Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [24]
What a poor girl.
She had come all the way from the countryside to Inazuma, only to be abandoned by that conniving fox without even being offered a meal.
Now, she'd been unceremoniously dumped on him, while Yae Miko vanished without a trace.
Even the capitalists of Snezhnaya would cry at this level of exploitation.
"Well, since there's a festival going on, follow me," Ren said, deciding to give her a taste of city life.
"By the way, how should I address you?"
"My... name?"
The woman in the violet dress murmured softly, her gaze drifting toward the Sacred Sakura.
"A name is but a fleeting designation."
I've already lost the most important person in the world to me. What meaning could a name possibly hold?
A wave of melancholy washed over her.
Perhaps I should never have awakened...
"?"
Ren raised an eyebrow, fighting the urge to facepalm.
This one's definitely in the advanced stages of chuunibyo.
She'd fit right in with Fischl.
"I really need your name, though," Ren said, walking alongside her.
"Without a name, people will think you're suspicious."
He painted a vivid picture of the dire consequences.
"You could even get thrown in the Tenryou Commission's dungeon!"
"Is that so?"
The woman snorted lightly, clearly unimpressed.
"..."
Ren felt defeated. She wasn't even taking him seriously.
After a moment, she tilted her head thoughtfully. "You're part of the Tenryou Commission too, aren't you?"
"Yeah, so?"
"Does that mean you're here to arrest me?"
Her train of thought jumped so quickly that Ren struggled to keep up.
"No, no, don't misunderstand. I mean no harm."
"Hmph. Fine."
Ren sighed, shaking his head.
This woman feels like she's ready to draw a blade at any moment. Very dangerous.
"So, what's your name?"
"..."
The woman gazed at the Sacred Sakura in the distance, her voice soft.
"Just call me... Mei."
The two of them arrived at the festival grounds.
Unlike the serene atmosphere of the shrine, the streets were bustling with life and energy.
Although Inazuma was under the Sakoku Decree, it had yet to endure the scars of war. The city was thriving.
Mei, however, hesitated at the edge of the lively scene.
The bright lights and cheerful crowds clashed with her cold, detached demeanor.
"Come on, let's find you something good to eat," Ren called to her, waving her over.
It's normal for someone from the countryside to feel a bit out of place.
Still, they couldn't afford to waste time.
Mei lowered her head, her expression flickering.
Everything here was so different from the world she had known.
The vitality and energy of the place left her momentarily dazed.
Her awakening had been at Yae Miko's request, but...
Hadn't I also felt conflicted?
Just then, a gentle push came from behind, nudging her out of the shadows and into the dazzling light of the festival.
Startled, Mei turned to see Ren giving her an exasperated look.
"See? Taking that first step isn't so bad."
"Let's go, or all the food stalls will close soon."
Shrugging, Ren stepped forward.
Mei watched his back, momentarily stunned.
How had he gotten so close without me noticing?
For someone like her, that was nearly impossible.
After a brief pause, Mei followed him.
Time passed as Ren led her through the lively streets.
Mei's eyes roamed curiously over the bustling scene, her soft exclamations betraying her wonder.
Ah, the typical reaction of a country girl, Ren thought with a small smile.
However, a problem soon arose—most of the food stalls had already wrapped up for the night.
Just as he was about to give up, Ren caught a whiff of something sweet in the air.
Behind him, Mei was staring intently in one direction.
Following her gaze, Ren's expression turned strange.
It was a dessert stall.
Does this girl have some special attachment to sweets?
Can desserts even be considered proper food?
Mei approached the stall, her gaze fixed on the wide variety of treats. Her eyes eventually landed on the tri-colored dango.
The vendor quickly greeted her, "Welcome! What would you like to try?"
Raising a slender finger, Mei pointed at the dango.
"Um, miss, I didn't catch that. Could you point again?"
Mei turned her icy gaze on the vendor.
A chill ran down his spine.
"T-this one?" he stammered.
"All of it," Mei said coolly, cutting him off.
The vendor froze, thinking he had misheard.
All of it? Does she not care about her teeth?
But under the weight of her frosty aura, he didn't dare argue.
"Good evening," Ren greeted, arriving just in time.
Mei glanced at him briefly, arms crossed, saying nothing.
By then, the vendor had hurriedly packed up all the desserts.
"Are you closing already?" Ren asked, noticing the empty stall.
The vendor hesitated, sneaking a glance at Mei before forcing a smile.
"Well, um, this lady already bought everything."
Mei extended her hand, taking a large package from the vendor.
"Wait!" the vendor exclaimed. "You haven't paid yet!"
"Paying? What's that?"
The vendor stared in disbelief.
Is this... robbery?
How can she act so righteous about it? Is there no justice under the Raiden Shogun?!
Ren sighed and stepped in.
"Hold on."
He glanced at the massive package.
"This... this is all desserts?"
The vendor nodded silently.
Ren staggered slightly, steadying himself against the stall.
Mei clutched the package tightly, her gaze daring him to try and take it.
Forcing a smile, Ren asked softly, "How much, sir?"
The vendor nervously held up five fingers.
Ren's face fell.
"How much?!"
That's my entire paycheck!