Shao Yun left before the sisters at the Favonius Cathedral could come out and scold him for shouting and disturbing the peace.
After leaving the cathedral area, he didn't look for a place to stay but went straight to the tavern Angel's Share.
But Shao Yun wasn't here to drown his sorrows. Though he was indeed in a foul mood, he knew very well he still had important business—cheering for Noelle.
So, he only ordered a glass of apple cider, then sat down at a table on the second floor, quietly waiting for dawn to arrive.
As he sipped his drink, Shao Yun's thoughts began to drift, memories and regrets bubbling up in his mind.
Suddenly, he thought, 'If only I had agreed to that devil's deal back then, turning Mondstadt and Liyue into a wasteland—wouldn't that have been better?'
That way, everything would have been over… Yet the thought flashed through his head only for an instant before Shao Yun realized it was impossible.
If he had really done that, he would have lost Lumine and Paimon. After all, no one would want to stay with a devil who slaughtered the old, weak, women, and children without mercy.
…
Time ticked away, and the sun slowly rose from the east, marking the beginning of a new day.
Shao Yun pushed away those unpleasant memories, reminding himself not to be swayed by the negativity that drunkard had planted in his heart.
Right now, the most important thing was cheering for Noelle's Knightly Exam. He couldn't let these trivial matters affect his mood.
So, he stood up, straightened his clothes, and prepared to head to the testing grounds.
…
The morning sunlight streamed through the mist, spilling over the stone buildings of the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, golden light gleaming against ancient stone.
Kaeya stood at the entrance, breathing deeply of the fresh morning air, savoring the coolness of dawn.
He stretched out his arms, loosened his body, and then, brimming with energy, gazed over Mondstadt before him.
In the morning light, Mondstadt looked especially peaceful and beautiful. People had begun to appear on the streets, vendors opened their stalls—another day quietly began.
At that moment, a familiar figure came into view.
Kaeya looked closely—it was Shao Yun, whom he hadn't seen for some time.
A playful yet meaningful smile spread across his face as he greeted, "Well, well, what a pleasant surprise! Good morning, Mr. Shao Yun."
Shao Yun looked at Kaeya, his lips curving into a smile, though his gaze carried a hint of teasing.
Still remembering Kaeya's legendary quest, he half-joked, "Good morning, Captain Pirate."
Hearing the nickname, Kaeya wasn't offended at all. Instead, he wore his usual sharp, calculating smile.
With interest, he asked, "What wind blows such a busy man as yourself here? Where are Honorary Knight and Miss Paimon? Why don't I see the two of them?"
Shao Yun raised his hand, pointing in the direction of Liyue, and explained, "They had something to deal with in Liyue. Don't worry, I'm not here to cause trouble."
"This time, I only came to cheer on Miss Noelle in her Knightly Exam."
Kaeya's eyes flickered with surprise, then he chuckled.
He remarked, "I didn't expect you'd still remember what happened the first time we met."
Shao Yun lifted his chin slightly, replying, "Of course I remember. Don't you?"
Kaeya burst into hearty laughter at Shao Yun's witty words, teasing in return, "Haha, it seems our memories are quite sharp indeed!"
Watching Kaeya's feigned smile, Shao Yun laughed and cursed, "Cut it out, you lying Captain Pirate…"
…
Just as Shao Yun and Kaeya were bantering, Noelle appeared before them, having rested well overnight and presenting herself in her best state.
Beaming with enthusiasm, she greeted them.
"Mr. Shao Yun, Captain Kaeya, good morning!"
Seeing the lively Noelle, Kaeya's lips curved into a gratified smile as he praised, "Well now, Miss Noelle, once again the first to arrive. Looks like you have plenty of confidence in today's Knightly Exam!"
With burning determination, Noelle nodded. "That's right, I will definitely show my very best today!"
Kaeya, satisfied by her spirited demeanor, nodded approvingly. "Yes, that's exactly the spirit I admire in you, Noelle."
"Grand Master Jean will be here shortly. I'll go check on the testing grounds first, so if you'll excuse me."
With that, Kaeya turned and walked into the headquarters.
After he left, only Shao Yun and Noelle remained at the entrance.
Noelle glanced at Shao Yun, her heartbeat suddenly quickening. Heat rushed to her cheeks, and an indescribable shyness welled up inside her.
