Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [20]
"How strange. Why did the weather change so suddenly?"
At the bustling stall, Sando glanced up.
After Ren's earlier advice, he had raked in a fortune thanks to his treasure-seeking weasel.
Looking at the now-dimmed moonlight, he shook his head.
This could hurt my business.
Others around him also noticed the change and began murmuring among themselves.
On Narukami Island, where the gods held sway, the weather often reflected their will.
The sudden appearance of dark clouds was undoubtedly unusual.
"Come to think of it, that young lady with Ren earlier..."
Sando tapped his forehead, feeling a nagging sense of familiarity.
Had he heard about her somewhere before?
The shrine maiden had referred to her as Miss Chisato...
Wait, was she that noble lady whose name everyone bows their heads to?
Just as the thought struck, the distant sound of a commotion reached his ears.
Sando looked up, his expression changing drastically.
"Damn it, it's the Kanjou Commission!"
If they catch you, they won't leave a single Mora behind!
Packing up his stall in a hurry, he slipped away into the shadows.
In a tranquil pavilion, two young ladies sat together.
One was elegant and noble; the other, gentle and charming.
Their beauty was mesmerizing, the kind that could captivate an entire nation.
Cherry blossoms danced in the air, yet there was no one to admire them—
Except for one fireworks-maker sandwiched awkwardly between the two: Yoimiya.
The two ladies, of course, were Ayaka and Chisato.
"Nyuu!"
The little tanuki squirmed in Yoimiya's arms, eager to speak.
But Yoimiya quickly covered its mouth, holding it still.
"Nyuu—!"
Its tiny eyes filled with confusion.
Why were the two female humans sitting in silence for so long?
Why wasn't it allowed to talk?
Earlier, everyone had been chatting so happily.
Why did things turn out like this? This is so sad, nyuu.
Yoimiya gently hugged the little tanuki and whispered, "Little one, don't cause trouble!"
She glanced nervously at Ayaka, then at Chisato.
The two young ladies had been locked in a silent stare for what felt like ages.
No one could guess what was going through their minds.
"Ugh...!"
Yoimiya's cheeks flushed as she rubbed her thighs together, fidgeting.
Please, someone save me from this weird atmosphere!
For the first time in her lively life, Yoimiya felt what it was like to be trapped.
Snap!
Ayaka closed her folding fan with a crisp sound, breaking the suffocating silence.
The sudden release of tension jolted Yoimiya to her feet, and she slapped the table.
"Uh, suddenly I remembered I have something to—"
"You're not leaving."
Chisato's calm gaze turned to Yoimiya.
Her voice froze Yoimiya in place, and she sat back down with a defeated whimper.
So scary!
Burying her face into the little tanuki, Yoimiya clung to it like a lifeline.
Ayaka set her folding fan on the table and, as if casually, asked:
"Miss Chisato, could you tell me more about your fiancé?"
Here it comes, the fiancé interrogation!
Yoimiya buried her face deeper into the tanuki, but her ears perked up to listen.
In all her time knowing Ayaka, she had never seen her act like this.
My dear bestie, why are you so interested in someone else's man?
You're acting so suspicious!
Meanwhile, Chisato admired Ayaka's serene demeanor.
No wonder she's called the Shirasagi Himegimi of Inazuma. She truly is a stunning young lady.
"..."
But something felt off.
Ayaka seemed to have her sights set on something—or someone—very important to Chisato.
Clutching the plush toy in her arms, Chisato held it close like a protective mother.
Yes, even the gentlest rabbit will bite if cornered.
After a long pause, she raised her head, her gentle smile unwavering.
Locking eyes with Ayaka, she showed no sign of backing down.
"My fiancé?"
"That's right. Ren is my fiancé."
Yoimiya trembled slightly, as if struck by lightning.
This is huge gossip!
Ayaka was silent for a moment before her serene smile returned.
"If I recall correctly, the engagement has been annulled."
"Perhaps the term 'fiancé' is no longer appropriate."
Yoimiya clenched her small fists.
Bestie, why are your words so sharp?
Is this some kind of war between the Yashiro Commission and the Kanjou Commission?
"Annulled? I never agreed to that," Chisato's companion replied softly, stroking the plush toy in her arms.
"That was nothing more than a one-sided decision by my family."
"What right do they have to tear apart my happiness with Ren?"
Ayaka saw the determination in her eyes and silently admired her resolve.
Just like herself, this young lady of the Kanjou Commission was willing to fight for her own happiness.
But, unfortunately...
If Ren truly was her master, Ayaka wouldn't let go either.
Just as Ayaka prepared to probe further about Ren, Chisato suddenly smiled sweetly.
"Lady Kamisato, look at this."
She held up the plush toy, swaying it gently.
The adorable toy, with its round and chubby face, was crafted with exquisite detail.
It was irresistibly cute, the kind of thing anyone would want to pinch.
"Isn't it cute?"
Faced with such an innocent question, Ayaka's heart softened.
Her earlier impatience regarding her master's affairs began to fade.
With a faint smile, one that was breathtakingly beautiful, she replied, "Very cute."
"Mm!"
Chisato nodded happily.
"Right? Ren gave it to me!"
"...
Ayaka's smile slowly disappeared.
---
T/N: CATFIGHTTT