Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

In the quiet, undisturbed room, a faint floral fragrance lingered in the air as Kamisato Ayaka drew closer, her gentle smile unwavering.

Qin Yu subtly stepped back.

If he didn't move now, this girl would press right up against him.

"Master, are you still avoiding me?"

Her soft voice carried a hint of disappointment.

"..."

Without saying a word, Qin Yu reached out and patted her head.

This had always been his way of soothing little Ayaka.

Someday, he would reveal his identity—once he was sure it wouldn't result in him being locked in a basement.

Ayaka bit her lip lightly but refrained from pressing further.

She wasn't one to give up so easily, especially not when it came to her beloved Master.

If he ever truly intended to leave, then she would have no choice but to...

After a brief moment, Ayaka composed herself.

"Master, do you know the story of the shop owner and his wife?"

"No," Qin Yu replied, intrigued.

He had suspected that Ayaka had more in mind when she invited him here.

Seeing that he was willing to listen, Ayaka began to explain in her soothing voice:

"The shop owner was once a high-ranking official in the Tenryou Commission."

"Within the shogunate, he wielded significant influence."

"Then one day, a woman named Erika appeared."

Qin Yu blinked in surprise.

Isn't that the current proprietress?

So, it's a classic love story of chance encounters and romance?

"Heh," Ayaka chuckled softly, her eyes curving with amusement as she shook her head.

"If it were that simple, I wouldn't have brought it up."

She continued:

"Erika had a hidden purpose—she was tasked with monitoring someone."

Her words trailed off, leaving much unsaid.

The room fell silent as their gazes met.

Qin Yu broke the silence, speculating,

"Did they eventually fall for each other?"

Ayaka nodded slightly, her delicate features framed by her quiet elegance.

Qin Yu exhaled softly and looked up.

The graceful girl across from him radiated warmth as she gazed back, seemingly waiting for his response.

"..."

I see. It's a tale of mutual deception yet mutual understanding.

Wasn't this reminiscent of his own situation with Ayaka?

The key difference was...

Those two are already married and living happily. Meanwhile, this girl is subtly hinting at me to come clean.

What? Does she want me to reveal my identity and then emulate the shop owner's married life with her?

Her little schemes were endless.

Qin Yu considered for a moment before speaking softly:

"Are you hoping for a life like theirs, Ayaka?"

"I don't think it would suit us."

"..."

Ayaka's eyes widened slightly.

"Master, why not?"

Is he really rejecting me outright?

Before disappointment could settle in her gaze—

"Stop overthinking," Qin Yu said, ruffling her hair with a light tap on her head.

"And don't make me do this again," he added, giving her hair a thorough tousle.

"I'm not a child anymore," Ayaka pouted, looking up with puffed cheeks.

But her eyes sparkled brightly, betraying her growing happiness.

After some thought, Qin Yu spoke with sincerity:

"If one day you find that special person..."

"You wouldn't want to stay confined with them, would you?"

"Traveling the world together might be a better choice."

Ayaka blinked, her expression gradually softening.

He's right. Why envy others?

At this moment, she was here, and so was her Master.

They had cherished memories together.

And in the future, there would be many more.

More importantly, he didn't refuse me outright.

That alone was enough.

"Hah..."

Ayaka felt her cheeks warm as a blush spread across her face.

"Thank you, Master," she said softly.

Qin Yu nodded and excused himself for a moment.

It seemed she needed a little time to herself.

"I'll come back to check on you soon," he said.

"Mm..."

As he stepped out and gently closed the door behind him, Qin Yu let out a long sigh.

"Overthinking won't help," he muttered with a wry smile.

I'll give her time to calm down before returning.

He decided to head to the restroom.

As he descended the stairs, a familiar voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Excuse me, sir..."

Qin Yu froze, quickly peering down toward the lobby.

An ominous feeling surged through him.

A strikingly familiar figure entered Uyuu Restaurant, exuding calm authority.

The man's smile was warm, his demeanor approachable, like the kindest older brother one could meet.

"..."

If he weren't holding a sword, that is.

The visitor was none other than Kamisato Ayato, the Yashiro Commissioner and head of the Kamisato Clan.

Ayaka's ever-protective elder brother.

And he had come, sword in hand, to catch someone.

---

T/N: LMAO ayaka he's just not a fan of 'im gonna lock you in my basement forever' vibes you're giving offf

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