Isekai AU: Otome-Villain Edition!

About: You’re isekai-ed into the world of an otome game as the antagonist, who’s due for a bad end in most of the routes! The protagonist (MC) still hasn’t entered the game however, which means you have time to turn your fate around!

Characters: Diluc, Kaeya, Childe, Xiao (some utc!)

Warnings: A bit of angst for Kaeya and Xiao, mentions of a casino/gambling in Childe’s!

This post is also a contribution to my AU Collab!

(Yes, this was inspired by reincarnation-villainess manhwa <3)

Writing + Matchup Commissions are Open!

• Diluc, the crown prince; often busy with his studies and training, you recall he was one of the most popular characters within the fanbase.
• In the game’s route, the first meeting was in the gardens at night, where Diluc was taking a walk to clear his head and found himself talking to the MC.
• However here… yours was a bit different.
• Diluc almost attacked you at first, thinking you were an enemy tracking him - he was strolling in the gardens, yes, but it’d been to ponder over things related to his darknight hero character; created to investigate the kingdom without restrictions from status.
• He recognised you, seeing as you belonged to an influential family. Diluc initiated safe conversation that you were thankful for, even if its purpose was to deter from prying questions.
• The next times you met were coincidences as well, but you did find something endearing with how Diluc wasn’t as polished or experienced as he was in the game. There were still a few years before he’d grow even more capable - thus you took the time you had to leave an amicable impression.
• …After all, the villain in his route faced harsh retribution. You’d prefer to avoid something as unsavory as that. 
• How convenient would it be if you managed to befriend him for real? He was to be a ruler in the future, and that kind of power was something that could be much to your advantage.
• …Besides, in the moments you managed to catch him off-guard, Diluc was kind of cute. He was quite competitive as well, as you’d learn later on.

“I’m starting to think you just like sitting on rooftops.”

“I could say the same for you,” You raised a brow. Diluc’s face was hidden beneath a mask and hood. You had to pretend you weren’t aware of his real identity, lest it roused suspicion from the prince. “Were you on a mission of some sort, Darknight Hero?”

“It’s nothing I can disclose.” He said neutrally, pausing at your disappointed sigh. “Is that what you hope to find out when coming out here?”

“What I hope for is something interesting.” You gave Diluc a sardonic smile. It wasn’t untrue, even if your hidden intention was to leave an impression on him. “Would you be able to tell me something like that, at least?”

To your surprise, he does move to sit a little bit away from you. “I’ll see what I can do.”

• Growing up as the adopted son of the royal family, Kaeya was no stranger to feeling like he didn’t belong.
• What was curious is how you seemed to be feeling the same way.
• Why was that? You’ve been a noble all your life, and even flourished as a formidable individual in social circles. 
• Kaeya wasn’t one to believe rumors of all things, but he’d at least expected to see some semblance of that when he first met you.
• The way he carries himself is as suave as ever. Knowledge of his insecurities and troubles was private, and knowing how secretive Kaeya can be, it was quite safe to say that he kept his charming, confident mask on at all times to deter unwanted trouble.
• The time Kaeya properly meets you was during a hunting event, where you went to a quieter area to collect your thoughts - unknowingly entering the dangerous side of the forest.
• He finds and escorts you back since you weren’t armed with equipment or signed up to hunt (modern skills usually don’t include things like archery on horseback) - he could have travelled faster, but chose to take a longer route and stay at a leisurely pace to get to know you better.
• …Which was another way of saying “try to ease your secrets out of you” - Kaeya observes the way you fiddle with your hands or glance around. There was something odd about it; as if you were worried about survival - and not in the economical way most nobles did.
• After that day you were sent a flower and note from the prince - something lyrical about how interesting your meeting was, and how he hopes you’ll continue to hold him in good graces.
• At least you knew from there that Kaeya didn’t deem you an enemy. You’d even replied with a flower in return, one that held a more subte meaning compared to the popular blooms that were normally used.
• Kaeya couldn’t help but smirk at what you sent him; arguably the shortest he’s even gotten in reply to his pretty words, and with a small note hidden on its back:
• ‘Though honestly speaking, I think I’d have better chances facing off with a bear than with you. Your words make quite the sharp blade, my prince.’
• He twirled the flower in his hand. Your speech could be cold, but the thoughtfulness of the bloom suggested sincerity.
• How intriguing indeed…

‘A cursed child from a fallen, forgotten kingdom.’

