Xiaoven Royal Au

5 (rewritten)

v

I walked around Liyue in hopes to find a flower I could give Xiao, as a peace offering. To signal that I have nothing against him at all. That's how me and my brother makes up whenever we fight, we exchange flowers! Well, that's how our mother raised us. Flowers could make a person very happy and appreciated. So I thought that maybe, if I gave him some that I picked out--he'd be a little softer.

I requested to have some guards so that he wouldn't think I'm trying to escape once again. And, I'm a princess in other people's eyes--meaning, my life could be in danger anytime. I could fight back, but that's not good for my image.

I also brough a few maids with me since I didn't know much about Liyue. I don't know anything abut their greatest flowers.

After a while, a black butterfly landed on my fingertips, making me smile.

"Hello, there. Would you like to help me find a flower for the prince?"

"Princess!" the maids began panicking as they frightened the butterfly away from me. "What are you doing?"

"Black blutterflies means badluck! You shouldn't go near them!"

"Oh, I see."

That's quite sad, I didn't know they had that kind of belief in this country. It's not real so I don't have to worry--we don't believe things like that in Mondstadt!

Even if it flew away, I could still see it. I followed after it, and it led me to a place where I saw a beautiful flower. "Those are Qingxin flowers, your highness. In our country, it means pure heart. It's actually Ganyu's favorite flower!"

"Is that so? I think this is really pretty. Where could I find more of this?"



"Well, uhm... they often grow on mountaintops--"

"Great! Let's go look for more!"



"A-are you sure?" I nodded and started walking, them walking after me with no choice. As much as I didn't want to tire them, this was for the prince. I'll give them credits too! It was lunch time already when we got back, and I'm telling you--it was hot. "Make sure to drink water before going back to work, everyone." I smiled.

It was not because I was a princess or anything. It was because I truly care for these people. When I was a kid... a tale goes around that Liyue, even as an ally of Mondstadt, is a really harsh country for no reason. They're very proud people who thinks highly of themselves. Maybe it's because of the people in the castle who represents them, but it didn't matter now. I am a living proof that those aren't true. The people of Liyue was kind and gentle just like the people of Mondstadt.

I ended up in the dining table in where I saw the two princess eating. "Sit down, princess Venti. You should eat now, you must be tired." Princess Beidou spoke and I immediately obeyed. What's with these got women... I was blushing!

I noticed the absence of the prince which makes me think. Why wasn't Xiao in here? Do they not eat together? In hour house, we can't eat until we are complete. That's our golden rule. Don't they do it here?

Now I kinda feel sad. How often does this happen? How often does this family eat with empty chairs and a full table? Such a big table with lots of food, but really no one to share them with. Wouldn't it just be pointless?

"Is Xiao... skipping his meal?"

"Ah, no... he's not. He ate earlier, I'm guessing he's on patrol right now." she chuckled. "Also, you don't have to worry too much about your family. I reassure you that we are taking care of them, and that they are aware of your situation here. Ningguang often sends letters to them about your condition. And, your mom's actually feeling a lot better than before!"



"Really? That's good..." I smiled. Are these the people that I tried to run away from? What's wrong with me... they showed nothing but kindness and yet I still... "I know that you don't want to marry my brother, and I really apologize that because of his recklessness, you're in this position. But we're still happy to be able to help your family."



"That's no problem, I really appreciate everything."



"For the meantime, you may not leave this country. But once everything's fixed, which I hope that Alatus is already working on, you may go home to your family and forget everything that happened in here."



"Ah... actually, I'd like to stay."



"Pardon?"



"Ah! N-not because I long for the position to be the queen, or to live this luxurious life, o-or to take more advantage of the help you gave us... it's just that... I want to stay for him."

"That's pointless." the other princess finally talked, making my hands cold from anxiety. "Alatus is bound to fall in love with a man. I'm sorry to tell you this now and get your hopes up. But if you're taking an interest in him, it's good to stick to the plan and leave this castle when everything is fixed."



"Ningguang... you didn't have to put it that way."



I stood up from my chair and placed both of my hands on the table. "Do you guys think you could just play with someone like that? And if I am falling? What can you guys do to make up for it? Surely, no money, or treasure could go against love. And maybe, it's me that he's bound to fall in love with in the first place. I mean, who knows? What if I was a man?"

"What are you trying to say?"



"True love isn't decided by anything but the human heart. If I actually fell for Xiao, and you tell me not to, then isn't that just going against my rights? If... true love forms between me and him, then there's no one else who's more responsible but the people of this castle."

"Venti... are you a woman?"

"If I'm not?"



"I wouldn't let you leave."

"Then, I admit--I'm a man, from the day I was born, I am a man. If it means that I didn't have to leave and keep playing this fantasy in order for him to be happy, I admit."

I saw how immediately their face changed. I couldn't read the expression on their faces. Which puts me in a situation where I don't know if I should be worried or glad. "We've... found you. The man who changes everything."



My eyes widened. This is creeping me out. They're talking weirdly, but I guess this means that my presence as a man is alright. But still, there has to be something way deeper than this.