Dainsleif and yelling don’t mix. · Y/n story by @Kikio20

The dining room of the Wangshu Inn was quiet, save for the soft clink of cutlery against plates. Golden evening light streamed through the latticed windows, painting long shadows across the wooden table laden with Liyue specialties.

Paimon

Mmm! This Golden Shrimp Ball is the best! Y/n, you have to try one!

Aether

nods in agreement, offering the plate They’re still warm.

Dainsleif

sits rigidly at the head of the table, his gloved hands resting on the tablecloth, his gaze distant and fixed on the horizon beyond the window

As Ei reached for the jar of Jueyun Chili sauce to pass to Aether, her elbow bumped her teacup. The cup wobbled, tipped, and a dark, oily streak of sauce arced through the air.

Ei

Oh—! My apologies, I—

Dainsleif

slams a hand down on the table, making the dishes rattle Enough!

His voice wasn’t loud, but it was sharp, cold, and cut through the room like shattered glass. He stood up abruptly, his chair scraping harshly against the floor.

Dainsleif

Must every meal descend into chaos? Can you not exercise the slightest bit of care?

A heavy, suffocating silence fell. Aether’s hand froze halfway to his mouth. Paimon’s floating form seemed to deflate, her wide eyes darting between Dainsleif and the stain. Ei’s expression had gone carefully, terrifyingly blank.

Dainsleif

looks down at his soiled sleeve, then at each of their faces, his own a mask of icy frustration This is… unacceptable.