‘Look at that golden eye! The king and queen were blinded by kindness when they took him in!’

‘Shh! They’ll hear you!’

It didn’t take long for a child to start and believe those rumors, even if just a little.

‘What?’ You laughed, as if it was the silliest thing in the world. ‘I’ve seen monsters, Kaeya. And you’re certainly not one of them.’

Sometimes he wondered if your words were empty ones - then he remembers the look in your eyes, the kind that’s as desperate as him to live in peace.

…Maybe he’ll let himself believe in words like that, just this once.

• Childe was a foreign nobleman that visited your kingdom often. Granted, not many knew of his reasons for being here, but the money in his pockets and friendly smiles were more than enough to win them over.
• Your home was no Snezhnaya, but the glow of the marketplace in winter was quite reminiscent of his snow-covered memories. That’s where you bump into Childe, who was there in hopes of finding souvenirs for his siblings.
• You were simply there to enjoy the day and nice weather, so when the man offers to treat you to lunch in exchange for a bit of local expertise, who were you to deny him?
• Childe was aware that part of your motives was to see if he was a potential ally. But he didn’t mind that in the least - considering how he was doing the same. Eventually Childe deems you worthy of befriending, and invites you to an event his ‘friends’ were hosting on the weekend.
• You soon find out it’s not like any social event you’ve attended before
• So this was what Childe’s been up to… tracking down criminals from his home that were stirring trouble elsewhere.
• Childe likes how you’re not afraid to lie and cheat to get things done. The more ruthless you are when faced with a situation, the more blatantly Childe would brag about your friendship with others; there’s a nice balance between regular fun and Childe inviting you to help with his other work.
• The inclusivity surpasses that of his route in the game, which only gave the MC a brief idea of his underground life and limited the player’s actual contributions to help. There, Childe hadn’t wanted to put them at risk. Here, you were his teammate.
• You once found yourself in a very illegal, incredibly hidden casino. (With disguises, of course). You spent the night collecting intel and keeping track of people of interest, but much to your surprise the casino erupted into a fight from an argument, resulting in Childe defending you from getting hurt.
• (Okay, so maybe he was just itching to join too - it’s not often he gets to fight hand-to-hand)

“Do you want another drink?” Childe asked as he clinked his glass against yours. “They seem to have quite the menu.”

“You seem to be having fun with this,” You deadpanned. “Thank you for the offer, but I’m fine. I’d much rather we figure out how we can catch that man.”

“We could join his table. I’m quite curious as to how well you can play, comrade.”

“…I’d probably lose all your money.”

He barely batted an eyelid, having the nerve to smile as he passed you a heavy pouch. “So is that a yes?" 

• Xiao was one of the best swordsmen that worked for your family. In about a year’s time, he would be promoted to become a royal knight, and the game would begin soon after.
• You’d planned to avoid him for the most part - if you simply didn’t antagonize him or the MC when they arrived, you were quite sure there were no repercussions to be faced.
• But that was hard when he lived and worked at your manor, and you find yourself encountering Xiao many times; some ended with a simple greeting and glance, others involved formal events where you were actually being escorted by him.
• Now, Xiao’s not one to really care for what others think of him, but seeing as you were one of the people he’s meant to protect and you seemed wary, Xiao starts to pay closer attention to you.
• He promised Zhongli before that he’d strive to do his job well and make him proud, so it was only logical that Xiao doesn’t let this go until he figures out what’s wrong.
• Were you receiving threats from unknown sources? Was he simply too intimidating that even you had started to avoid him? If he wanted to be a knight, Xiao had to be reliable and trustworthy enough that you’d come to him for help, so he tries a few times to initiate conversation when he’s off-duty and bumps into you.
• It was definitely an uphill battle, but you eventually gave in one day and resigned yourself to the fact that you could not in fact avoid him.
• From there a friendship starts to develop! Because Xiao isn’t the type to push (unless it’s related to your safety), you find yourself more comfortable around him than any of the others (they were all nobles, after all. And while your character was one as well… you originally weren’t, so it’s only natural that it starts to become stressful, living in such a foreign world while feigning familiarity.)
• You grew hopeful that when the MC of the game does enter this world, Xiao would still be in your corner like he assured you he’d be.
• …Yet you remembered how he was one of the most loyal in the game’s route, and a bittersweet feeling blooms in your heart at the idea that one day, he might leave you for real.

