Discord server: discord . gg / 9tt2WKRweP

I always believed that I would enjoy the snow.

It was the sheer frost and cold that really peeved me. Of course, as a seven year old kid, I would be laughed off by my older siblings, and most notably my older sister Kyara. The only normally named child of my new eccentric family. She was snickering at my current situation, whilst I was wrapped like a mummy in bundles of hard leather coats and fur. I even wore a mask beneath my disgruntled eyes, leaving a bemused look from a seven year old.

The twins, Patroclus and Paris, were not better off in their own amusement, as both brothers were giving me looks of mocking. If they knew I wasn't looking of course.

Since I had learned their names during my time with them, I was seriously wondering how in the name of God did the Trojan Legends come here in the land of Teyvat. My father was an enthusiast in history and folklore, and it often showed on the names of his children. Kyara was the lucky one, as my new mother was smart enough not to name her after some far-fetched legend. Of course, they took turns in the naming tradition.

Both twins were first and dad named them, then Kyara came along with mom's turn, and it turned back to me. Of course, as expected, my new father named me off of the great hero of Greece, Ajax. Or it was in my old world, as my father named me after some guy in a vague heroic story I did not feign to listen.

Something about a fisherman, and a dog?

Weird. But I did not complain, as it was supposed to be expected. When I turned five, he would always mouth off to me with such stories. The old Ajax might have grown fond of them, but I won't, as I had much bigger things to worry about.

"Hey Kyara, where are we off to now?" I asked Kyara, as politely as I could. The freezing winds in the early mornings did not help my mood at all, as I wanted to spend my free time in my room, planning things to survive this world.

The moment my parents tried to teach me the new language and how to speak, I did my best in pretending to be a child, playing dumb and all that. The first years I had as a toddler were excruciating, as I had to depend on my caretakers like my parents and older siblings to do everything. I was not as stupid as to climb on the toilet on my own or walk around the house without supervision, as it would make my new family suspicious.

Not everything worked out, though, as I was caught reading a book in my father's collection. Or I was trying to, and did my best gathering as much information as I can of this world, but I couldn't make up anything in the books as I realized the sheer difference of language in Teyvat was in my world. When Patroclus entered father's office to drop some mail, he found me tapping on the books like a good toddler would, happily playing with it without any clue.

Not my best moment. As a grown ass dude, it hurt my pride. But I relented, as I did not want past events to reoccur.

When I turned three, I tried my best not to cry much, but it was still suspicious. My mother was hysterical when I did not utter a cry for a day, and brought me to the local doctor, thinking I was mute or something. Trying to fix that situation, when I was brought to the local doctor himself, I started crying and wailing. Situation fixed, and I learned not to underestimate my siblings and parents again.

If I was caught off-guard, I would be in big trouble.

Luckily, in the next few years, I managed to play off the silent type quite early. While it worried my parents, they learned to accept it as my nature. The quiet and disgruntled child in the family.

Kyara was the "acting mature" type, and my parents did not buy that, as she would become childish if someone messes with her things. She had a darker shade of brown hair, as long as her shoulders, and did her best to cut them off when they grew too long. Her eyes were much lighter on the blue side, making it look like cyan instead of blue. For a girl that is only ten years old, she was very observant in my actions.

I would always be on-guard when she's around. Kyara was too much of a problem if I were to act differently.

But apart from my effort in trying not to be discovered, she was a reliable sister all-in-all, and would always accommodate me if I would ask nicely. Kyara hated it when I was too polite, and seemingly distant from her, but I did try my best in my current situation. As a full-grown adult, she was still a stranger to me. I always feel like I was adopted into the family instead of being born to it.

The twins on the other hand were no problems for me, they knew their place in the household, and they did it well. As a younger sibling, they would try to lord over me, thinking as the eldest of the bunch, they had the authority and control. For pranks and sibling stuff of course, as innocent as twelve year old trouble-makers get.

My very own Weasley twins. Sneznhayan Fred and George.

They had a much lighter shade of Kyara's brown hair, and both had green eyes. They were gangly for a bunch of pre-teens, or at least at the cusp of it.

