Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [12]
"Excuse us, thank you!"
This stall was unexpectedly popular.
After some effort, Ren managed to emerge at the front of the crowd, with Chisato following closely behind, her face alight with excitement.
She pointed toward a plush toy prominently displayed.
"Renny, that one!"
Ren pulled out some Mora. "Boss, let me try a few rounds."
Having just received his paycheck, he was feeling rather confident about spending a little extra.
The stall owner, busy collecting payments, turned around upon hearing him.
"Sure thing, customer! How many—!"
His words caught in his throat as his face turned pale.
Pointing a trembling finger at Ren, he stammered, "Y-you're…!"
Ren placed a firm hand on the man's shoulder, his smile calm and disarming.
"Boss, why are you trying to run away?"
Now that Ren got a closer look, the stall owner was a small, wiry man with shifty eyes that darted nervously about.
At this moment, however, he looked utterly terrified as he shivered under Ren's gaze.
The man swallowed hard. "I… uh…"
Oh no, what do I even say?!
Ren's expression grew suspicious. "Didn't you say you were turning over a new leaf?"
"You look awfully scared for someone who's gone legit."
The stall owner froze, blinking as if realizing something.
"Y-yeah, I left the Treasure Hoarders ages ago!"
Forcing an awkward smile, he scrambled to his feet.
"Sorry, habit, habit! Haha…"
He patted his chest and gestured grandly toward his stall.
"See? I'm a proper citizen now!"
This man, named Sando, was a former member of the Treasure Hoarders who specialized in looting ruins.
His hands weren't exactly clean.
After being thoroughly beaten by Ren, a Tenryou Commission samurai, he had sworn to leave the Treasure Hoarders behind and reform his ways.
He hadn't had much of a choice—Ren's calm demeanor belied a ruthless fighting style.
Had Sando resisted back then, he'd have left with more than a few broken bones.
Chisato furrowed her brows and puffed up angrily.
"Acting all sneaky—did you pay your taxes to the Kanjou Commission?"
Sando's face froze, his expression turning sour.
"Ah… well, uh, you see… I can't afford to."
"A single processing fee is 500,000 Mora!"
He spread his fingers wide, his voice trembling.
Five hundred thousand Mora—a sum most people could hardly fathom.
Chisato's shoulders slumped as her expression fell.
"Sorry."
She had unconsciously overlooked the corruption and decay within the Kanjou Commission.
Though she had dreams of reforming Inazuma's economy, she would have to face the entire Kanjou Commission—and even all of Inazuma itself.
There was nothing she could do.
"What are you apologizing for?"
Sando laughed heartily.
"You're not one of those heartless Kanjou Commission officials."
His comment wasn't meant to be cutting, but it struck a nerve.
Chisato lowered her head further, looking even more disheartened.
Ren shot Sando a glare.
Couldn't you have kept your mouth shut?
Realizing his blunder, Sando scratched his head, looking confused.
Had he said something wrong?
His eyes darted about, and he slapped himself on the cheek.
"Ah, stupid me! My big mouth!"
Then, with a flattering grin, he quickly tried to make amends.
"This lovely young lady must be out on a date with her boyfriend, right? I'll waive the fee for you two!"
"Play as much as you like—have fun!"
He finished with a look of pride, glancing at Ren as if seeking approval.
How was that for a wingman move?
Before he could bask in his self-perceived brilliance, Ren smacked him on the head.
"Don't talk if you don't have anything smart to say."
Just as Ren was about to say more, Chisato tugged at his sleeve, her voice soft.
"W-what are you doing?"
She shot a quick glance at him before lowering her head again.
"Don't hit him…"
"???"
Is this girl seriously falling for a few flattering words?
"We're just friends," Ren said bluntly, letting go of Sando.
Chisato pouted, stamping her foot in frustration.
"I get it, I get it," Sando said with a sly grin.
Ren's blood pressure spiked. What exactly do you get?
"Now, about the rings…"
Ren stretched out his hand. "Give them to me."
Taking the rings, he handed them to Chisato.
After a brief pause, he added, "I'll win you the biggest plush toy. Don't feel bad."
"Some things are best left to the Shogun to handle."
In other words, let the corrupt officials reap what they've sown.
Even if they were connected to Chisato's family.
Her eyes lit up as her spirits lifted.
"With Renny looking out for me, I'm not sad anymore."
"Hmph, I'm not looking out for you."
Despite his cold response, Chisato smiled softly.
"Thank you, Renny."
"I heard everything you said."
Ren glanced at her, surprised by the determination in her gaze.
The fledgling bird, briefly freed from its constraints, was beginning to grow.
He nodded slightly.
"Ugh, I didn't hit a single one!"
A wail came from nearby.
A man had thrown all his rings but failed to win anything.
"Boss, what's the deal?!"
Sando chuckled, rubbing his hands mischievously.
If everyone could win as easily as the planted accomplices earlier, how could he stay in business?
"Just buy another round—you're bound to hit something soon."
"Forget it. That plush thing scurried off the moment I got close. Impossible to win!"
Grumbling, the man left.
Ren glanced behind Sando.
There was a small, fenced-in area filled with mysterious holes.
"What's this…"
Narrowing his eyes, Ren spotted a small animal wiggling its hips.
It grinned at him mischievously.
A Treasure Hoarder Ferret.