“Hey, Xiao.”

“Yes?”

“Remember the promise you made? To always be there when I called?”

“Of course.” He met your gaze.

“You don’t have to worry about that anymore,” You played with your hands. “I wouldn’t expect you to, seeing as you’re not bound to our house any longer.”

Silence followed, before finally: “I wouldn’t mind keeping that promise.” At your surprised look, Xiao merely shrugs. “What kind of knight would I be if my loyalty was that cheap? While it may not be my job to continue to guard you, I’d still come if you needed me.” A pause. “I’d like to think I’m not that shallow of a person, at least.”

That was the day you formally became friends and would address one-another as such. The insecurity in your heart lessened bit by bit. You never took Xiao as one to send letters, but he did every few weeks just to keep in contact with you. 

It was fun. You looked forward to the next time you’d meet; even if the player may be in the picture by then.

Right, Xiao’s loyalty isn’t that cheap.

You chose to believe in those words as you started to write a reply to him, the parchment crinkling under your touch.

“She’s she’s a lady” and I’m just a boy singing “She’s she’s a lady” ✨

I love them together enemies to lovers I say

Also sorry for the long absence here I needed to take a break and then I got into genshin impact plus I started posting more art on my instagram which is @/moniniconii ❣️ yep new username because I’m a love live lover

This is so dumb I’m sorry-

Casual conversation

bounce, bunny boi, bounce

childe with Zhongchi bby I made up.

DEAR TARTAGLIA HATERS, PLEASE READ THIS. I KNOW A BUNCH OF YALL HATE HIM BECAUSE OF THE LIYUE ARC, BUT PLEASE LEMME GIVE YOU SOME REASONS ON WHY YOU SHOULD RECONSIDER! This is not an attack on you!

*for those dear Tartaglia lovers, please reblog *

Hey everyone, my name is Nattie, and you could consider me a Local Tartaglia enthusiast. I can’t believe I’m gonna do this but here we go.

I’m not gonna waste too much of your time, lovely tumblr peeps, but I saw another Tartaglia hate post and well, now I’m moved to finally do this. Please understand that before you read this, I have no intentions on forcing you to change your opinion, but I would really really like it if you would do this kind stranger a favor and go into reading this with an open mind. For now I would like you to discard your negative Liyue arc Childe thoughts, and let me take you on this journey.

(Before you begin reading, please understand that this is months worth of deep research, analysis, and facts. There will be some points made based on supported theory but I will tell you where. Lastly, most of all the information regarding the first mistranslation issue is information that belongs to Levinano on Reddit, props to him and I would never try to steal his credit for the information he found. I will leave a link to his Reddit post at the bottom, please go give him some support and read it yourself!)

Ahem. So you’re actually reading this? I really appreciate that if you are, thank you for being open minded. I know there was a lot of crazy stuff that happened in the Liyue arc regarding Childe, and I know it brings a lot of emotions. I’ve been there, I was up till 4am on the night of the release and finished the arc in one go, I know those conflicting feelings because I felt them too. Now, Childe is my favorite character, and has been from the moment I saw him, but I love him because of depth, and this post is why I hope I can open your own hearts to this truly, lovable character.

The Major Catalyst: The huge mistranslation.

Okay! So we all know Childe after you defeat him in the golden house that he summons the large sea monster, creature, thingy. The thing that Rex lapis- *coughs* Zhongli had to defeat many many many years ago from destroying Liyue, the backstory of the Guyun Stone Forest- okay blah blah yall are smart, y’all already know that. BUT, I think what caused the biggest hate for Tartaglia, is why he did this, and the things he said in the English translation. Every game you play that is not your original language will always have mistranslation errors, it’s unavoidable, and as wonderful of a job Genshin does with trying to avoid these issues, it still happens. It happened. Yup that’s right, you heard me. It happened. THAT ONE SCENE, where people want to describe him as an egotistical asshole, was the MISTRANSLATION. Of all the scenes, it had to be such a crucial moment as this one was. Crazy I know, but it really is the scene of the mistranslation. Don’t believe me? Let me show you what I mean. I’m sure you are all familiar with his English lines but let me give you a quick refresh if you don’t remember;

English:

“I had hoped it would never come to this. I absolutely detest working with those who are weaker than I.”