At first, I did not like the noisy types my new brothers were, but they were surprisingly easy-going. Especially when I put them on their heels recently, bowing to my every whim. When our parents aren't around, of course. It wouldn't do for me to gain the attention of my parents when I command my older siblings.

It was too easy as well, as I just went into their room and looked around until I saw a pair of pictures beneath their sheets. Pictures from a very lewd source. This world's version of a dirty magazine.

I fondly remembered that day when I marched into their room when they were frantically searching for the dirty pictures. The faces of horror they made when I declared that I had them off to a "safe place." It was even more satisfying when I threatened to show them to mom if they would bother me with their pranks again or if they would demand that I do something for them.

Their era of terror was over, now it was my turn to be the overlord. Mwahahaha.

Both of my new parents were surprised for the first few days of the twins' obedient behavior. I knew it would be trouble and ordered them to at least play the act a little while longer, until father personally asked them what was wrong, and spring the trap. It was ingenious, my older brothers declared.

When both mom and dad confronted them with their strange behavior, the twins each held a cream pie hidden behind, waiting to strike at the right moment, and smacked them in my parent's face. It was truly glorious.

Of course, mom was furious and smacked the twins a good one. It was worth it, though, as father and Kyara laughed at the ridiculous act the twins had. It both solidified my parents' worry for their children, and let the twins have a good time.

Even if the twins are always at my beck and call, I barely had them do whatever I wanted, telling them to distract mom, prank Kyara, and do the usual chaos they would normally do. That, and commanded them to gather every piece of newspaper articles from Fontaine and the local news, ordered them to make friends with children at the local orphanage, and recently tried setting up my information network.

In recent months, I felt like a spy, planting evidence of misconduct from the twins' actions to distract my family, avoiding suspicions from my parents and sister, and gathering information about the world's knowledge. Or from the local parts of the town anyway. It was useful as heck, and I tried my best to support the orphaned kids as best I could. With only candies my parents tried to spoil me with.

Of course, my parents tried their best to afford me some treats, and pretended to like them so I could use them as a form of currency with my orphan spies. I never liked sweets, and my old parents discouraged me from eating them. It still hurts me knowing how hard they work to barely afford it, as my parents were not the rich bunch and could only afford me such.

I did not complain once, and was grateful for their love for me. Or at least for "Ajax."

Kyara frowned at me, raising a brow in curiosity. "Didn't pa tell us last night? A troupe from Fontaine wandered in Morepesok. Something about a snowstorm blocking their path or something. Shouldn't you use your stooges for that?" Of course, she was perceptive as usual.

I did my best not to cringe at the subtle accusation, but my chubby, young face could not contain the cringe. "Stooges? What are stooges, I wonder?" Playing dumb won't help against her, but in the presence of my parents, she was as quiet as a mouse. Always sending me those looks of narrowed eyes with a slight frown on her face.

That look really worries me sometimes, but I let it off as it might pass. Children are easily distracted after all. That, and the prospect of a fair might alleviate me from my plans of world domination. Which is trying to get a normal job in this crazy world that won't make me encounter a certain Traveler, or any famous Vision-wielders, or any Archons for that matter.

All in all, a comfy job that won't shatter the world, and just watch from the sidelines if there was an opportunity to do so.

Lazy and steady, gain employment, save money for retirement, marry a normal wife, and settle down in the farthest reaching place beneath the watchful eye of Celestia. What do you think I was researching for? Getting powerful like some sort of Harem-EX, edgelord, OP anime character? Hell naw.

I ain't that kind of man. For some, this might be a fantasy come true by getting hit by Truck-kun. For me, this was a second chance at life, and not a shitty one from my last life.

The sound of our home being locked knocked me out of my thoughts. Even the twins and Kyara glanced at the source of the noise, our dearest father, Alexander.

He was a tall man, heavily muscled too. No wonder my mother was happy to marry him. He looked like a buffed version of Childe, complete with a visible stubble on his chin. Admittedly, his eyes were warm as hell, and I always enjoyed the proud looks he would sometimes give me when I show off my knowledge and interest in helping the family when I grow up.

