Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

Ei turned away in silence, unwilling to continue this conversation with Miko.

Leaning against the railing, she gazed into the distance.

Her violet eyes, fixed on the lights of Inazuma City, rippled with emotion.

How far have things progressed…?

"You've really changed a lot because of Ren."

Miko stepped up beside her, watching her with a knowing look.

The old Ei never cared about what others thought.

But now…

She was instinctively defending Ren.

"?"

A spark of lightning flickered in Ei's gaze as she turned to face Miko's teasing smile.

"That name is not yours to call."

Her amethyst eyes narrowed slightly, her tone unreadable.

Was this disrespectful little fox in need of discipline?

"Alright, alright, I was just joking," Miko laughed, raising her hands in surrender.

"Hmph. Why are you here?"

Only then did Ei look away and step back inside Tenshukaku.

She knew her fox too well—Miko never showed up without a reason.

Something had to be going on.

"As expected of you, Ei. You're as sharp as ever."

Miko followed her in, her eyes casually scanning the surroundings.

Her gaze finally landed on a familiar pink-covered book.

"Oh my… you're still reading that romance light novel?"

Miko leaned in, her voice playful, deliberately emphasizing the word romance.

"Do you need something?"

Ei remained as composed as ever.

Her posture and expression were impeccable, as if the book had nothing to do with her at all.

As if it was merely something Ren had left behind after reading.

Ren: Excuse me???

"I thought you'd reject the whole 'multiple love interests' concept."

Miko's smile deepened, her words laced with implication.

Surely Ei had noticed by now.

The number of troublesome girls surrounding Ren was increasing.

"…"

Ei's expression didn't change.

She simply picked up the novel, tracing her fingers along the cover.

"I visited Yae Publishing House for the ending."

She said it so matter-of-factly.

Yes, as a reader, wasn't it perfectly reasonable to go directly to the author's house to demand an update?

Miko blinked in surprise.

So… in the end, the harem ending was because Ei—

"Choice is the root of suffering and conflict."

Ei spoke softly, her gaze becoming gentler.

She had already endured enough regrets and pain.

Naturally, she didn't want Ren to go through the same.

Besides, no matter how many other women came along, none could truly shake her position.

After all, she was the Electro Archon—one of the Seven.

This was Ei's confidence, her absolute dominance.

No matter how diverse Ren's circle became, there would never be another god among them.

In every possible way, she was the one who stood at the top.

Advantage: mine.

"So… you plan to eliminate the source of suffering?"

Miko's lips curled into a mischievous smile. She made a slicing motion across her neck.

Just get rid of them all.

Far away, Ren suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

"…"

Ei scoffed, her gaze turning cold.

Anyone who dared to harm Ren—wouldn't live to regret it.

"Alright, alright. Looks like you've already made up your mind."

Miko shrugged, not pressing further.

But her expression turned more serious.

Now, it was time for real business.

"Ei, the Sacred Sakura's corruption… is returning."

The air in the grand hall turned deathly still.

Miko could feel the immense pressure radiating from the silent Archon.

After a long pause—

"…Sister."

Ei let out a quiet sigh.

This was a problem she couldn't avoid.

The Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual.

"When the time comes, I will take action."

She closed her eyes briefly, waving a hand dismissively.

She seemed… weary.

Even after centuries of cutting down countless foes, tirelessly protecting Inazuma, what did it amount to?

In the end, the only one left by her side… was Ren.

(Certain pink-furred creatures don't count.)

The corner of Ei's lips lifted slightly.

Sister…

If possible, she wanted to take Ren's hand and introduce him to Raiden Makoto.

Not because she was thinking about meeting the parents or anything.

…Definitely not.

"With you saying that, I can finally relax."

Miko smiled sincerely.

She had to admit—Ren had completely pulled Ei out of her reclusive shell.

And not just that… he was about to steal her away entirely.

Greedy little thing.

"You may leave now."

Ei stated calmly, subtly ushering Miko out.

She still needed to wait for Ren to return to Tenshukaku.

No need for a certain nosy fox to be around for that.

Miko smirked, easily reading her intentions.

"Oh, by the way, Ei—"

"Have you considered… that Ren might be staying over at Komore Teahouse?"

Her teasing voice trailed off.

Ei's violet eyes narrowed.

"…Komore Teahouse?"

She slowly closed the book in her hands, realizing the gravity of the situation.

She had forgotten to demolish that place.

"If you don't act soon… someone might steal your home."

Miko's fox ears twitched as she delivered her expert analysis.

And the ever-dignified Shogun… was actually listening intently.

---

Meanwhile, in Inazuma City—

The lively night market bustled with activity.

Among the crowds, a pale-haired girl in a white cloak moved carefully through the streets.

"Finally, finally…!"

The golden-haired traveler clutched her tiny purse, peeking inside.

A few hundred Mora.

For someone currently penniless, it was a fortune.

Which meant…

She could now afford to sleep under a bridge outside of Inazuma City.

"Lumine, I'm so hungry…"

Paimon flopped onto Lumine's head, staring longingly at the nearby food stalls.

"You're not hungry."

Lumine flicked Paimon off her head.

"Uwah! So mean!"

Paimon spun through the air before steadying herself, pouting in protest.

"How did we even end up like this?!"

They had spent half the day wandering the outskirts of Inazuma City, searching for trouble.

But unlike the chaotic rumors they had heard, Inazuma was surprisingly peaceful.

Apparently, some guy named Ren had already wiped out all the threats.

Someone actually took our job…

If they ever ran into this guy, they'd definitely make him buy them dinner.

"Heh heh… dinner…"

Paimon's pout vanished, replaced by a dopey grin at the thought of food.

"Let's check the Adventurers' Guild for commissions."

Lumine sighed.

Life was tough.

She had no Mora, no proper shelter—

Not even a blanket to sleep under.

Right. It sank into the ocean.

Truly tragic.

...

"Ad astra abyssosque—"

"Catherine, will you go on a date with me?"

Lumine leaned dramatically against the counter, interrupting Catherine's usual greeting.

She was in distress.

She needed the gentle comfort of a beautiful woman!

"How about taking a look at the new commissions?"

Catherine, unfazed, responded with her usual smile.

Clearly, she was used to Lumine's shameless flirting.

"Become a personal maid? Yeah, I'm gonna have to pass."

Lumine barely skimmed the request before rejecting it outright.

She had her pride.

"It just involves transporting materials, assisting with research, and preparing meals."

"Plus, the pay is sixty Primogems per day."

"Unlimited duration."

Catherine smiled.

"!?"

Lumine's golden eyes trembled.

"Sixty… Primogems?!"

Paimon clutched her hand, eyes sparkling.

She could already see it—

Giant. Juicy. Drumsticks.

---

T/N: HUH? EI IS THE ONE GUIDING THE HAREM ENDING?