Lowering her head to hide her fluster, she tried to smile naturally—but her faintly red face betrayed her true feelings.
Shao Yun noticed her odd behavior and was about to say something, when Noelle quickly changed the subject.
"Um, Mr. Shao Yun, have you eaten breakfast yet? Should I go buy something from the Good Hunter, or…"
Shao Yun immediately stopped her, answering solemnly, "There you go with your old habit again. Focus on yourself! Handling the exam is what matters now."
Noelle came back to her senses, whispering to herself, 'Right, concentrate! Concentrate!'
At that moment, Jean appeared. Spotting Noelle and Shao Yun at the door, she asked in surprise, "Noelle? Mr. Shao Yun? What brings you here together?"
As soon as Noelle saw Jean, she straightened her back, unconsciously adjusted her maid uniform, her eyes tinged with nervousness as she forced her best smile.
Though normally known for her courage and resolve, in front of Jean she couldn't help but feel self-conscious.
"Hello, Acting Grand Master! I'm here to participate in the Knightly Exam!"
Jean smiled gently at the flustered Noelle and nodded. "I know, Noelle. But what about you, Mr. Shao Yun?"
Jean's curious gaze shifted to him.
It was obvious Shao Yun wasn't here to take the exam himself.
Pointing to Noelle beside him, Shao Yun explained with a grin, "Noelle invited me to witness her exam. I'm just here as support, to cheer her on. Surely you understand?"
Jean nodded in realization. She'd seen this before—sometimes new candidates invited family members to wait outside, so it didn't surprise her.
"Oh, I see…"
Clearing her throat softly, Jean turned her attention back to Noelle, reminding her kindly, "Miss Noelle, you should be very familiar with the process by now. First is the written test, then the combat trial, and finally the interview."
Noelle had already taken the exam so many times that she knew the routine by heart.
"I understand everything," Noelle said firmly, nodding with determination to show she was ready.
Seeing no issues, Jean gave her one last reminder.
"Good. By the way, there aren't many examinees this time, only ten. There's still a while before eight o'clock. Have you eaten? Between the written and combat portions, there will be a short break, but it might be tight if you need a meal then."
Almost reflexively, Noelle touched her stomach, then smiled. "Thank you for your concern, Acting Grand Master. I've already eaten enough."
Satisfied, Jean nodded and gestured toward the headquarters.
"Excellent. Then let's head inside."
Hearing her command, Noelle bade Shao Yun farewell and went in.
But just then, Shao Yun suddenly asked Jean a question.
"Acting Grand Master, could you explain the exam process in more detail? I know the written and interview sections aren't open to spectators, but I'd really like to watch the combat trial. Is that possible?"
Jean inclined her head, then pointed to the training grounds beside headquarters. Calmly, she said, "At ten o'clock the written exam will finish, and at ten-thirty the combat trial will begin. It will be held in the training grounds just here."
Shao Yun nodded lightly, indicating he understood.
"And when will the results be announced?"
Jean thought for a moment, then replied, "Since there aren't many candidates this time, the results should be ready by the next day."
Hearing this, Shao Yun exclaimed, "Wow, I didn't expect it to be so efficient!"
He had thought it would take at least a week to find out.
Just then, the doors of headquarters swung open, and out ran a lively, radiant little girl like a small sun—Klee, the Spark Knight of the Knights of Favonius.
"Acting Grand Master, Klee's going out to play!"
Hearing this, Shao Yun could tell this little sun was ready to head out.
But the moment Klee's gaze fell on him, she froze in surprise.
Then she bounced happily over, her face glowing with delight, her sweet voice ringing as she greeted warmly, "Big Brother Shao Yun? You're here!"
Looking at the adorable Klee, Shao Yun crouched down, poked her chubby cheek with a grin, and said, "Hello, little Klee."
Watching the scene, Jean remembered she wouldn't have time to look after Klee during the exam.
So, she carefully asked, "By the way, Mr. Shao Yun, could I trouble you to watch over Klee during the exam? Captain Kaeya and I will both be serving as proctors, and we really can't spare the attention."
Without hesitation, Shao Yun picked Klee up and readily agreed, "No problem. But speaking of which, what is everyone else busy with right now?"