At this moment, Klee tugged lightly at Shao Yun's shoulder, her voice soft and childlike as she said, "Big Brother Shao Yun, Klee is a little hungry~"
Hearing this, a look of concern flashed in Shao Yun's eyes. He quickly nodded in agreement. "All right, let's go eat."
As they were leaving the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, Shao Yun stopped, walked over to a knight who was diligently keeping order for the exam, and asked him to pass on a message to Noelle.
"If the combat assessment ends and Noelle wants to find us, please let her know we went to eat."
The knight listened and readily agreed.
"Got it, no problem."
Shao Yun then picked Klee up and mounted his horse with her.
Klee sat in front of him, her adorable presence filling Shao Yun's heart with a strange, indescribable warmth.
"How about we go to the Good Hunter?"
Klee's bright, clear eyes sparkled as she nodded obediently. "Okay! Klee wants Fisherman's Toast, and also that delicious Mondstadt Grilled Fish!"
Seeing her excitement, Shao Yun smiled faintly and nudged the horse's sides with his heels.
"No rush, no rush. When we get to the brother, we'll take a look at the menu, and you can order whatever you want."
…
Shao Yun brought Klee to the Good Hunter. The moment they stepped inside, the rich aroma of countless dishes washed over them like a tide.
Overjoyed, Klee grabbed Shao Yun's hand and hurried inside.
Once he had settled her in, Shao Yun went to the counter outside to order from Miss Sara, then returned to sit with Klee at their table.
Klee sat well-behaved in her chair, her tiny hands supporting her chin, her round eyes locked onto the kitchen door, sparkling with anticipation as she eagerly awaited her favorite foods to be brought out.
Before long, dish after exquisite, mouthwatering plate was set on the table.
The moment the fragrant dishes appeared before her, Klee eagerly picked up her fork and began eating in big, happy bites.
Shao Yun quietly watched her look of pure satisfaction, a warmth and joy rising in his heart that words could not describe.
…
After lunch, Shao Yun took Klee back.
By then, Noelle's combat assessment had just ended smoothly.
Looking at her, Shao Yun asked, "Finished?"
Noelle gently rubbed her wrist and nodded.
It was clear that the knight had already passed on Shao Yun's message to her, because Noelle didn't question where he and Klee had gone.
"Just finished," Noelle replied simply.
Shao Yun then handed her a boxed meal he had brought from the Good Hunter, smiling as he said, "This is a special exam lunch Miss Sara prepared for you. She told me eating this will bring you good luck."
Taking the lunch, a flicker of gratitude shone in Noelle's eyes. "Thank you, you're really too thoughtful."
Her words made Shao Yun pause for a moment. He quickly took a deliberate step back, clarifying, "You should be thanking Miss Sara. As soon as she heard it was for you, she went straight into the Good Hunter's kitchen and cooked this meal herself."
Hearing this, Noelle looked a little flustered. Scratching her neck awkwardly, she murmured, "Oh, then I really have to thank Miss Sara."
Seeing her embarrassment, Shao Yun smoothly shifted the subject. "By the way, how was the combat assessment?"
Hearing him bring it up snapped Noelle out of her distracted state. She quickly answered, "I did pretty well, it was the claymore trial. My opponent was Master Diluc, the owner of the Angel's Share tavern. His claymore technique was incredible—I was truly impressed!"
Shao Yun glanced toward Diluc, not far away. It had been a while since he last saw him.
In terms of claymore skill, only Diluc was truly a worthy opponent for Noelle's trial.
After all, Noelle's strength was enough to overpower even Wagner, the famed weaponsmith.
Diluc noticed Shao Yun's gaze and walked over slowly, his arms crossed naturally over his chest, a faintly indifferent look on his face. "It's nothing worth mentioning. To be honest, I don't care much for these knightly exams."
"But since Jean came to ask me personally, I had to give the Acting Grand Master some face."
As he spoke, he tilted his head slightly, glancing at Jean in the distance.
Jean happened to hear his words and noticed his look. She quickly walked over and expressed her gratitude.