"The truth is, the world belongs to those of us who desire to become strong. I seldom willingly mingle with any dull and boring weakling who think otherwise.”

"Unfortunately, we cannot be picky about our methods as Fatui Harbingers. Children must all learn to eat their vegetables sometime.”

These lines are the single most reason people hate Tartaglia as a character- but what if I told you, as I stated before, those lines of dialogue was a mistranslation to the English addition. Levinano was informed that the Chinese and Japanese translations, both say the same thing, THAT ISN’T WHAT THE ENGLISH CHILDE SAYS.

The original translation for Chinese and Japanese goes as following;

“My backup plan involves affecting the weak, under normal circumstances I wouldn’t want to be using it.”

"but at the end of the day, this world exists for those who seek to become stronger. There’s no room for me to worry about the weak.”

"Not to mention, Fatui Harbingers cannot choose their methods. There are times when even children have to eat stuff they don’t like you know. ”

Now, read the English translation again, and then read the original translation again. Completely different right??! I was shocked myself, it’s stating an entirely different thing then what the English says! Still don’t see why it’s better and what it really means? Allow me to quote Leviano, because I believe he says it better then I could ever put it, but I will give my input.

Leviano; “In the English version, Childe refers to his subordinates and how useless they are compared to him who’s almighty and worthy of being in this world.

In the Japanese version, Childe refers to the people of Liyue. He has stated that the best part about being a Harbinger is the fights, he doesn’t like the deceptive and manipulative things Harbingers do, instead, he likes to run head first for the fight. That’s why he never intended to kill the MC, just to fight him. The people of Liyue cannot put up a fight, hence, he doesn’t like the idea of involving them in the conflict.

Basically, the Japanese version suggests that Childe never wanted to bring harm to the people of Liyue, he has to do what he did because he has to do it. The English version suggests that he’s someone who doesn’t care about his subordinates and views everyone and everything else as trash, and that this world is only fit for “strong people” like himself to live in, hence, he feels no hesitation to summoning the god and destroying Liyue, which makes this version of him psychotic and egotistic.”

INSANE RIGHT???? I bet you never considered that. When it boils down to it, it’s important you understand that Childe loves to fight, he doesn’t like to hurt people. It’s two completely different things. He’s a harbinger for the fights, and most harbingers don’t like Childe because he doesn’t approve of the methods that the Harbingers use to get their way. He’s never approved of this, and he never will because he has a significant set of morals that he is devoted to. So please understand, that Childe is someone who deserves more empathy, because he was forced. Again I repeat, he was forced to summon the creature. Childe does not believe you should hurt or fight those who cannot defend themselves, the people of Liyue had no way to protect themselves. Childe’s morals are against involving innocent into conflicts.

Forced?? What in the world are you talking about Nattie, you’re just some Childe Obsessor who wants people to ignore what he did.

Understand, I’m disappointed in what he did, I’m not ignoring that he did it, but there was a reason why, and why I’m saying he was forced, so before you get upset listen to me carefully.

If you haven’t already figured it out and put the information together, Zhongli and La Signora used Childe, and is the reason he summoned the god in the first place. Zhongli made a deal with the Tsarista to give her his gnosis, La Signora was in on it, Childe was not. Childe was not informed. La Signora, Zhongli and the Tsarista, were the ones who planned to summon the creature all along, but they forced Childe to be the one to do it.

But why would he do it? Couldn’t have he refused? He didn’t have to do it?

In theory, he could have refused. But you need to realize that Childe is a Harbinger, and he’s part of the Fatui, not to mention there are reasons that made him incapable to walk away. The BIGGEST, MOST IMPORTANT REASON OF ALL, is his family. It’s plain and simple. What do I mean? Well. For those who played his story, they would have realized how much Tartaglia cares about his siblings and his family, he would do anything for them, despite his father being the one who sent him off to be in the fatui without a choice. I have Tartaglia myself, and he has a story, which are letters to his sister, that he wrote for her. His sister is the biggest clue to this.

Well that doesn’t really say much?

