Shao Yun followed the lantern floating at his side as he left Amber's house.
In the quiet of night, he mounted his horse, lifted his head to gaze at the star-strewn sky, then turned to Alice with a question: "Do you need me to take you to the Knights of Favonius Headquarters?"
Alice's voice drifted from within the lantern as she replied, "I'd appreciate that. The lantern's energy is only enough to let me bid farewell to Klee."
…
Shao Yun rode through the night, the lantern swaying at his side, until he arrived at the Knights of Favonius Headquarters.
This time, he did not go inside. Instead, he let Alice pilot the lantern forward on her own.
Releasing his grip on it, he said, "Here we are. From here on, you'll have to guide the lantern yourself."
Alice's tone was grateful. "Thank you."
Just as the lantern began to drift toward the headquarters, it suddenly stopped.
Then, under Alice's control, it floated back toward Shao Yun—as though she had something more to say.
She hesitated, sighed, and finally offered a blessing: "Oh, it's nothing important. I just wanted to wish you a safe journey in Sumeru."
Shao Yun made a courteous gesture with his hand and answered evenly, "Let's hope so. And you—make sure to find a way to resolve the matter of those souls I've slain, the ones denied their ascent back to the leylines."
…
That night, Shao Yun did not sleep. He roamed the wilderness around Mondstadt, collecting every herb he could find with the alchemical pendant Lisa had once given him—wolfhook berries, yarrow, burdock root, half-lotus, ginseng… anything his eyes could catch, he gathered them.
By the time the first light of dawn spilled across the sky and the pale glow of morning rose over the horizon, Shao Yun was already riding back into Mondstadt.
Meanwhile, at the fountain plaza, Miss Blanche arrived at the Mondstadt General Goods shop. Energetic and tidy in her attire, she prepared to open for a new day of business.
But before she could properly compose herself, the sound of hooves thundered toward her—drawing nearer and nearer.
A chill of unease swept over her heart.
In the next moment, Shao Yun burst onto the scene atop his horse, pulling up right in front of the General Goods shop.
He dismounted in one smooth motion, grinned at Blanche's stunned face, and announced cheerfully, "Heheh, Miss Blanche, I'm back."
And just like that, for the third time, Mondstadt General Goods was "cleaned out."
…
Behind the counter, Blanche painstakingly counted the Mora Shao Yun had handed her. But her eyes flicked up again and again toward him—this man who swept across the shelves like a bandit ransacking loot. Her look was filled with helpless resignation.
At last, she couldn't hold it in. "Mr. Shao Yun, I know you always pay. But could you at least mind your manners? Every time you shop, it feels like a robbery—and it's exhausting! Besides, I can pack things for you. There's no need to do it yourself."
Shao Yun shoved another armful of goods into his pack without slowing, answering with irritation, "I am paying, aren't I? Just count your Mora."
Blanche gave a long sigh. "Ugh, fine, fine…"
She focused back on the glittering pile of coins, muttering under her breath, "Forget it. As long as he pays, that's what matters. Why bother wasting my breath..."
…
After "pillaging" Mondstadt General Goods in a way that cost him no Reputation, Shao Yun wasted no time. He immediately continued with his alchemy work.
At a makeshift camp just outside Mondstadt's bridge, he carefully processed his gathered herbs. Step by step—though the methods were simple—he refined them all into potions.
Once his work was done, he looked up at the sun. By now, surely the results of the Knightly Exam had been posted.
…
Inside the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, the spacious main hall displayed a large notice board with the list of those who had passed the exam.
A crowd gathered eagerly before it, eyes burning with anticipation as each sought their fate among the names.
Faces soon split between joy and despair—some smiling in triumph, others stricken with disappointment.
Among them, Shao Yun quickly spotted Noelle's unmistakable figure.
"Noelle, I'm here."
Hearing his familiar voice, Noelle turned slowly, gave a small wave, and greeted in a tone calm and flat, "Oh, hello, Mr. Shao Yun."
That subdued response sent a flicker of unease through Shao Yun.
Watching her closely, he searched her expression for clues. Finding none, he asked, "How did the exam go?"
His eyes drifted toward the notice board, but it was too far away for him to make out the names.
Seeing his concern, a sly glimmer lit in Noelle's gaze. But she quickly buried it beneath an act.
Lowering her head, furrowing her brows, curling her lips downward—she put on the image of defeat, as if she had failed once more.
Still, she couldn't quite conceal that mischievous sparkle in her eyes. She watched Shao Yun in secret, waiting for the comfort she knew would come.
From time to time, she dared to peek up at him—only to dart her gaze away like a startled fawn whenever she feared he might notice her thoughts.
"Uuuh…" she even added a pitiful groan for good measure.
Shao Yun's chest tightened at the sight. He truly believed she had failed again.
So be it, he thought. If she's failed, then our victory feast will simply become a consolation dinner instead.