"We're very grateful for your help, Master Diluc. Without you, we wouldn't have found a suitable candidate."
Diluc shook his head lightly, his voice still calm. "Think nothing of it. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
With that, he turned and walked away, heading back toward his tavern.
Watching him go, Jean raised her hand politely. "Very well, take care, Master Diluc."
At that moment, Noelle tilted her head slightly, looking earnestly at Shao Yun. "By the way, Mr. Shao Yun, thank you so much for coming to cheer me on today."
"You're free tonight, aren't you? I'd like to treat you to something, just as a little thank-you…"
Shao Yun quietly studied the energetic and spirited girl before him, his gaze drifting to the lantern floating by his side.
He still hadn't finished his business with Alice.
After a brief thought, he shook his head. "Tonight I don't have the time. Let's wait until tomorrow, when the results are announced. Then we'll celebrate properly with a banquet for you becoming an official knight."
The instant the words "banquet" left his lips, Noelle's cheeks flushed bright red.
She instinctively clasped her hands behind her back and lowered her head slightly, murmuring in embarrassment, "You shouldn't say that so confidently. What if I don't pass in the end? That would be so awkward…"
But in Shao Yun's arms, Klee pumped her little fists and cheered loudly, "Big Sister Noelle will definitely become the best knight! Klee believes in you completely!"
Hearing Klee's pure encouragement touched Noelle deeply.
She took a deep breath, then nodded firmly. "Yes, you're right. If I don't even believe in myself, then there really would be no hope."
"I'll work hard—I won't let anyone down."
She lifted her head, a confident, steadfast smile shining on her face.
…
Afterward came the midday break, followed by the interview segment of the Knightly Exam in the afternoon.
The part for cheering her on was over, so Shao Yun didn't linger long at the headquarters.
After all, he had promised Jean he would take good care of Klee.
Noelle didn't say much either, simply telling him they'd see each other again tomorrow when the results were announced.
So, Shao Yun left the headquarters with Klee, continuing their outing beyond Mondstadt.
This time, he took Klee and Alice's lantern to visit Stormterror's Lair and the northwest shore of Lake Dawn, at the Brightcrown Canyon.
At Stormterror's Lair, Alice even explained its origins to Klee—or more accurately, the origins of the ruins.
But she didn't go into too much detail, hoping her daughter would have a proper role model. After all, Alice herself had been the reason the ruins became ruins in the first place…
And if her daughter ever blew the ruins to bits, Jean might be forced to put Klee in confinement for a long time.
Still, Alice suspected Jean wouldn't be so harsh in the end. Most likely, Klee would just admit her mistake and then be let out again.
By dinnertime, Shao Yun caught some fish at the lake and made a delicious grilled meal for Klee.
…
Night fell like a vast black curtain, slowly draping itself over Mondstadt.
Aside from the brightly lit shops along the commercial street and the lively taverns, the rest of the streets were almost empty.
Only the lonely street lamps stood silently in the corners, casting their dim but gentle glow.
Shao Yun walked toward the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, holding a Klee who had played herself to exhaustion. Her eyelids drooped as she teetered on the edge of sleep.
His steps were unusually soft and slow, as if afraid the slightest sound might disturb the little one in his arms.
Klee's small head rested gently on his shoulder. Though she tried to resist, her tone carried drowsiness.
"Klee still wants to play, no sleep, ah…"
As she spoke, she let out a huge yawn, her little mouth opening wide, her eyes closing against her will as she slipped into slumber.
Shao Yun patted her back gently. "You're this sleepy already, don't push yourself. Just rest now."
Just before fully falling asleep, Klee mumbled one last line.
"Mommy, Klee still wants to hear a story… huh…"
Listening to her soft, even breaths, Shao Yun looked at the lantern beside him.
"Your daughter's asleep."
From within the lantern came Alice's voice, tinged with longing.
"I heard her. I wish I could see her with my own eyes. My sweet little girl…"
…
Shao Yun carried the sleeping Klee into the headquarters, heading straight to Jean's office.
Jean was seated at her desk, focused on today's exam score sheets.
