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.

When winter comes…

No character indicated in particular! Just a bunch of general fluff

• It’s a time when you’re outside, and your hands get cold and a little bit numb - they intertwine your fingers together, asking if you want to hold hands to warm them up.
• Their fingers are cold too, but it’s true that it doesn’t feel as numb when you lace them together, and slowly you get the feeling back in them.
• You still keep your hands linked afterwards, even if they aren’t freezing anymore
• Imagine sitting by a window with them at a cafe, hot chocolate and marshmallows in your mugs as you both watch the snow drift about outside.
• Your friends ask when you two plan to go out to join them - your partner simply says you’ll do so after you finish your drinks.
• You don’t miss the way they take a small sip, smiling as they asked if you preferred the warmth of the building. They prop their chin on their palm, leaning against the table to fix you with glittering eyes.
• Hmm, who’s the one that doesn’t want to go out? “I guess I’d like to stay in here a little longer.” You said amusedly.
• Imagine sitting on the floor by the christmas tree - it’s not even the right time to open presents yet, but since you were so curious, they agreed to do so earlier with you.
• You’re a bit distracted by the gifts, smiling in a way they swear brightens up the room more than any light can - and then you pick up a box with their name on it, placing it into their hands.
• They blink, not expecting this - admittedly, they were simply happy with seeing your excitement with your gifts. It hadn’t occurred to them yet that they might be opening theirs as well.
• You’re looking at them with anticipation, making them laugh and unwrap the present carefully. Their eyes widen at the gift inside.
• Oh, this was your present to them, wasn’t it?
• Imagine talking to them and not knowing you were under the mistletoe - but when it’s finally pointed out they give you a tender hug instead, before placing a chaste kiss on your forehead and leaning away.
• The next times you end up like that again, they do different things other than the simple kiss on the lips - when you asked why, they simply said that if they did, they might be even more inclined to drag you under the mistletoe on purpose all day
• When you’re feeling a little lethargic, you’d bundle up on the couch or bed and spend hours like that together. Your legs are sometimes tangled or bumping against the other person’s, but considering how cold it was that day you didn’t really mind.
• Perhaps they might sing for you as you drift off to sleep, or read something aloud, or simple ramble as you’d requested because you found the sound of their voice comforting - to be honest, they’re not really sure who’s doing who a favor here, because when they see you sleeping so soundly their heart feels so much lighter.
• Imagine sharing a kiss just as the snow starts to fall outside - you laugh as your friends yell at you to go indoors, and your partner brushes the snow off of your hair and kisses the tip of your nose before you start to head back.
• You look forward to many more winters with them.