I, Noelle, Persuade With Reason! [15]

“Allow me to formally introduce you to the City of Freedom, the pastoral city of wind and dandelions—travelers protected by the Knights of Favonius, welcome to Mondstadt!” Amber proudly proclaimed at the city gate, introducing Mondstadt to Lumine and Paimon.

Noelle watched with amusement as Paimon unsuccessfully begged Amber for rewards, only to perk up enthusiastically at the promise of sticky honey roast later. This little floating creature seemed greedy for both food and Mora—slightly shameless, yet somehow irresistibly cute.

Amber eagerly decided to teach Lumine how to use a Wind Glider from Mondstadt’s highest point—the Cathedral Plaza.

Since Noelle and Klee had long mastered gliding, they chose not to join. Instead, they stood near the fountain, chatting briefly with the alchemist Timaeus.

“Young lady, interested in alchemy too?” Timaeus eagerly seized every chance to evangelize about the greatness of alchemy.

“Yes, are you crafting a clock with alchemy?” Noelle peered down at the alchemy table, noticing an old, worn clock inside.

“What? What is it? I wanna see!” Klee tiptoed excitedly, trying to peek. Laughing, Noelle lifted her up, giving her a thrilling new perspective.

Timaeus scratched his head awkwardly; his alchemy wasn't yet advanced enough to create brand-new objects—mostly just simple combinations.

“I’m just attempting to repair this clock through alchemy. Hold on, it might fail.” He didn't want Noelle’s first impression of alchemy to be disappointing, but decided to gamble anyway.

“Uh, maybe you should wash your face first? Or your hands at least.” Recognizing Timaeus’s anxious expression—one she often wore when rolling gacha herself—Noelle sincerely advised him.

“No need, my luck is good,” Timaeus confidently replied. He clasped his hands and activated the alchemy table. A bright flash burst forth.

Did it work? Timaeus clutched his chest excitedly.

The glow faded. The clock lay quietly, seemingly unchanged.

However, Noelle keenly sensed a subtle difference—an aura reminiscent of an artifact now surrounded the clock.

Timaeus also noticed this faint change, his face shifting from confusion to delight.

After a moment’s hesitation, he solemnly handed it to Noelle.

“Please take it. I hope you become an excellent alchemist someday.” Timaeus was earnest.

Noelle accepted. The instant she touched it, a name surfaced in her mind: [Scholar’s Clock].

If memory served correctly, wasn’t this originally meant for Lumine?

An artifact of this caliber wasn't needed by Klee, Jean, Lisa, or herself. After a moment's consideration, Noelle decided it was better to gift it onward.

Accepting Timaeus’s gift, Noelle and Klee turned to look toward the Cathedral, awaiting Amber and Lumine’s arrival.

From Noelle’s memory, Lumine would quickly master gliding. Shortly after, Stormterror—Dvalin—would attack Mondstadt.

Looking around, Mondstadt was still bustling peacefully.

Noelle debated sending Klee to Cat’s Tail Tavern for safety.

As she pondered, Amber gracefully soared down using her Wind Glider, expertly dodging obstacles and buildings, landing elegantly before Noelle.

Lumine followed closely behind, slightly unsteady, but airborne nonetheless. Amber waved enthusiastically, encouraging Lumine not to be afraid.

For a beginner, Lumine was impressive, quickly grasping the fundamentals and skillfully navigating the rooftops. She was about to land safely.

“Nicely done,” Noelle praised softly.

Amber, Noelle, and Klee applauded warmly. Lumine relaxed visibly, relief washing over her.

Then, her toe caught on a railing.

“Ah!” Lumine shrieked, tumbling straight into a nearby fountain, splashing water everywhere.

“Huh?” Noelle stared blankly, utterly shocked. Lumine flailed helplessly in the water while Paimon laughed uncontrollably nearby, clutching her stomach in glee. Noelle wasn't sure how to react.

“Are you alright?” Amber panicked, quickly rushing forward to help Lumine.

Klee hurried over too, digging frantically through her backpack for a towel, which she kindly offered.

“That hurt…” Lumine whimpered pitifully, rubbing her forehead. Her hair dripped wetly across her face, clothes soaked through.

Noelle rushed over, swiftly taking an extra coat from her pack and draping it over Lumine’s shoulders.

“Thank you…” Lumine looked up at Noelle, all dignity vanished, replaced by innocent embarrassment.

“No worries. Are you hurt anywhere?” Noelle checked Lumine’s forehead, gently squeezing her arms and legs. No visible injuries—not even bruises. Lumine was clearly sturdier than she appeared.

“N-no injuries,” Lumine finally said, blushing and waving away Noelle’s concern.

“Thank goodness.” Noelle sighed in relief, suddenly feeling laughter bubbling up as she recalled Lumine’s spectacular fall.

A bit clumsy, but so adorable.

To comfort her, Noelle gifted Lumine the newly obtained [Scholar’s Clock].

Lumine accepted, carefully holding it close.

“W-wait, where’s mine? Everyone else got gifts!” Seeing the beautiful clock, Paimon immediately stopped laughing and began pouting.

“You’re too small. Here, have this.” Noelle handed Paimon an apple from her pack.

Delighted, Paimon instantly began munching. Easily pleased.

“Come on, let’s get you changed,” Noelle said, uncertain when Dvalin would strike but aware Lumine urgently needed dry clothes.

Lumine nodded, accepting gratefully.

But they'd barely walked two steps when powerful winds suddenly rose, darkening the sky.

Noelle quickly grabbed Klee, glancing upward. Sure enough, the dragon burst through the clouds, roaring thunderously.

People scattered in panic, chaos enveloping the plaza. Cider Lake churned violently. Mondstadt now seemed like a frail boat caught in a storm.

“Dvalin…” Noelle sighed, feeling a bit helpless.

Though her sweeping attacks were powerful, they couldn’t reach airborne targets. If she could just knock Dvalin unconscious, Lumine could purify him directly—far simpler that way.

Dvalin flapped his wings, creating fierce tornadoes below.

Noelle quickly picked up Klee, grabbing Amber’s hand and dodging narrowly. Unfortunately, a stunned Lumine was caught directly.

Noelle winced sympathetically at Lumine’s terrified screams above. Poor thing.

From a hidden corner, Venti acted swiftly, stabilizing Lumine mid-air and enabling her to confront Dvalin with newfound confidence high above Mondstadt.

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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!