I, Noelle, Persuade With Reason! [16]

The moment Stormterror appeared, Acting Grand Master Jean sprang into action.

“Kaeya, gather everyone immediately. Prepare to tend to the wounded, and watch out for the Fatui or Hilichurls taking advantage of the chaos.”

“Lisa, Stormterror’s powers seem unusual; investigate the source.”

“Hertha, inventory our supplies, especially medicine and food. We might need plenty.”

Despite worrying deeply for her sister Barbara, as Acting Grand Master, Jean had to remain steadfast in her duties.

Kaeya, Lisa, Hertha, and the others immediately went into motion.

Suddenly, a knight assigned to scout the situation rushed in to report:

“Acting Grand Master, Reconnaissance Knight Amber, Maid Noelle, and Klee were spotted in Fountain Plaza.”

“What? Klee and Noelle? They got caught up in this?” Jean’s face paled, and she shot upright from her chair.

“Um, yes, though they weren't carried away by the wind. They're not taking cover either, but instead seem to be observing the sky.” The knight was slightly nervous but added the detail anyway.

“I see… No, I need to check on them. Lisa, please watch things here.” Jean hesitated briefly but quickly decided she had to go. Everything was already in place; Lisa could manage.

“Wait, Jean—!” Lisa started to object, but Jean had already bolted out the door.

“Is that really necessary? Amber’s there; surely Noelle and Klee aren’t in danger. Besides, those two are strong enough to handle themselves. Why is Jean suddenly panicking?” Lisa wondered aloud, puzzled by Jean’s unusually frantic reaction.

Outside, Jean hurried through the wind-battered streets. Black clouds blanketed the city, accompanied by screams, crashes, and roars. Anxiety gripped her heart.

Descending the stairs, she glanced quickly toward the Cathedral. Barbara usually stayed there, so she was probably safe. Slightly reassured, Jean hurried toward Fountain Plaza.

Please don’t do anything reckless, Noelle! Jean silently pleaded, terrified that Noelle would charge the dragon alone, sword in hand.

Amber had extensive experience and was excellent at flying; she could handle herself, and Klee would be safe with her.

Jean’s real concern was Noelle.

Although Noelle had grown immensely recently, Jean vividly remembered how she’d nearly died once while saving someone else. Helping others was a virtue, but Noelle’s selfless disregard for her own safety deeply worried Jean.

Jean couldn't bear to lose Noelle because of an impulsive act. She needed to watch over her, to ensure Noelle didn't take unnecessary risks.

After what felt like an eternity, Jean reached Fountain Plaza within seconds.

She spotted Noelle, calmly holding Klee in her arms, hand-in-hand with Amber, all three gazing upward near the alchemist's stall.

Jean let out a quiet breath of relief and quickly approached, silently standing by their side.

Under the dense cloud cover, people on the ground couldn't clearly see what was happening above, only that someone was attacking fiercely while Stormterror dodged furiously.

Jean pretended to study the battle above, but couldn't help secretly observing Noelle from the corner of her eye.

To her surprise, Noelle appeared utterly calm—no fear, no anxiety, only a serene composure that reminded Jean of Grand Master Varka.

Maybe I'm imagining things, Jean thought. Grand Master Varka is incredibly strong, so of course he's always composed. Could Noelle really be as capable as she claims? Impossible… right? Ah, what am I even thinking?

Jean glanced down at Noelle, shaking off her absurd thoughts.

Soon, Stormterror flew away from Mondstadt, and Noelle, Klee, and Amber remained safe.

Jean gradually regained her composure, surprised by how flustered she’d been—she couldn't recall ever panicking like that before.

Why was I so worried? Jean wondered briefly. Suddenly, memories of yesterday's incident in her office surfaced.

Is it because Noelle bravely supported me yesterday? Am I that grateful that I’d become this anxious for her? Jean’s thoughts tangled into confusion. She knew something felt strange but couldn’t quite pinpoint what.

As Stormterror disappeared, Noelle had just finished enjoying the spectacular “ace combat” overhead. Turning around, she suddenly noticed Jean standing quietly beside her.

“Acting Grand Master, what brought you here?” Noelle asked curiously. Shouldn't Jean be at headquarters, reassuring people?

“I came to inspect the damage,” Jean hurriedly invented an excuse.

This nervous, uneasy feeling again. I'm Acting Grand Master, the Dandelion Knight, heir to the Gunnhildr Clan. I must remain calm.

Avoiding Noelle's gaze, Jean quickly took a deep breath and departed hastily.

Noelle watched Jean’s retreating figure in confusion. What was that all about?

After Stormterror’s departure, the fierce winds calmed. Sunlight broke through the thinning clouds, and everything returned to normal.

Without Venti’s aid, Lumine floated down unsteadily. Perhaps still traumatized by her earlier plunge into the fountain, she descended cautiously this time, landing gently in front of Noelle.

“Phew, that was terrifying! Noelle, you wouldn’t believe how big that dragon was!” Paimon suddenly popped out from behind Lumine, stretching her arms dramatically.

“You did great, Lumine—and you too, little Paimon. You should hurry and change… Actually, maybe you don’t need to.” Noelle ruffled Paimon's hair affectionately, noticing Lumine’s clothes had dried completely from the wind. That must've been chilly.

Lumine simply nodded silently, still somewhat stunned.

A slow clap sounded from nearby, and Noelle looked up to see Kaeya approaching.

Even though their meeting spot changed from the Statue to Fountain Plaza, Kaeya's posture remained exactly the same. Noelle was sure this was another carefully staged entrance by the cunning Cavalry Captain. Impressive, Kaeya, master strategist indeed.

“Having the strength to fight a dragon… Are you our guest or a new storm approaching?” Kaeya asked curiously.

“This is Kaeya, Cavalry Captain of the Knights. Lumine and Paimon are travelers searching for family members…” Amber quickly explained to ease his suspicions.

Though somewhat reassured, Kaeya maintained polite formality, careful not to underestimate Lumine.

Noelle watched Kaeya’s performance with amusement. Unlike Diluc, Kaeya excelled at handling people. Soon, Lumine agreed to meet the Acting Grand Master.

Led by Kaeya, everyone headed toward Knights of Favonius headquarters.

Meanwhile, Jean, who'd hurried back to her office, anxiously fixed her wind-blown hair in front of a mirror, with Lisa helping.

Hearing a knock, Jean quickly moved behind her desk, pretending she'd just stood to greet visitors.

Lisa casually walked to the bookshelf, grabbed a random book, and smiled gently as she flipped it open.

“Come in.”

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This is a fan translation of 我，诺艾尔，以理服人！ by 暗香浮动 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!