Earthly Desires *Yandere Genshin Impact*

Weathering the Storm

Her first week as a maid was the most stressful week of her life.

Due to her favoritism by the royals, the other maids treated Daiyu like crap. They piled her on with numerous tasks they wouldn't do like cleaning the hallway after the army finished their training, making her wipe every piece of silverware, and mending every piece of fabric. Most of the maids would rather have her do their work while they lounged about and drank some tea. Mingxia was the one who instigated all this strife, jealous at the fact that she was close to the princes and got close with the royal pets.

One day saw Daiyu being tossed a rag by her superior who smirked at her before handing her a bucket.

"Daiyu..." Mingxia smiled at her with the fakest of smiles. "We need someone to clean out the leaking area behind Prince Albedo's room. Since none of the other maids want to deal with it, you are clearly available."

"Um....why doesn't anyone want to clean behind that prince's room?"

Mingxia poked her long nail at her chest, making her flinch. "Listen here country bumpkin, nobody here likes you for a reason. If by some off-hand chance you end up dying from exposure to the chemicals, we wouldn't even batt an eye. Face it, no matter what they think of you, nobody here cares about whether you feel bad or not. All you are is trash and that's all you'll ever be."

With a flick of her wrist, she splashed the water from the bucket onto the ground, some hitting Daiyu. Laughing, she left the poor servant to wring out her apron and head to the second prince's lab. Not before taking a quick stop to get some more water from the pump. While she was struggling to pump the water out, Daiyu overheard some of the maids talking from the common area.

"Say, did you hear that some delegates from Fontaine are supposed to be coming soon?"

"For the ball right? I can't believe we're going to see the Hydro family themselves."

"I heard Prince Ayato was so hot! Course no one could top Prince Itto in looks."

"I prefer the doggish charm of Gorou. I bet his tail will wag if you let him!"

"You know who I can't stand, that maid Daiyu? She's pretty close with all of royal family."

"Hmph! Probably slept with one of them!"

"Yeah, she's such a slut! That's why I don't feel bad for giving her so much work."

That was the familiar voice of Mingxia, who happily snarked about how she felt about her. Daiyu felt her heart drop more at the thought of never making any friends here because of that heinous witch. Why did she feel the need to make her miserable all the time? Sniffling, she picked up the now heavy bucket before turning and colliding with someone.

"I'm so sorry! I should be looking where I'm going." Daiyu saw her water was spilt once more and sighed. "There goes another full bucket of water..."

"Are you alright? You took quite the fall." The person getting back up was none other than Prince Albedo. "Oh...you got all wet."

"No, I was already wet before. In fact, I was just about to head over to your laboratory to clean the chemical spills."

"Chemical spills? I keep a pretty clean space and there are no spills there. Besides, nobody is allowed to go in there."

Hearing that, Daiyu really did fall to her knees and wept. Those girls were something else, weren't they? Of course they would try to set her up for an accident or firing. This sucked, it really did for her. No matter how nice she was, no matter how helpful she could be, the maids were none kinder to her. A part of her wished that she could just go home and never look back. Her life in the small village was leagues better than anything she experienced here.

Warm arms wrapped around her body as she saw Albedo giving her what appeared to be some form of hug. The prince softly smiled at her, patting her head in a gentle motion.

"Hey now, calm down and listen. This is just the first week. The other weeks won't be as bad. You just got here and we all know that you'll do great. Is there something causing you distress?" His hold tightened on her. "Or someone?"

Daiyu frowned, not wanting to burden the prince with her woes. If she told on the other maids, no doubt they would hate her even more.

But the threats, jeers, and mockery would continue.

"Well...as long as you are asking...there are a few people that are causing me distress."

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The wind howled outside my window as rain started to splash on my window. The clouds were darkened, bamboo swayed in the winds, and the sound of thunder reverberated on the walls.

Ah yes, the dreaded stormy day.

There was nothing like a day to stay in bed while a messy storm raged outside. After all, I had no work to do today since Xiangling and I spent half the night testing the new menu out for the Mondstadt delegates. So many dishes went uneaten, so many dishes were stored away, too many were stolen by Gouba and Ushi. Nevertheless, we had a menu made and had the royal family test it out. It was successful, delicious, and Itto demanded seconds.

So, as a reward, I was given the day off.

Slipping into a new white dress with a yellow coat, I left my room to go explore the grounds. There was a library not too far from my room where I could get some reading done. Times like these made me want to write to my brothers a letter since they were away in Inazuma for extra training. In my haste to make it to the library, I had forgotten to grab my shoes. Not that it would matter, I could just stay underneath the pavilions and avoid all puddles.

Walking through the garden area, I noticed a rather unusual Whopperflower getting battered by the wind. This was odd since Whopperflowers weren't common up here and tend to avoid this area due to the Emperor. Even the flower itself was weird with all its colors being red and blue. Usually they were just one color. Seeing the poor thing almost be flown away made me want to help it more. Ignoring my bare feet, I raced out there and pulled on the flower petals to drag it to safety before it flew off. The Whopperflower's eyes widen as I placed my coat around it.

"Woah! You're freezing cold! Must be a Cryo Whopperflower from the looks of it." I patted the flower gently. "What on Teyvat were you doing out there? The Golden Pavilion doesn't allow monsters to come up here."

The big cutie made some happy sighing noises as it cuddled against me. The bitter cold combined with how wet I was made me shiver a bit. Seeing me shiver, the Whopperflower backed up a bit and made worried noises. Maybe we should both get out of this rain before we freeze to death.

"Say...wanna head to the library with me? Maybe I can find a book there that'll help me take care of you better. Or perhaps where I can take you so the Emperor won't be upset."

The Whopperflower puffed out some snowflakes in happiness as it followed me to the library. Weird...where is everyone today? Usually the First Prince was going about trying to find some Onikabuto or the Princess would be doing her morning training in the gazebo. I guess they must be sleeping in or already at work or something.

No matter, I've made a new buddy and I'm going to do some serious reading!

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"What! The Fellflower got loose?"

"That thing could be anywhere on the premise! Imagine if father were to catch it..."

"He would think the Tsarista was attacking him again."

"Just think of what would happen if Daiyu were to come across it! She could be hurt!"

"Find him Primebedo and make sure Daiyu is safe!"

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Welcome to the Weathering the Storm arc! Daiyu spends some time with Fellflower Albedo and enjoys her day off....or will she? Is this storm a result of something more sinister?

Sorry for the late update! Massive tests galore and finally found some time for writing!