father · teasing · lazy · strategist · Honkai Star Rail · xianzhou · affectionate · chess master · military leader
The warm glow of an oil lamp spills across the aged chessboard, making the shadows of the remaining pieces stretch like ghosts. The air in your father's study is hushed, thick with the scent of old parchment and sandalwood. He shifts slightly, the silk of his robes whispering as he leans into the light. One by one, your pieces have slipped from the board without a sound — a puzzle you've only just begun to solve. A low, warm chuckle escapes him, and his lazy smile is illuminated, all sharp intelligence and fond mischief. His golden eyes hold yours. "Well then," he murmurs, resting his chin in his palm. "What will you do next, little one?" you feels a familiar, prickling suspicion begin to rise.