Capítulo 24: Ch 24
The moment of receiving rewards after victory is the most fulfilling.
"Have you been farming talent books for your character, Noelle? You're doing great," a voice suddenly said.
Hearing this voice, Noelle's expression turned incredulous. She turned around to see Takumi standing behind her. It was clear he had been here for some time.
"Takumi, Mr. Takumi!?" Noelle seemed pleasantly surprised. Takumi was a legendary figure in Mondstadt, the developer of the mobile game. Yet here he was, standing behind her, watching her play for a while?
Noelle blushed and didn't know what to say. "Takumi, Mr. Takumi... I... I..."
"Don't be nervous; I'm just here casually," Takumi said softly. Takumi's voice seemed to have a special charm, calming Noelle's nerves considerably. She took a deep breath and couldn't help asking, "Um, Mr. Takumi, how did you know... my name?"
Clearly, Noelle found it hard to comprehend. She was just a maid in the Knights of Favonius, not even a full-fledged knight. Shouldn't big shots like Takumi be dealing with people like Jean or Master Diluc? How could he have the time to notice her?
"Don't forget that [Noelle] in the game is my creation." Noelle couldn't help but cover her mouth with her hand. She realized she had asked a rather foolish question. When the mobile game first became popular in Mondstadt, someone told her that there was a character in the game based on her. Initially, she thought they were joking, but after experiencing it herself, she couldn't believe how faithfully she had been recreated in the game. Everything from her appearance, actions, to her voice matched perfectly. This is why she had complex feelings about the game's developer, Takumi. She admired him as her role model and for his role in saving Mondstadt, yet she was curious about why he chose her, a non-formal knight's maid, as a character.
This complex feeling became a puzzle in Noelle's heart. However, today, Takumi himself appeared behind her, leaving Noelle so nervous that she couldn't even speak.
"Jean, Kaeya, Lisa, and Amber, your team composition is quite interesting; they are all members of the Knights of Favonius."
"Well, that's because they are all respected seniors worth learning from, and I think I can learn something from them!"
Takumi smiled and asked, "Would you like to hear my advice?"
"If it's advice from Mr. Takumi, I'll listen attentively!"
Noelle immediately put on a serious and earnest expression.
"To become a true knight, learning from others is important, but improving your own abilities is the most crucial."
Takumi opened Noelle's character interface and then clicked on the constellation.
"You see, all your constellations have reached full potential. You have the ability to be a DPS character yourself."
"Me as a DPS character? Can I really do that?"
Noelle was surprised. She had always thought of herself as just an ordinary four-star character in the game.
Some players had also tested Noelle and found her damage output to be lacking, and her support abilities were not outstanding. They believed she wasn't a character worth investing in. Compared to Diluc, Noelle seemed like a basic reference character. But now, Takumi was telling her that a maxed out Noelle had the ability to be a DPS character! Takumi was the game's developer, and who could understand the game better than its creator? Therefore, Noelle didn't doubt Takumi's words but rather questioned herself, wondering if she truly had that potential.
"If you don't believe in yourself, how can you expect others to believe in you?" Takumi's words were like a flame that instantly ignited Noelle's heart. Her eyes sparkled.
"Mr. Takumi, I understand!" Takumi nodded.
In fact, once Noelle was fully built with high constellation levels, her damage output would rival that of many five-star characters. In her elemental burst state, her attack range was outstanding, and she had high defense and a shield provided by her elemental skill. She could even provide healing for her teammates, making her a versatile character, often referred to as the "Human Gundam." Takumi had also pointed Noelle in the right direction.
"Thank you for your guidance!" Noelle got up, ready to bow to Takumi. However, Takumi stopped her.
"There's one more thing," Takumi pulled out a letter from his pocket. "This is a recommendation letter from Jean, the Acting Grand Master. She believes you have the qualifications to become a full-fledged knight in terms of experience, but there are still areas in your character that need improvement."
"Jean is worried that becoming a formal knight will make you busier and might even make you vulnerable to exploitation."
Listening to Takumi's words, Noelle's heart swelled with emotions. She realized that Jean had been watching over her all this time, out of concern for her safety, which was why she hadn't allowed her to become a formal knight. Noelle couldn't help but clench her skirt. She knew she had to work even harder. She couldn't let down Jean, Takumi, or herself. However, Takumi's next words caught her off guard.
"...So, Jean has recommended you to work as a staff member in the new branch of the mobile game hall. She hopes you can gain experience here."
Working at Takumi's mobile game hall! This was something many people dreamed of, and Noelle never thought it would happen to her. Her heart raced. Being able to work alongside a senior like Takumi was beyond her wildest dreams. She took several deep breaths, trying to calm herself.
"Mr. Takumi, I... I'm willing!" Noelle was already immersing herself in the role of a maid. From then on, Takumi's second branch had a diligent maid on board.
Every day, Noelle diligently cleaned every corner, including cleaning up after players finished their sessions. The care of the hall and balcony plants also fell under her responsibilities. She kept the entire three-story shop neat and tidy. She even took charge of providing three meals, afternoon tea, and late-night snacks. Truly, she was a versatile maid. Now, she had become Takumi's exclusive maid, and Takumi intended to further nurture her in a direction of strength and maturity until the day she could face numerous Ruin Guards alone without changing her composure, gripping her greatsword tightly, and saying, "In the name of Takumi, behold me!"
