Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [28]
Though surprising, Mei's demeanor did match Ren's description—a rural girl whose lack of common sense could only be described as comical.
However...
Ayaka couldn't fully read her.
Mei's identity might not be as simple as it seemed.
"That's completely wrong! You can't just say things like that!"
Yoimiya placed her hands on her hips, unable to hold back her exasperation.
How did someone this clueless even make it to Inazuma City?
This was a complete lack of common sense!
And to travel alone? The thought alone was dangerous.
What if she ran into hilichurls—or worse—
No, she probably couldn't even handle a slime!
"Oh."
Mei gave a slight nod, her tone flat, as she picked up another sweet.
"!"
She didn't even listen!
Yoimiya's chest heaved in frustration as she clenched her small pink fists.
"At this rate, you're going to get kidnapped someday."
"Oh."
"You..."
Yoimiya's face flushed red, words momentarily failing her.
How could someone have such a baffling personality?
She's just like the Raiden Shogun—cold and impossible to reason with!
Mei turned to Ren and asked softly, "Why can't I say things like that?"
Ren's expression twisted. How was he supposed to explain this?
It's not like in his past life's games, where you could call every female NPC "wife" without a second thought.
"Hmph, leave it to me!"
Yoimiya patted her chest, volunteering to be Mei's guide to modern relationships.
After all, she was the famous love guru of Hanamizaka!
(She had self-proclaimed the title.)
"To find a boyfriend, the first thing you need to do is—"
"Do you have a boyfriend?"
Mei suddenly looked up and asked calmly.
"Huh?"
The lively girl froze, utterly caught off guard.
Teacher, this question is out of syllabus!
"I-I..."
Yoimiya's face turned bright red at a speed visible to the naked eye as she stammered.
Mei's gaze remained fixed on her, sharp and scrutinizing.
"Do you?"
"I-I'm just temporarily—"
"Do you?"
"Hmph, if I wanted one, I could definitely—"
"Do you?"
"...No, not yet."
Mei withdrew her gaze, saying nothing.
But the faint aura of disdain around her spoke volumes.
It seemed to say, And you call yourself a love guru?
"Ugh..."
Yoimiya lowered her head in defeat, covering her face with her hands.
She had been utterly dismantled by a single question.
The truth was, she lacked any real experience herself.
She was just a simple girl who had fantasized about romance.
How did it come to this?!
Her eyes involuntarily drifted to Mei's well-endowed figure.
What on earth do rural girls eat to grow so well...
No, wait! Big doesn't mean better!
Ren's lips curled into a smirk, and he nearly laughed out loud.
This rustic girl didn't even spare Yae Miko any face.
Yoimiya, why would you provoke her?
Even Ayaka couldn't help but chuckle.
She found this kind of atmosphere refreshing.
Spending time like this with a few friends was the best way to relax.
And then there was her master...
"..."
Mei observed everything silently, her thoughts hidden.
It had been a long time since she had simply listened to people like this.
Perhaps it wasn't so bad.
"You two, stop laughing at me!"
Yoimiya slammed the table in frustration.
Her gaze landed on the sweets.
Suddenly, she felt like eating one.
"..."
Mei silently moved the plate closer to herself, shielding the sweets.
No, you can't have any.
"You're all bullying me!"
---
After some teasing and laughter, Ren had to step in to calm the two girls down.
In the end, Mei reluctantly shared the sweets.
The group settled down, finally at ease.
"Mmm, so good!"
Yoimiya puffed out her cheeks like a hamster, full of joy.
"Mei can stay at the Kamisato Estate for now," Ayaka suggested with a graceful smile after finishing her treat.
Ever the epitome of elegance, even eating sweets seemed like an art form when Ayaka did it.
Ren had no objections and glanced at Mei for confirmation.
She gave a slight nod, showing no particular concern about where she stayed.
Ren felt relieved—this could be checked off his list for Yae Miko.
Now he just needed to deal with another issue...
After all, that scatterbrained girl was even more prone to getting lost than Mei.
He prepared to bid the group farewell.
"Well, I'll head out—"
"Are you going to see your fiancée?"
A gentle, spring-like voice interrupted him.
Yoimiya froze, a shiver running down her spine.
Here it comes—the lady's probing!
"That... our engagement has been annulled. How did you know about it, Ayaka?"
Discussing the history of his engagement left Ren a bit embarrassed.
"I happened to meet her once. We had a pleasant conversation."
"Cough, cough."
Yoimiya nearly choked. Pleasant conversation?
You two almost tore each other apart!
"What's wrong, Yoimiya-san?" Ren asked curiously.
Yoimiya hesitated, her hands nervously twisting together.
She couldn't possibly blurt out that the two noble ladies had clashed over a man.
But holding it in was so hard!
She wanted to spill the beans so badly!
"I..."
At that moment—
"Yoimiya, are you feeling unwell?"
The elegant Ayaka took her hand, her concern genuine.
Her warm, gentle smile made Yoimiya shiver again.
"No, no, I'm fine! I was just saying that they got along... very well."
"Yes, exactly!"
With her friend nearby, Yoimiya played it safe.
"I see."
Ren nodded but still felt like something was off.
Setting the thought aside, he apologized.
"Sorry, but she's alone in Inazuma City. I need to escort her back to Ritou."
This was his promise, and he had to fulfill it.
Ayaka saw the seriousness in his eyes and sighed inwardly.
She had hoped to spend more time with him, to learn more...
But once again, she was a step too late.
Still, being able to sit and chat like this wasn't so bad either.
"Lady Ayaka."
A raspy voice suddenly broke the peace.
Ren noticed it immediately, his gaze sharpening.
In the shadows, a cold figure emerged—a ninja from the Shuumatsuban, the Kamisato clan's personal unit.
Ayaka closed her fan, her noble aura radiating outward.
At this moment, she was the eldest daughter of the Kamisato family, head of the Yashiro Commission.
"Speak freely; these are friends."
The ninja bowed slightly and quickly reported,
"It's the Kanjou Commission. Someone caused a disturbance at the festival."
Ren's heart sank.
Without another word, he bolted out of the pavilion.
"Hey! Ren, what's wrong?" Yoimiya called out, startled.
"I'll go check it out!"
The Kanjou Commission...
They're targeting her.