Kapitel 16: Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [16]
Ren snapped out of his thoughts, shaking his head slightly.
It seemed Ayaka and Yoimiya were nearby.
"Nothing, let's continue."
"Mm!"
With Sayu's skill enhancing their efforts, the results were unsurprisingly flawless.
Every ring toss hit its mark perfectly.
Ren didn't hesitate to grab the largest plush toy.
Yes, the most expensive one.
A limited-edition figure of the Almighty Narukami Ogosho, the Raiden Shogun herself.
He placed it in the arms of Chisato before him.
"Here, it's yours."
"Renny, you're the best!"
Chisato twirled around joyfully, unable to contain her excitement.
She wanted to show the whole world the gift Renny had given her.
The crowd watching burst into applause.
A beautiful girl's smile was always a source of warmth for others.
"No!"
Sando fell to his knees, despair written all over his face.
It was over. Everything was over.
The crowd enjoyed the spectacle, their laughter filling the air.
Chisato received a precious gift.
Ren earned the girl's favor.
But his wallet? Utterly annihilated.
That plush toy was expensive!!
Ren glanced at Sando with a faint smile.
"Nice toy. I'm very satisfied."
"Hahaha... as long as you're happy... hahaha..."
Sando swallowed his tears.
He truly wanted to slap himself.
Why did he have to provoke Ren for no reason?
My regret? Endless.
Ren aimed a light kick at the man's backside.
"Alright, stop crying like a big baby."
Sando, clutching his sore backside, looked as pitiful as a wronged daughter-in-law.
"There are plenty of people watching. Do you want to quit your job sobbing like that?"
Ren's words struck the man like a thunderbolt.
"You mean...?"
"Tell your treasure-seeking ferret not to go overboard."
Ren shook his head.
Sando was completely clueless.
If you start without even offering rewards, what's the point?
You have to give a taste of sweetness before reaping the benefits...
...bringing people heartfelt joy through carefully crafted experiences.
Sando's epiphany brought tears streaming down his face.
"Brilliant, Takahashi-sama, absolutely brilliant!"
Ren, unimpressed, kicked him once more.
"You're not a pretty girl, so cut it out with the thigh-hugging."
At that moment, a shrine maiden approached Ren.
"Are you leaving already?"
The shrine maiden smiled gently. "Guuji-sama is waiting for you."
"This way, please."
Ren nodded, then turned to Chisato
"This shrine maiden will accompany you."
"Oh..."
Chisato lowered her head slightly, murmuring softly.
Though she relied on Ren, she wasn't someone who acted out of line.
"I'll leave for a bit. Don't wander off."
Ren left.
I really don't want to see that damn fox woman.
---
Chisato watched him leave, her gaze tender.
"Humph..."
The little tanuki hanging on her shoulder sulked, feeling its place of affection had been usurped by the plush toy.
"Miss Chisato, this way, please."
"Someone wishes to meet you."
The shrine maiden smiled her formal smile and bowed slightly.
Who could it be?
Leaving the crowd, Chisato walked through a quiet corridor.
In the distance, under the moonlight, she saw a graceful figure holding a folding fan.
Elegant and beautiful.
Chisato's footsteps slowed, her expression hesitant.
It was none other than the lady of the Yashiro Commission, Kamisato Ayaka.
"Lady Kamisato, Miss Chisato is here to see you."
The shrine maiden withdrew gracefully.
Hearing the announcement, Ayaka turned around, her gaze gentle yet tinged with subtle scrutiny.
"Nice to meet you. I'm delighted to make your acquaintance."
Ayaka bowed politely, her smile impeccable.
Chisato tightened her hold on the plush toy in her arms—Ren's gift to her.
Ayaka's gaze lingered briefly on the plush toy, her eyes flickering with curiosity.
"That's a finely crafted toy. May I ask where it's from?"
The elegant lady clearly knew the answer but chose to inquire anyway.
After all, she had witnessed Ren holding Chisato 's hand during the entire process...
"My fiancé gave it to me. Isn't it cute?"
Chisato 's eyes sparkled, her lips curling into a subtle smile.
Silence.
Stillness.
"..."
Ayaka's smile slowly faded.
"Fiancé?"
Yoimiya's gaze flitted between the two ladies.
The atmosphere felt... off.
As someone with a Vision, she couldn't help but feel a chill down her spine.
---
Ren reached the shrine's inner sanctum.
The attendant shrine maiden discreetly withdrew, leaving him alone.
At last, he was here.
Ren took a deep breath and stepped into the courtyard.
Cherry blossoms danced in the wind, painting a dreamlike scene.
A solitary figure stood beneath the Sacred Sakura.
Fox ears framed her head, and her long pink hair cascaded down to her waist, swaying gently in the evening breeze.
Her luxurious shrine maiden attire accentuated her mature and alluring figure, while her exposed long legs gleamed like polished jade.
She was the head shrine maiden of the Grand Narukami Shrine.
A retainer of the Electro Archon.
Yae Miko.
"Guuji-sama," Ren greeted her calmly, raising his gaze to meet the fox woman's.
Inwardly, he couldn't help but think, Damn fox.
"You've finally come."
The fox woman turned with a slight yawn, her bewitching eyes narrowing playfully.
"Ah... I thought you'd forgotten about me."
"Guuji-sama, you must be joking."
"...Oh?"
Watching Ren's composed demeanor, Yae Miko's lips curled into a mischievous smile.
She relished slowly unraveling the boy's inner thoughts.
It was fun, wasn't it?
"Speaking of which, that girl seemed quite delighted."
Ren's gaze dropped slightly.
Yae Miko approached, her steps unhurried, her smile layered with meaning.
"Do you think the Kanjou Commission will find out?"
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
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Rangliste 
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Stein