"You didn't pass? Hey, don't worry. To everyone in Mondstadt, you've long since been a true knight in spirit." He offered the words softly, hoping to soothe her. "Come on, let's go eat something good. Forget the bad mood."
And just like that, Noelle had him completely fooled. Her feigned sadness was swept away like a breeze through the plaza, replaced by irrepressible joy.
Unable to restrain herself any longer, she burst out, "Haha, I passed the exam!"
Shao Yun stared at her, struck by the transformation. It seemed that Jean had been right—Noelle truly was growing.
He chuckled in resignation. "Wow, a perfect little bait-and-switch. You're growing up fast, that's for sure."
At his words, Noelle pressed her lips together, even biting them softly to keep her excitement in check. But the shy smile tugging at her lips betrayed her completely.
"Ehehe…"
No matter how she tried, the happiness shone plain on her face.
Shao Yun wasn't angry. He only smiled gently and asked, "So then—where are we celebrating? I suggest the Good Hunter. What do you say?"
Noelle blinked, then reached into the pocket of her maid's uniform. She pulled out a pristine white envelope, and with solemn care handed it to him. "I already planned the place. Here—this will tell you."
Shao Yun took it, puzzled. "An envelope? An invitation?"
He rubbed the edge between his fingers, curiosity bright in his eyes.
But just as he went to open it, Noelle quickly stopped him with both hands. "Not yet! Open it at five o'clock. It has to stay a surprise."
Meeting her eager gaze, Shao Yun tucked the envelope safely into his Legend of the East satchel. "Alright."
Seeing that, Noelle beamed. "I've got to go prepare the food! Don't forget—five o'clock, you must open it!"
With that, she hurried off, leaving Shao Yun standing alone, deep in thought.
"The results are out… time to talk with her properly."
…
To pass the time until then, Shao Yun headed to the Angel's Share.
Pushing open the door, he was greeted by the rich scent of wine. Inside, the tavern was quiet in the daylight hours, with only a few scattered patrons sipping in silence.
Near the entrance, Venti sat as the resident bard, fingers plucking his lyre with soft, drifting notes.
At the sight of Shao Yun, Venti stiffened slightly. Their eyes met across the room.
Venti was just about to speak—to ease the tension with a greeting—
But Shao Yun walked right past him as if he didn't exist. He strode straight to the counter, where Diluc was stationed, and greeted warmly, "Wow, Mr. Diluc, good to see you. Hm? Where's Charles the bartender? Haven't seen him around."
Venti sighed in silence, lowering his gaze and letting his music fill the air once more.
Diluc stood behind the counter, watching Shao Yun intently. He, too, had noticed the way Shao Yun ignored the bard completely.
Still, his voice was even as he explained, "Charles went back to the winery to fetch some supplies. I'm minding the tavern for the moment."
Shao Yun slid onto a barstool, teasing, "Some boss you are—working your own bar like this. Well, it is your family's business, after all. Guess that makes sense."
Unfazed, Diluc wiped down a glass, his expression unreadable. "What'll it be? Wine, or a non-alcoholic drink?"
Shao Yun's gaze swept over the barrels behind him. Tossing a Mora onto the counter, he said with a grin, "Chilled apple cider."
Diluc poured the glass, placed it down neatly, and said simply, "Enjoy."
Shao Yun took a slow sip, savoring the cool sweetness while letting Venti's melodies wash over the room.
All the while, Diluc's eyes remained on him.
At last, he spoke. "Would you mind if I asked you something about Noelle?"
That caught Shao Yun by surprise. Diluc was not the type to initiate idle talk.
"What is it? About her passing the exam? She's exceptional—it's only natural she'd become a knight."
Diluc shook his head. "I'm not interested in the exam. What I want to ask is about you and Noelle."
He went on. "This morning, the girl came to the tavern asking for dandelion wine. I refused, of course—she's underage. But she insisted it was for you. I trust her honesty… so I sold it to her."
Diluc's gaze sharpened. "Noelle is still a child. You understand there are certain things that should not happen."
Shao Yun listened carefully, then nodded. "I understand. You're suggesting she may have developed… feelings for me."
Diluc's response was blunt. "Not 'may.' After the claymore test, when a knight delivered your message to her, her expression was practically screaming those four words—'I like you.'"
Shao Yun sighed, resting his chin on his hand. "When the celebration comes, I'll talk with her about it. But to me, she's like Klee—a child."
Diluc exhaled quietly in relief. "I see. Then I have nothing to worry about."
That phrasing irked Shao Yun. "What's with that tone? Don't tell me you actually thought I'd look at Noelle that way."
Diluc crossed his arms, explaining evenly, "I have no love for the Knights, but Noelle… she's different. She's earnest. Like you, I put her in the same category as Klee."
Shao Yun twitched at the corner of his mouth, then downed another sip of cider. "You and I are both ridiculous."