Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [57]

"So, it’s actually…"

Kamisato Ayaka began to explain.

"Ahhh!"

Little Sayu shrank into Yoimiya’s arms, trembling.

All she wanted was to sleep, not to be dragged into some mission.

"What kind of battle plan is this?"

Yoimiya blinked, her curiosity piqued.

Then, as if struck by a sudden realization, she gasped.

"No way!"

The lively girl clasped her hands over her mouth, her gaze darting around.

Could it be that the Yashiro Commission was planning to declare war on the Tenryou Commission?

If that were true, it would be…

"This is so exciting!"

Yoimiya cheered, rubbing her hands together in anticipation.

She’d been saving up a batch of giant fireworks she hadn’t had the chance to test yet.

If she set them all off at the Tenryou Commission’s headquarters…

She could blow them sky-high!

Just as Yoimiya’s excitement reached a fever pitch—

Thud!

A paper fan struck her head with pinpoint accuracy.

"Please refrain from setting off fireworks in the city, Yoimiya-san."

"Ow, Ayaka, you hit me again."

Yoimiya pouted, crouching down in mock defeat.

"What’s always running through your head?"

Kamisato Ayaka shook her head, her gaze filled with exasperation.

Despite their stark differences—Yoimiya’s boundless energy and Ayaka’s composed elegance—they’d somehow become close friends.

"I actually need your help to keep an eye on someone."

"Someone?"

Yoimiya and Sayu exchanged curious glances.

Who could warrant the Yashiro Commission’s lady’s attention?

"Ayaka, don’t tell me it’s…"

Yoimiya suddenly had a revelation.

"Yes, it’s Takahashi-san."

Ayaka nodded.

"But…"

Yoimiya held Sayu close, confusion written on her face.

Why would Ayaka need them to watch over him?

Did the two have a falling out?

Her eyes sparkled with newfound clarity.

There could only be one explanation.

"He’s planning to sneak off and see another girl!"

The self-proclaimed relationship guru of Hanamizaka had unearthed the truth.

"…"

Ayaka sighed deeply.

"You're completely wrong."

Today was the day she was supposed to meet her master.

Not once in all these years had she missed an appointment.

Both she and Ren knew this was a delicate dance, a test of mutual boundaries.

If she managed to keep Ren within the Kamisato Estate, and her mysterious master failed to arrive on time…

Then, Ayaka would have won this round.

Her gaze sharpened with determination.

Master, she thought, this time, I won’t lose. I’ll make sure you stay with the Kamisato family forever.

"So, it’s not another girl, huh?"

"Heh, I figured Takahashi wasn’t that kind of guy."

Yoimiya’s grin widened.

"After all, he doesn’t have anyone around him who’s…"

She trailed off, a memory surfacing.

Her thoughts turned to her.

"Yoimiya?"

Ayaka blinked, puzzled by her friend’s sudden shift in demeanor.

This is bad. This is very bad.

Yoimiya’s mind flashed back to Mei.

She’d seen the way Mei and Ren exchanged subtle glances.

Mei was so mature, her figure so…

Yoimiya’s gaze drifted to Ayaka’s chest, comparing the two in her mind.

Not even in the same league.

What could her dear friend possibly do to compete?

"We’ve lost. It’s over."

Hanamizaka’s relationship guru began to spiral.

Ayaka tried to snap her out of it, her tone soft.

"Yoimiya-san, get up…"

Yoimiya stood, her face somber.

She wrapped Ayaka in a hug, her voice filled with resolve.

"It’s okay, Ayaka."

"I know you might feel insecure."

"But there’s no need to make excuses for Takahashi."

"We’ll keep a close eye on him for you!"

Hanamizaka’s relationship guru was ablaze with righteous determination.

Ayaka froze.

"Insecure?!"

For some reason, she felt… deeply insulted.

"It’s fine. I understand your pain."

Yoimiya puffed out her chest, glancing at Ayaka’s with a look of pity.

No words were needed—her expression said it all.

"…"

Ayaka’s smile turned sweet, yet somehow… terrifying.

"I’m sorry, Ayaka! Please don’t hit me!"

Ayaka finally managed to explain her plan.

"So, in short, once I leave, keep an eye on Takahashi-san."

"Got it?"

"Got it."

Yoimiya pouted but nodded.

Sayu raised her hand hesitantly.

"What is it, Sayu?"

"Lady Ayaka, why just the two of us?"

Sayu’s question was valid.

Surely the Kamisato family could mobilize more people.

"Good point."

Yoimiya finally realized the oddity.

Ayaka opened her paper fan, her smile faint.

"Because… I’m sneaking out of the Kamisato Estate."

"And only you two can keep it a secret."

Avoiding her elder brother’s watchful eyes was such a hassle.

"Ohhh."

Sayu and Yoimiya nodded, only half-understanding.

In any case, all they needed to do was keep Ren contained, right?

The three stacked their hands together.

The Lady’s Alliance was officially formed.

---

Meanwhile, in another courtyard…

Mei picked up her light novel again.

Yes, the one about becoming Raiden Shogun’s loyal dog.

"Mei, you’re still reading that?"

Ren asked as he opened another letter.

"I’m decoding a cipher."

Mei flipped through the illustrated pages, her tone cool.

Her gaze carried a chill.

If she could uncover evidence against the Tenryou Commission, the entire nation would feel the iron fist of divinity.

Ren shook his head, deciding not to bother with Mei for now.

Opening a new letter, his expression shifted slightly as he began to read aloud:

"The Traveler has successfully dealt with the sea monster in Liyue…"

---

This is a fan translation of 原神：人在提瓦特，贴贴就能变强 by 萌红叶. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!