I, Noelle, Persuade With Reason! [9]

“It’s your turn now!”

Noelle dispelled her Breastplate, hefting the unconscious Electro Cicin Mage in one arm and the [Debate Club] in the other. She turned to the nearby Abyss Mage, flashing her usual sweet smile.

But to the Abyss Mage, that smile was nothing short of terrifying.

What just happened? The Electro Cicin Mage was taken out in a single hit? The Fatui are this weak? They didn’t even have a chance to fight back!

The Abyss Mage sensed things were going south and immediately regretted getting involved.

He’d only been ordered by “His Highness” to secretly tail Noelle.

But upon finding her alone, he couldn’t resist showing off a bit. She was just a strong girl, right? Who would’ve guessed Noelle could KO an Electro Cicin Mage with one punch, and his own ice spells couldn’t even scratch her shield.

Can’t win. Time to run. At the very least, he needed to warn His Highness not to underestimate her.

Trying not to let Noelle see through his plan, the Abyss Mage tried to play it cool. As he quietly gathered power, he explained:

“Don’t get the wrong idea, I was just passing by.”

“Passing by? Then why did you attack me?”

As she spoke, Noelle shifted the Electro Cicin Mage in her arms and began to walk slowly toward the Abyss Mage. And honestly, the Cicin Mage’s slender waist and long legs felt surprisingly nice in her embrace—she was quite comfortable to hold.

The Abyss Mage couldn’t keep up the act. He was genuinely afraid. With every step Noelle took, he backed away in the air, desperately trying to maintain a safe distance.

“Uh… my bad.” The Abyss Mage caved instantly, picking out a route for escape. From watching Noelle’s dash to take down the Cicin Mage, he figured her burst couldn’t be more than a few meters. He could make it.

“Oh? In that case, why not come down and have a chat with me?”

Of course, Noelle wasn’t going to let him go. In fact, his reaction only made her more interested. Compared to the frenzied hilichurls, a talkative Abyss Mage was a much better research subject.

“Sure, just don’t move. I’ll come to you.”

The Abyss Mage was finally ready to cast, but still tried to stall Noelle, hoping for a window to escape.

Sure enough, Noelle stopped in place.

Thinking he’d tricked her, the Abyss Mage seized the chance and blinked over ten meters away, just beyond Noelle’s dash range.

“Haha, didn’t expect that, did you? That’s my escape route!”

He bounced in the air, giddy from his narrow escape, and couldn’t resist taunting Noelle a little.

But Noelle just raised the corners of her lips and lifted the [Debate Club].

That only made the Abyss Mage more delighted—he loved it when people got stubborn after being outplayed.

“Fool! Just you wait, next time I’ll—ah crap.”

With a bang, Noelle dashed forward, instantly closing the distance. The [Debate Club] burst with dazzling golden light, the blade lengthening as she swung. Like sweeping away trash, she swatted the Abyss Mage to the ground.

He had time for only a startled yelp before pain overtook him and he blacked out. If Noelle hadn’t held back, he probably wouldn’t have survived the blow.

Pretty slippery, aren’t you? Too bad you met me. Ten meters isn’t a safe distance at all.

Noelle stowed her sword, feeling quite pleased. She’d set herself up as bait and ended up catching two big fish—not a bad haul.

The Abyss Mage lay unmoving on the ground. Noelle approached and bent down—only to hear a noise from a rooftop in the distance.

“Who’s there?” Noelle narrowed her eyes, quickly raising the [Debate Club]. Was there a third target?

Rather than leave, the figure jumped from the roof and walked toward her.

Bathed in moonlight, Noelle saw a masked man with long red hair. A shame it’s not another Cicin Mage.

“Ahem, I just wanted to warn you—Abyss Mages are cunning. They’ll play dead, so be careful,” the man said, affecting a mysterious air as he stood by the fountain with arms open, trying to signal he meant no harm.

Noelle recognized Diluc’s voice and mannerisms right away. “Oh, thanks. I already know. Don’t worry, he won’t be faking anything after that. It’s lucky he’s not dead.”

Noelle was well aware of her own “sweeping” power. Otherwise, with her cautious nature, she’d never approach the Abyss Mage so casually.

Diluc paused, then nodded.

He knew she was right. Even from dozens of meters away, when Noelle struck the Abyss Mage, Diluc could sense the powerful surge of elemental energy—like staring down a mountain.

As a [Vision] holder himself, Diluc could tell that Noelle’s command of the elements far surpassed his own.

An unexpected discovery. Luckily, Noelle isn’t allied with the Fatui or the Abyss Order—that was a relief. Honestly, he’d only stepped in because he’d been fooled by Abyss Mages before. Old habits died hard.

Noelle put away the [Debate Club], holding the Cicin Mage, the Abyss Mage unconscious at her feet. She hesitated—what to do with her captives?

Lock them up at home? No, they’d be discovered.

Hand them to the Knights? Out of the question. Noelle kept her strength hidden to avoid trouble. If Jean and the others suddenly realized she’d become this strong, they’d be thrilled at first—but suspicion and distance would follow. Noelle wanted them to accept her new self gradually.

As she hesitated, she glanced at Diluc and brightened. How could I let this perfect “tool guy” go to waste?

“Can you do me a favor—can you lock them up and interrogate them for a bit, Darknight Hero?” Noelle asked.

“You’re sure? All right, it’s no trouble. But, in my experience, you probably won’t get much out of them.” Diluc didn’t refuse. He’d been fighting the Fatui and Abyss Order for a long time and wouldn’t miss any opportunity.

Besides, Noelle was becoming harder and harder to read. If he refused, he honestly worried she’d just kill the prisoners herself. Better to cooperate and build rapport.

“Do your best. And, don’t do anything excessive to the Cicin Mage.” Noelle didn’t expect much, but as she felt the softness of the girl in her arms, she couldn’t resist warning Diluc.

Diluc sighed. “Relax. I’m not that kind of person. Leave it to me.”

Noelle kicked the Abyss Mage to Diluc’s feet, then solemnly handed over the Cicin Mage.

“Thanks. When I have time, I’ll come visit you at Dawn Winery.” Noelle, finally free of her burdens, felt light as a feather. She scooped up an old Ley Line branch from the ground and headed off.

“Mm—wait, what?” Diluc finally realized—had he been recognized? Was it that obvious?

Noelle and Diluc each went their separate ways, leaving the square by the fountain peaceful again. High above, a raven glided quietly away, slipping into Fischl’s bedroom.

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T/N: BUT DILUC IS HOTTTTT U SHOULD BE NICER :SOB:

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!