"Ready to go, boys?" Alexander asked, coming out of our generous home, carrying a certain bundle in his arms. "The whole town might've as well started without us."

The whole family then set off towards the center of the town. It was not much of a long walk, as the homestead was separated from the main town, it was still near. It usually takes around five minutes to reach the town square.

"Unlikely," I quietly snorted in the corner. It was still early in the morning, and from what I read, Troupes usually start at lunch until late evening. Only the hastily set-up market was open in this ungodly hour.

Too cold, I need more sleep in my warm bed, and I need a warm drink.

I withheld a groan, wishing to get back to bed and spend the rest of the day within the comforts of my room, reading article after article from the twins' latest effort, and sipping some warm chocolate drink.

Seeing Kyara give me that look again, I did my best to catch up to my older twins, and planned to use them as a shield for the rest of the day.

Suddenly, a familiar figure talked to father when we halted before entering the town of Morepesok. It was mother dearest of course. She was a lively woman, yet calm and composed. Unlike father's warm look, Veronika has an aloof air to her green eyes.

Maybe except when it comes to her beloved children. All bets are off, she'll either have the most affectionate look, or the most glaring. It really depends on the child in question. Guessed who they are?

Curiously enough, mother shared her features with the twins and Kyara more, as she has mousy brown hair, a lighter color compared to her children. Veronika also has a voracious figure, letting those fur coats hug her figure nicely. Weird, I don't feel attracted at all. In fact, every time I force myself to make myself think like that, it usually just feels blank.

Must be my inner-Ajax.

"Oh, worry not, dear. It's still early for the shows to start. Now hand me Tonia, the little bundle of joy, and I shall spend some quality time together."

As I had predicted, Tonia was born a year earlier. My parents, and siblings, of course were taken towards the bundle of joy that is little Tonia. For one, I am actually thankful for a sibling. I was now not the center of attention, as I always wanted.

Maybe I should get her something? The simple thought just popped into my mind, and suddenly I felt the urge to follow the rest of the family in just adoring my new little sister. Huh? Where did that thought come from? Never mind, I'll probably just buy her a doll when she's older or something.

Shaking my head from those thoughts, I looked ahead as the market that was hastily brought up, slowly approached. I also noticed that the town was much livier in years. Probably because of the lack of any foreign visitors apart from the RTC, or the Royal Tax Commission, and other government officials. This place was Sneznhaya's little Springvale after all.

Not that I would blame them, Morepesok was boring as hell. Snowstorms half the year, and gentle snowing for the rest. It was undeniably much more boring than I had ever imagined. At least we are beside the Glowing Sea. I fondly remember the sight when father first brought me there.

Tartaglia always bragged about the sights of his fishing village, and while I was skeptical at first, I was at awe at the sight of the Glowing Sea. Morepesok is a fishing village, that much was certain for me, but the sight of this world's version of the Northern Lights was fantastic. It was picturesque, and heavenly when I first saw it.

I grew fond of the town as I continue to count the years, and recently began appreciating it. I lived in the cities my whole life, practically raised and born to it. To feel and experience the quiet place of Morepesok, was undeniably my best experience yet.

The town itself was small, but much more developed than I had ever guessed. Stone walls and brick houses? A common enough sight. Paved roads? Check. Well-developed lanterns? Present. Even with the lack of proper security, it was safe as the mountain-range to the east protected the town from wide threats. Only the north and south paths are available to easily traverse, but it was looked after by the local enforcement groups, making the roads leading to the towns safer.

Curiously enough, I even heard that the Fatui Organization funded the enforcement groups under the blessing of the Tsaritsa. Maybe Childe might be right about her hidden soft nature. But they are sadistic bastards all the same.

I can see our house from a distance, it was modest for its size, and was on the crumbling side. Other houses were well-maintained, but they were small and easy to manage. New as well. Back then, I realized how old our house was and it belonged to my mother's side. It was under their hold for at least seven generations, surpassing some of the much newer houses of Morepesok.

