The Knights' training grounds
The core site where the Knights of Favonius conduct their daily drills.
Even on rest days, many knights still come voluntarily to train.
For these honorable defenders of Mondstadt, training is never dull.
Rather, they find within it a joy few ordinary people could understand—
the joy of becoming stronger, bit by bit, in order to guard what they cherish.
Outside the training grounds, a silver-haired young girl stood quietly, gazing inside with longing.
Noelle.
Her eyes were full of admiration and yearning.
She too dreamed of one day becoming a full Knight of Favonius.
Though she had failed the selection seven times—so many that she once nearly lost hope—
she had found renewed strength in the words of a certain young man she deeply respected.
From etiquette, to swordsmanship, to speech,
Noelle studied tirelessly every day.
Though she had yet to be recognized, she continued to grow.
She memorized the strengths of every knight she admired, using them as her models.
With enough time, she believed she would surely become a knight worthy of Mondstadt.
Even so… she wished that day could come sooner.
Suddenly—
"Noelle, what are you doing out here?"
Startled, she spun around.
Luo Li stood behind her, looking puzzled as he took in her maid-like uniform, armored with rose motifs.
If she needed something from inside, she could simply enter. Why linger outside staring?
"N-No, Mr. Luo Li! I wasn't spying or anything!"
Her panic only made her explanation more confusing.
"I know. Come on—don't stand out here. Let's go in."
He smiled lightly, always gentle toward the girl known as Mondstadt's "walking maid service," and led her through the gate.
The knights inside greeted them warmly.
Many waved at Noelle with friendly smiles.
They had noticed her earlier—
but unlike others, she was never driven away.
Everyone in Mondstadt knew the diligent, kindhearted maid who appeared instantly whenever someone called her name.
There was even a saying:
"If you shout 'Noelle' anywhere in Mondstadt, she'll appear within a minute."
No matter the request—however absurd—Noelle would try her utmost to help.
Her failure in the knight exams was never due to lack of strength or talent.
Rather, her compassion often put herself in danger.
She tried to save everyone—even when it hurt her.
And so, both Luo Li and Grand Master Varka agreed she was not ready to join the Knights.
For now, she would remain as the Knights' maid, until the day she learned that excessive kindness can become a burden…
and matured enough to bear the true weight of a knight's duty.
"I heard you broke another greatsword during practice yesterday."
Noelle flushed with embarrassment.
"I'm sorry… It was brand new, and I still…"
"It's not your fault. Those weapons are too flimsy.
Without official membership, we can't allocate proper knight-grade equipment for you."
Luo Li sighed inwardly.
How could such a tiny girl possess such overwhelming strength?
She had shattered countless two-handed greatswords.
The blacksmiths of Mondstadt had sworn they would one day forge a blade Noelle couldn't break.
"I don't mind," Noelle said with a small smile, trailing behind him.
"I just feel bad for the blacksmiths…"
"It's fine. In fact—" Luo Li turned to her.
"Let me test your swordsmanship today.
If I'm satisfied, I'll give you a gift."
"R-Really?!"
Her heart leapt.
Her private wish—to prove herself to him—burned brighter than ever.
If she could receive a gift from Mr. Luo Li, she would give everything she had.
A short time later—
The knights training nearby stopped and gathered, watching with eager eyes.
At the center of the training field stood Noelle, gripping a greatsword nearly as tall as she was.
Her expression was solemn, her posture perfect.
Opposite her stood Luo Li—completely relaxed.
His stance was full of openings; yet Noelle dared not strike.
"What's wrong?" Luo Li teased.
"Come on."
He casually flipped the wooden practice sword in his hand—light, effortless—
but Noelle knew better.
She had fallen for this trap too many times.
No matter how she attacked, she always lost instantly.
Sometimes she didn't even realize what had happened until the blade touched her neck.
If these were real battles, she would have died dozens of times.
That was why she trained so hard—
to stand even a little closer to the man she admired.
She inhaled deeply.
This time… I must make Mr. Luo Li acknowledge me!
Lowering her stance, she gripped the enormous sword with ease despite its weight.
Her feet dug into the dirt—
the ground cracking beneath her boots.
"Mr. Luo Li—here I come!"
In an instant, the gentle girl transformed into a charging beast.
Her leap covered ten meters in the blink of an eye.
Even the knights watching felt the pressure of her momentum.
"Impressive…!"
"Every time we see her, she's stronger!"
"Why isn't she allowed to join the Knights again?"
"Quiet—Luo Li is moving!"