*Here comes a bit of supported theory*

You can think that, but if you listen carefully, In his character demo video, Tartaglia says something extremely valuable to this case. He begins with, “Dearest Sister.” Meaning this is a letter to his sister Tonia. BUT near the very end of the video Tartaglia says; “The future the Tsarista desires.. The future the people of Snezhnaya desire.. it will be had.” THAT LINE RIGHT THERE. This indicates the relationship Tartaglia has with the Tsarista, despite being completed devoted to her, and looking up to her. Whatever the Tsarista wants, is something the people of Snezhnaya want. It’s something Tartaglia wants, because the future, that future, is a future for his siblings. That future, is a future the Tsarista is promising to give Childe’s family and the people of Snezhnaya. Childe does his job as a harbinger and what he needs to do for the Tsarista, so she can achieve that future. Whatever that future is, Tartaglia wants it for his family. Now does that sound like something you can just walk away from? A future for your family?

Think about it, if Childe had refused to summon the creature that La Signora and the Tsarista asked him to, the Tsarista could have threatened that coming future for his family. All his work, all his efforts and everything that he’s endured for his family could disappear within a moment. Not only that, but knowing how the Fatui works, I want you really understand that the likelihood of Childe being assassinated, and or murdered for refusing orders as a Harbinger, is not at all unrealistic. It would be considered treason. Tartaglia is strong, but the Tsarista is an archon. Childe was playing with death. And to bring his family in this, and use it as a threat against him is also not unrealistic. People will break and bend, and go against their own morals for their family. That’s a human thing guys.

THIS CONCLUDES TO THE REASONS WHY CHILDE DID WHAT HE DID, AND WHY HE ACTUALLY COULDN’T REFUSE IT;

1. Childe was forced against his own morals, by La Signora, the Tsarista, and unknownst to him, Zhongli.

2. The fatui are Ruthless, his life was on the line.

3. And the most important one of all, the future that the Tsarista promises for Childe’s family and the people of Snezhnaya, was riding on him not resisting.

At the end of it all, his weaknesses were put against him and exploited.

At the end of all of this, all I ask of you is to be open. I TRULY HOPE THAT AFTER READING ALL OF THIS IF YOU HAD, YOU CAN SEE THAT CHILDE ISNT ACTUALLY EVIL. Childe is not a monster, and he’s actually just a person, with human emotions like you and me, that was manipulated and forced to go against his beliefs for the success of the Tsarista. Childe did not want any of this, he never wanted to kill the traveler, and he never wanted to harm the people of Liyue. He wants to help him family, and he wants to give his siblings a good future so they never have to get involved with the darkness of the fatui as their way of making a living.

I’m not into Yumejoshi (it’s not bad to be, in my opinion but I’m just saying I’m not), I’m not an obsessor, I’m not a’ fan aggressive. But I truly love Childe’s complexity and who he is as a person, he’s so much more deep beneath the surface then a lot of people want to understand or see. Childe falling into the Abyss at such a young age is also an important factor on why his behavior is the way it is, but that’s another explanation for another day. I just want the characters I love to be happy, and if they’re happy I feel like I’ve done my job. And if I can stop them from being hated over a misunderstanding, then I truly feel I can call myself a true supporter of my character.

IM SORRY THIS WAS SO LONG, THANK YOU ALL SO SO SO SOOOOO MUCH FOR READING ALL OF THIS IF YOU DID, PLEASE GIVE CHILDE SOME MORE LOVE, HE DESERVES IT AND HE WANTS YOU TO NOT HARBOR ILL WILL TOWARDS HIM OVER THIS

IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO HATES TARTAGLIA OVER THIS MISTRANSLATION PLZ SEND THIS TO THEM!

IF ANY OF YOU KNOW TARTAGLIA HATERS, SEND THIS TO THEM, REBLOG THIS, LIKE THIS AND SHARE IT! EVEN RETWEET IT ON TWITTER FOR ME! (Please make sure that my name and Leviano’s name are stated and you give credit to us! You can credit me here or with Natalie_Greene, Nattie, and so forth. Or you can credit me by linking a tweet to this post or @ing me on Twitter at Rosemantic4You)

DONT HESITATE TO REBLOG! FOLLOW UP THIS POST WITH #TartagliaDeservesUnderstanding and #ChildeIsNotEvil. I really hope you will do this for me, and for him.

Thank you again, one last time for reading all of this, and for keeping an open mind. Throughout this explosion of information, I truly appreciate it.

Have a wonderful day!!!

P.S heres the link to Leviano’s Original Reddit Post: (give them some love and appreciation please!)

PLEASE REBLOG!!!!

#TartagliaDeservesUnderstanding #ChildeIsNotEvil