Even after years of staying in that humble home with my new family, I still feel like I don't belong.

"Is something wrong, dear?" Mother suddenly asked, gently placing a warm hand on my shoulder. She was smiling at me, holding on to little Tonia. "Are you sick? You seem less energetic than usual."

By usual, she meant quiet and observant, not depressed as I was currently. "No Veronika, it's fine. It's just a little cold, that's all."

Mother frowned in heavy thought, and replied, "Why don't you and I, along with our little bundle of joy, go for a long walk around the market? Let your father deal with your siblings, you and I shall have our little bonding time."

I smiled back, letting the woman know that I am fine with the idea. "Alright! I wanna see what they got for us at the market," I chirpily replied. Maybe they'll have some interesting trinkets for us, or specifically for me, to look around in.

She nodded immediately, and called out to her husband and the rest of my siblings. I was mentally preparing a list of things I might remember from the game, like items, artifacts, or even food that was in the game.

My memories were hazy recently, but maybe that might change in the future when my body develops.

There are certain details I forgot, like some characters that haven't been released yet or a ton of NPCs that I care not to remember or care about. Not that it was important, as I highly doubt that I would encounter them immediately. It was not as if the world would be against me right?

After saying goodbyes from the rest of the family, we went our own way, but a stranger came knocking against our mother."Are you ready to go, my little man? Shall we first-" It was just a light collision, but with little Tonia on hand, it was prudent that safety came first.

"Ah- apologies, my lady."

It was a gentleman, dressed in the most intricate clothing I have ever seen. In fact, there was barely any thick article of clothing at all! Wasn't it freezing? "I was a bit frazzled this morning, and my employees were not exactly cooperative. Oh? What's this? A little bundle of joy?"

Unfortunately, his face couldn't be seen. In fact, I swear that he looked somewhat familiar. He wore an intricate mask, depicting two emotions split in half; happy and sad. "My, oh my, sweet little creatures toddlers are."

My family might disagree with how I was bizarrely raised, but the stranger did prove a point. Babies were adorable, just not me though.

"No, it's alright," mother steadily replied. "Are you a jester of sorts?" There was a tight tone to her usual gentle voice. Usually, that was reserved for either the twins, or for Alexander.

There were chills in my spine when the stranger gave a hollow laugh. "Of course not, Madam! I am a jester, but not for the Troupe. I am just wandering around. It's an unfortunate hobby of mine." He then gave a lavish bow, and fixed me a look, or I think he was. "I cannot keep the young man waiting for his mother now, would I? Have a good blessing of cherished love from Her Holiness. A good day, to both of you."

I was sweating on my furred glove. There was something eerily familiar with that man. But I couldn't put a finger on it.

"What a strange man," mother softly remarked. She fixed her hold on Tonia and gave me a reassuring smile. "Sorry about that, Ajax. Shall we continue to the stalls ahead?"

Seeing that the stalls were finally set up, I nodded and held her hand as we approached the market. I couldn't keep my thoughts out of the stranger that pulled in front of us. He was dangerous, that was for sure. But how dangerous? I do not want to know.

I gave a long sigh as we entered the market. How I wish for some warm coffee right now.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

I forgot to mention that this was actually a commission from a good friend of mine, and she was very adamant that I write a Tartaglia fic. She was undeniably a big fan of Self-inserts. And an even bigger fan of Tartaglia. I do not understand the purpose of SIs, I seriously don't. They are non-canon friendly, and have a weird tendency for characters to be OOC. But I somewhat appreciate them for their creativity and sheer potential for more.

Writing this in my room alone, early morning, and with my lack of sleep, I feel like dropping here and now. Augh.

So. Much. School. Work.

That, and I have a part time job in a fews hours. Yay.

I am seriously digging my heels in wishing for Baal right now. So much time farming primogems. F2P life is a painful existence. But somehow it is more worth it. If I don't get the Raiden Shogun, I might wait for the Xiao re-run banner.

For now though, I pray for my gacha luck.

Next update: Dusk Till Dawn