carefully opened the box.

Inside—

Colorful candies filled her palm.

All her favorite flavors.

Whenever she played with the kids, she loved sharing sweets.

"Ren, how did you know I liked…"

"…these flavors?"

She bit her lip, nearly blurting out his name.

"You always shared them with me, didn't you? I just remembered."

Ren answered casually.

"Oh."

Yoimiya blinked, her cheeks turning pink.

So… you actually pay attention to my little habits?

And you say it so naturally… that's not fair.

"Yoimiya, are you okay?"

Beside her, Ayaka looked concerned.

Her best friend's expression was getting stranger and stranger.

"N-No! I'm totally fine!"

The lively girl beamed brightly.

A little silly, but undeniably happy.

"Ren, I super love it!"

She grinned, speaking with newfound courage.

Whether she meant the candy—or something else…

"As long as you like them."

Ren smiled, not thinking much of it.

Looking at the now harmonious scene—

It should be stable now, right?

Good thing he had planned ahead.

Otherwise—

Kazuha's influence would have ruined everything again!

"..."

Throughout the entire exchange, Nahida remained quiet.

She gently pursed her lips, watching everyone.

How nice…

The genuine happiness filling the room.

The feeling of being cared for—so warm, so comforting.

She hoped that maybe… she could receive a gift of her own.

She was born carrying the expectations of an entire nation.

By all rights, she should have been surrounded by flowers and praise.

But…

Nahida had spent centuries imprisoned.

Even though she only wanted to help the people of Sumeru.

No—she wouldn't dwell on those things anymore.

Because now, she had found her sun.

"…"

Nahida smiled softly and waited in silence.

But until the very end—

She felt nothing from Ren's spiritual presence.

…There's nothing?

Her emerald eyes lowered slightly, whispering in her heart.

In that moment, she suddenly understood something.

Was it because she was still a child?

Even though she longed to grow stronger—to grow up…

But—

"Ah, right."

Just then, Ren loosened his hold on Nahida.

The warmth surrounding her faded slightly.

She instinctively reached out, as if trying to hold onto it.

"I have an announcement to make."

Ren suddenly spoke.

The girls immediately turned their attention to him.

"Big Brother Ren?"

Nahida's eyes widened slightly.

That gaze—

Ren was looking right at her.

Her sun… hadn't forgotten her!

"My dear partner, do you have a child?"

Sandrone asked absentmindedly, her focus still on the schematics.

"Yes, I do."

Ren smiled.

Before the girls could explode—

He suddenly lifted Nahida high into the air.

"And it's our little angel!"

The unexpected turn of events caught everyone off guard—

Even Nahida.

She seemed to realize something, gently biting her lip.

Snap!

With a crisp snap of fingers, the room was suddenly plunged into darkness.

"Who just touched me?"

Ren's voice echoed through the dark.

What the—someone just took advantage of the situation?!

"Ahaha, I couldn't see clearly…"

Yoimiya laughed awkwardly.

Kamisato Ayaka: ???

"Turn the lights back on." Sandrone sounded displeased.

Amidst the commotion, only Nahida remained peacefully nestled in Ren's arms.

She blinked her large eyes, her gaze soft.

Simply being free to stay beside her sun—

That was already enough to make her happy.

Suddenly—

A faint glimmer appeared in the darkness.

"That is…"

Nahida murmured, instinctively reaching out.

The light grew brighter, flickering softly.

It was a candle—

Its gentle glow illuminating the faces around her.

And in its warmth—

It cast a soft radiance over Nahida's angelic beauty.

Her emerald eyes shimmered, reflecting the candlelight.

The flickering glow danced within them, refusing to settle.

Ren glanced at the girls around him and smiled.

"Today… is our little angel's special day."

Then, with a voice full of warmth, he announced—

"Happy birthday, Nahida!"

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T/N: YIPPEEE!!