Shao Yun spoke softly. "Grand Master Jean, I've brought Klee back."
Seeing them, Jean immediately stood and came forward, gently taking Klee from his arms.
Looking at the sleeping child in her embrace, Jean smiled warmly. "Oh, thank you for today."
In her sleep, Klee seemed to sense Jean's arms. She furrowed her brows slightly and mumbled, "Grand Master Jean, Klee doesn't want to sleep, Klee still wants to play…"
Her voice was tiny and childish, tinged with a spoiled whine.
Jean gazed at her with affection, kissing her forehead. "Tomorrow you can play again. Tonight, sleep well."
With Klee safely in Jean's care, Shao Yun waved his hand. "Then I'll be off."
Just as he was about to leave, Jean called out to him quickly.
"Wait, Mr. Shao Yun. There's something regarding the exam I want to tell you."
Shao Yun froze mid-step, his guard rising as memories of Liyue came back to him.
He raised his hand defensively, retreating a few steps. "Whoa, whoa, I don't want to get tangled up in Mondstadt's politics—especially not in your talent selection!"
Jean hurriedly explained, "No, you misunderstand, Mr. Shao Yun. It's about Noelle's interview. Aren't you curious what she said? It's related to you."
Shao Yun's wary expression softened slightly, replaced by puzzlement.
"Related to me? What did she say?"
Holding the sleeping Klee close, Jean recalled the interview. "During the exam, I asked Noelle a question. 'If you become a knight, Miss Noelle, then what kind of knight do you want to be?'"
She paused briefly before continuing. "I expected her usual answer. But this time, she gave me something entirely different—an answer that even surprised me."
Shao Yun blinked, baffled. "Wow, a different answer?"
Jean looked at him with meaning. "She said she hopes to become someone like you."
Hearing that, Shao Yun snorted. If Klee hadn't been asleep, he might have burst into laughter.
"What? She wants to be like a killer? A lunatic who wipes out entire families? Her judgment's terrible."
He didn't even know how to react. In his mind, ending up in hell would already be a fitting fate for him—yet Noelle wanted to emulate him? It was absurd.
Jean glanced at the child in her arms, then described Noelle's words vividly.
"She said she wanted to be like you: hating evil, standing tall, and protecting herself and her friends."
Hearing such a pure girl describe him that way—if not for his own self-awareness—Shao Yun might have been fooled.
After laughing himself out, he licked his dry lips.
Standing dazed, he seemed caught between self-reflection and confusion.
Finally, he sighed in resignation. "Wow, Noelle's lying. I'm not like that. I'm a coward—selfish, timid, someone who sides with the wicked. I'm nothing like what she said."
Jean shifted slightly, freeing one hand to take a score sheet from her desk.
"Anyway, here's Noelle's score sheet. The breakdown is written, combat, and interview, weighted three to four to three."
"Look—she scored ninety-five on the written, ninety-five on combat. All that's left is the interview. If it were up to you, how many points would you give her?"
The sudden question jolted Shao Yun awake. He stared at the sheet, then instinctively stepped back, putting distance between himself, Jean, and the paper.
"This isn't my business! I don't want to be dragged into Mondstadt's affairs."
Jean shook her head patiently. "No, I don't mean for you to decide. It's just—I've seen her growth. And since she mentioned you during the interview, I'd like to hear your perspective."
Shao Yun raised a brow. "So, before this…"
Jean quickly explained why Noelle had been rejected so many times before.
"Back then, she was far too naive—the kind of girl who would thank someone even if they sold her. And she couldn't protect herself. So…"
Hearing this, Shao Yun scratched his neck helplessly and muttered, "Why does everyone keep pushing me to make the deciding vote? Do I really look that rational?"
"This is something Lumine and Paimon should handle! They're the ones who know how to deal with things like this."
As his complaint ended, a cold, mechanical system prompt appeared.
[You are faced with a choice.]
[Let Noelle become a knight / Keep her as she is.]
[No matter what you choose, you will receive the Volcanic Pistol and the Evans Repeater.]