Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [625]

The two behind-the-bush spectators had no idea what the people they were spying on were really thinking—just as Gu Sanqiu was completely baffled by Eula’s thought process.

“You want me to take your shift?”

Gu Sanqiu pointed at himself, incredulous. “Weren’t you the one who just said I was a Liyue outsider? And now you want me to help with the Knights of Favonius’ internal affairs? Does that sound right to you?”

“Oh, come on. After the spectacle you pulled in front of everyone, go ask around—who in Mondstadt still thinks you’re an outsider?”

With the East Wind Guardian showing up to personally vouch for him—and not to mention Dvalin dropping a comment about Barbatos before leaving—it was clear that the entire event had unfolded under the Anemo Archon’s watchful gaze.

And if the title “Saint of the West Wind” hadn’t been widespread before, by now, people were practically equating Gu Sanqiu with Mondstadt itself.

“Alright, alright, I guess that makes a weird kind of sense. This shift of yours—you’re not about to stick me in an office to sort paperwork, are you? Because I’m rejecting that on principle.”

“Nope. Even with your special status, we still have to follow protocol.”

Eula shook her head. “What I need you to do is simple—just act as a substitute examiner.”

“I was originally part of the exam committee, but with guerrilla squad assignments and some family matters I need to handle personally, I can’t spare the time. So, I’m asking you.”

Gu Sanqiu raised a brow. “One of the examiners? What kind of test are we talking about? We just got through a major crisis and now the Knights are running full-scale assessments?”

Like finishing finals and immediately being hit with a round of mock exams?

What kind of nightmare was this?

“The examiners include Albedo, Amber, Kaeya, Acting Grand Master Jean, and some of the higher-ups from the Church of Favonius. It’s a special assessment—for just one person.”

Eula explained, “During the recent operation, due to manpower shortages, we drafted a number of reserve knights to assist on the front lines.”

“After reviewing their performance, the Knights and the Church jointly agreed to design a special exam for Noelle. If she passes, she’ll be formally inducted into the Knights of Favonius.”

“And thanks to her exceptional performance during the stronghold sweeps, she’s being considered for a title—much like my own ‘Spindrift Knight.’”

“Oh, then I’m in.”

Gu Sanqiu nodded without hesitation. This sounded fun—and Noelle had long since earned her place. In both knowledge and combat ability, she already surpassed the standard expectations for a knight—many full knights, even.

After all, she was a girl who could brawl with a Geovishap Lord in close quarters. Her raw strength wasn’t a joke.

The real obstacle for Noelle had always been her lack of confidence. If she had finally overcome that, the Knights would gain a formidable new asset.

...

After parting ways with Eula, Gu Sanqiu went straight to Albedo to dig for more details.

“Eula’s right. We’ve indeed set up a special exam for Noelle.”

Albedo paid no mind to the scrutinizing look Gu Sanqiu gave him. The latter had a hunch the alchemist had just rushed back from somewhere, judging by his unsettled aura.

“Some of the more capable reservists also have tests, but the only one with a custom-designed assessment is Noelle.”

“Got it.”

Gu Sanqiu leaned back lazily in his chair. “Knowing the Knights, you wouldn’t grant special treatment lightly. So Noelle’s performance must’ve been that impressive, huh?”

“Exactly. I was overseeing that sector’s reserves myself.”

Albedo said matter-of-factly, “After she assisted a squad in clearing a secret stronghold, I had her lead a team to take down a nearby base on her own. She performed admirably.”

Gu Sanqiu stroked his chin. “So you forced her to act on orders, making her suppress her self-doubt and, in doing so, helped her grow. Gotta say, that’s a pretty clever tactic.”

“But weren’t you worried it might backfire?”

“No,” Albedo replied calmly. “I have faith in Noelle. She’s the kind of person who, if she puts her mind to something, will see it through.”

He smiled faintly. “And she’s kind-hearted. Aside from rescuing comrades on the battlefield, she also volunteered to help with logistics after the fighting was over.”

“Whether among full members or other reserves, Noelle is widely respected.”

“If it weren’t for the rules in place, she’d already hold an official title as a Knight of Favonius.”

“Well then, a special assessment to break protocol. That’s… surprisingly in line with the rules.”

Gu Sanqiu grinned. “So what’s the format? How’re you planning to run this?”

“There are several components. Originally, if Eula were available, one part would’ve involved fieldwork—taking on monster suppression under a senior knight’s supervision.”

Albedo continued, “But since you’re not familiar with the day-to-day responsibilities of the Knights, we’ll have to tweak that a bit. You’ll serve as the examiner for the combat portion.”

Gu Sanqiu raised an eyebrow. “So I do the fighting. What about you, then? Gonna sit off to the side with a cup of tea and enjoy the show?”

“I’m an administrative officer.”

Albedo’s expression didn’t budge. “Kaeya and I will be handling the written test portion.”

“Kaeya? The Cavalry Captain’s an office guy now? Okay, fair enough. If it’s Kaeya, that tracks.”

That dark-skinned adopted brother definitely had zero plans to lift a finger unless it was interesting. Still, his participation spoke volumes about his regard for Noelle.

If the Knights were letting someone join the official ranks without proper review, he’d never be able to look his “big brother” in the eye again.

Family status -1.

“So, when does this start? If there’s still time, we should all grab a meal and celebrate.”

“Tomorrow.”

Albedo explained, “It’s not just Noelle—many of the reserves struggle with confidence issues. They haven’t been able to perform at their full potential, so striking while the iron’s hot is crucial.”

“Sounds like you guys have some serious mentoring issues. A whole crop of rookies with low self-esteem? You think everyone’s as gifted as Noelle?”

“It’s a chronic problem,” Albedo replied with a shake of his head. “But things have improved since the Dragonspine operation. Growth takes time.”

“If they can pass the Knights’ assessments and get more battle experience, they’ll start seeing themselves more clearly. Maybe not a complete turnaround—but enough to make a difference.”

“Alright. Tell me where this assessment’s being held.”

“You’ll be at the training grounds. Just head over in the morning. The Knights have arranged breakfast from Good Hunter for the examiners. If you have any dietary preferences, let me know now.”

“What’s this, employee benefits?”

Gu Sanqiu waved a hand dismissively. “Anything’s fine. Just prep whatever. By the way, got a copy of the test or anything? I’m thinking of leaking a few answers to Noelle.”

Albedo shook his head. “She wouldn’t accept them.”

“Yeah, I figured. I was kidding anyway. I was actually planning to sell the questions.”

---

This is a fan translation of 原神之璃月奉香人 by 淡白蛋清. 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!