(T/N: I'm back! Miss me?)
"Yo, that's rare. Noelle actually has time to eat out with someone."
Bonanus had barely gotten halfway through her story when a male voice interrupted her. She looked up, annoyed, but the moment she saw who it was, her complaint died in her throat.
Wow, this dark-skinned man was clearly Kaeya, the Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius. The person she least wanted to see was right beside her. What bad luck.
Was it a coincidence? Judging by his expression, he had just arrived.
"Senior Kaeya! Are you here to eat as well?"
Noelle immediately stood up from her wooden chair the moment she saw Kaeya, facing him with a respectful tone.
Noelle liked Kaeya—or rather, she liked the tasks he gave her. As a trainee knight, she enjoyed the feeling of completing missions assigned by her senior.
And Kaeya was the Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius. Every time she finished one of his tasks, she felt like she had become part of his team!
It brought her joy, helped her gain experience, and built a solid foundation for becoming a full-fledged knight in the future. It was wonderful.
Truth be told, this trainee knight was already excellent. She just lacked confidence in herself.
"No, I've already eaten elsewhere. I'm just out for a walk to digest. I happened to see Noelle and a Liyue lady here, so I thought I'd come say hello."
Kaeya shook his head lightly, putting on a lazy expression as he spread his hands. His eyes swept over the two as he spoke casually.
"Noelle, aren't you going to introduce us?"
Watching Kaeya's expression, Bonanus couldn't help but feel that this man was full of schemes.
"Ah, right!" Realizing her oversight, Noelle smiled apologetically and quickly introduced them.
"This is Senior Kaeya, the Cavalry Captain of the Knights. He's a very mysterious person, always busy with important tasks every day." Noelle said earnestly.
Bonanus nodded casually, indicating she understood. Though Kaeya was the Cavalry Captain, he was currently a commander without troops. His squad had been deployed with the Grand Master. No one knew when they would return, but what was certain was that they would encounter someone important on this expedition.
"Senior Kaeya, this is Miss Fashui, a merchant from Liyue Harbor. I'm sure you've already heard about her situation."
Noelle introduced Bonanus to Kaeya. Since they had just become friends, she didn't know much about her, so she kept the introduction vague.
"Yes, I've heard. I apologize. Due to the Knights' oversight, this lady who traveled from afar was attacked. The Knights will provide appropriate compensation."
Kaeya didn't seem concerned about the money as he said this. After all, it wasn't his money being spent.
Bonanus waved her hand. Alright, introduction over. Now please leave. Every second Kaeya stayed made her feel like she was being seen through.
She didn't plan to say much. With Kaeya's interrogation skills, she might accidentally reveal some secrets if she wasn't careful.
Better to let him think she was deliberately ignoring him than to engage with this old fox.
Seeing how coldly she was treating him, Kaeya shook his head helplessly. This lady had been chatting enthusiastically with Noelle just moments ago.
But now, facing him, she had turned into an ice sculpture, radiating cold. Was it because he was too dark? Had he scared her?
He narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze falling on the Vision at her waist—a Hydro Vision glowing faintly blue. How interesting.
After flashing an unreadable smile, he calmly looked away.
Kaeya gave Noelle a friendly smile and turned to leave. Before he went, he added,
"Noelle, I have a task for you. Spend the next few days accompanying this Miss Fashui. Take good care of her."
His reasoning was simple: this lady didn't want to talk, so he wouldn't force her. He would continue to observe from the shadows.
He was bored lately anyway. Might as well have some fun.
Hearing that Senior Kaeya had given her another task, Noelle was overjoyed. This was something she had always wanted!
She felt she had taken another step toward becoming an excellent knight. She would have to work even harder!
Bonanus didn't mind either. This actually worked out well—Noelle would be with her all day and wouldn't have to deal with all those troublesome requests.
"You'd better keep me good company, Noelle." After watching Kaeya leave, Bonanus said with a slight, barely noticeable smirk.
She would love to try using Noelle as a pillow. What would her texture feel like compared to Yanfei's? How intriguing.
Tsk, tsk. She felt so fickle. She loved Xiao more.
"Don't worry—leave it to me! I'll arrange everything perfectly!" Noelle nodded vigorously. Her sweet smile showed just how happy she was.
Seeing this, Bonanus nodded with satisfaction. What would Venti think when he saw her bringing someone back to his inn?
He wouldn't mind, would he? Of course not—this was her freedom. As the Anemo Archon of freedom, he surely wouldn't care about such things.
"Ah... Mondstadt really does feel different." Bonanus rubbed her eyes gently, leaned back against the chair, and hummed a tune lazily.
For some reason, she felt more relaxed in Mondstadt than in Liyue Harbor. Makes sense. Who doesn't love slacking off?
Compared to the solidity of rock, the freedom of wind was something many yearned for.
"Sister Fashui, may I call you that?" Seeing Bonanus so relaxed, Noelle breathed a sigh of relief. Good—she was comfortable here. No signs of not adjusting. That was reassuring.
"Hmm? We look about the same age. Why do you think I'm older?"
Bonanus sat up straight. Ever since she came to this continent, most people had called her "sister."
Yanfei called her sister, Xiao called her sister, Hu Tao called her sister. Now Noelle was calling her sister too.
Aside from Bosacius, who liked to call her "little sister," it made her think of Menogias, who had been rescued.
She wondered how he was doing.
"No, no! I didn't mean to offend! If it's not okay, forget I asked!"
Noelle looked flustered. She thought she had displeased the lady. Surely someone like Miss Fashui would prefer to be thought younger.
Seeing Noelle so apologetic, Bonanus smiled helplessly. So sensitive, like a cat meeting a stranger—jumpy at the slightest touch.
"Don't be so nervous. We're friends. I was just asking. You can call me sister." Bonanus quickly comforted her.
"Okay, I understand. Sister Fashui, please take care of me from now on." Noelle's happy smile returned. Girls like her were so easy to please.
As long as people showed her kindness, gratitude, or recognition, Noelle would be overjoyed—and she would give even more of her time to help others.
But now, Noelle was hers for the next few days. If anyone else came asking for help, she would refuse them firmly.
And then say:
"Don't you have hands?"
Though it might put Noelle in an awkward position, Bonanus believed this was "growth—starting with saying no."
Given Noelle's personality, though, such efforts might be futile.
"Sister Fashui, I have a question."
Just as Bonanus was lost in her thoughts, Noelle suddenly spoke.
"Go ahead and ask!" Bonanus waved casually, signaling that she didn't need permission to ask questions.
"Sister Fashui, you also have a Vision. Since you've been acknowledged, you must have some impressive abilities. May I ask what field they're in?"
Noelle was genuinely curious. Miss Fashui wasn't good at combat—that was evident from the fact that she had been knocked unconscious in a small-scale attack.
Perhaps her field was business achievements? Like Sister Barbara, who excelled at healing and singing but not fighting.
It had to be something like that. Noelle couldn't help but want to learn more.