....
"Boss, that maid Noelle seems quite capable."
"Yes, even the players recognize the quality of Noelle's work."
After finishing their meal, Takumi returned to his room, while Eula silently cleaned the dishes. These days, Takumi had been busier than before, and even their casual chat during dinner had been reduced. Perhaps it was because the new branch had opened, and the boss had to divert his attention, unable to focus solely on this side. That's what Eula thought.
On the other hand, Noelle's work was impeccable, and her reputation in Mondstadt was excellent. Players who visited the shop greeted Noelle warmly. As for herself, perhaps it was due to the Lawrence family's prejudice. Players didn't mind her background, but they didn't show much enthusiasm either. They simply saw her as an employee of the mobile game hall. In the game, there was also a Noelle character, a four-star character, but many players had created maid-themed teams, making both the character Noelle and the in-store maid quite popular.
Although Eula didn't care about others' opinions, she couldn't help but feel a bit lost and sad in this comparison. The main reason was that she was worried about—
Will there come a day when even the boss thinks that Noelle's abilities surpass mine and chooses to move to the other side to live? Although the boss still treats her the same way as before, Eula knows that she shouldn't entertain such thoughts. But in her idle moments, she can't help but wonder. Perhaps this is a kind of worry that young girls can't escape from.
Lately, in their conversations, Takumi revealed to her his plans to promote the mobile game in Liyue and open a mobile game hall in Liyue Harbor. This move could be considered quite bold, but Eula believes that with the boss's abilities, it's only a matter of time before it becomes a reality. However, this would mean even less time for her to be alone with the boss, right?
In any case, Eula has been feeling a bit anxious lately. It's late at night, and Eula lies in bed, looking at the moonlight outside, feeling somewhat restless. She sits up, puts on her loose pajamas, and suddenly, almost as if possessed, she opens her door and walks across to Takumi's door.
A faint glimmer of light shines through the crack in the door. She wonders if the boss is asleep. Her hand hesitates before knocking. She scratches her head, and her disheveled ice-blue shoulder-length hair makes her look a bit untidy. Suddenly, she feels that she shouldn't disturb the boss at this hour, no matter the circumstances—whether as a subordinate or a friend.
She sighs and is about to turn back to her own room when Takumi's door unexpectedly opens from the inside.
"Eula?"
Takumi looks quite surprised. "Uh... I..."
Eula was just thinking about how to explain, but Takumi grabs her hand and pulls her into his room.
"Boss... what are you... doing...!?"
Eula's heart starts to race. She wasn't prepared...!
"Eula, come experience your legendary quest."
"What...!?"
Eula is momentarily stunned. She notices a phone in Takumi's room, displaying content from the test server. On the screen, she sees herself holding a sword with both hands, raising it behind her back. The text below reads, "Chapter of Foaming Waves, Act I: Waves No Longer Return to the Sea."
So, the boss brought me in here for this...
Huh? Why do I feel a bit disappointed?
Eula pats her chest, pushing down that strange feeling. She shifts her focus to the legendary quest. Previously, the boss mentioned casually that he wanted to add her as a character to the mobile game. And now, she already has her legendary quest! Eula's heart can't help but tremble. It seems that the boss has always had a place for her in his heart.
With a heart filled with gratitude, Eula starts the storyline.
The mission begins. The Traveler and Paimon arrived at the Mondstadt Knights of Favonius to accept a commission from Jean, the Acting Grand Master.
"Honorable Knight, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to come."
"Let's get straight to the point... I've received numerous reports from Knights of Favonius members lately, suspecting that the Lawrence family has been in close contact with the Fatui."
"...But for now, it's just suspicion, and there's no concrete evidence. I've called you here to investigate this matter."
The subject of Jean's investigation was Schubert Lawrence. In Eula's impression, this person had always been an idle elder. If he were involved with the Fatui, Eula wouldn't be surprised.
Following the mission instructions, they found Schubert by the walls of Mondstadt.
"Hello, we are here..."
Paimon was about to greet him, but Schubert abruptly interrupted.
"Hello? Am I hearing things?"
"Hmph, so rude and frivolous, just casually coming up to say hello."
"It seems like you are ignorant outsiders. I am Schubert Lawrence, the holder of a noble title."
"If you want to greet me, pay proper attention to your wording. Such casual and indolent speech is simply unbearable."
The Traveler and Paimon were both stunned. Watching from her screen, Eula let out a mocking smile. This was undoubtedly his uncle's personality, always clinging to the ways of the old nobility and considering it sacred.
The first meeting ended on an unpleasant note. The Traveler and Paimon had no way to communicate with Schubert due to their lack of knowledge about noble etiquette.
Upon returning to the Knights of Favonius, they happened to run into Amber. After briefly recounting the situation, Amber offered some advice.
"How to greet the Lawrence family, Eula knows it very well."
"Eula is my good friend and the captain of the Knights of Favonius' fourth squad."
"Although she shares the Lawrence surname, she is different from the rest of the family, with her own thoughts and ways of doing things."
With Amber's recommendation, the Traveler and Paimon headed to Wolvendom to find Eula, the leader of the resistance.
They hadn't found Eula yet, but near the watchtower in the mountainous area, they discovered a group of the Fatui causing trouble. The battle began quickly and ended just as fast.
However, the Traveler seemed to have overlooked the fact that above the watchtower, a hidden Fatui gunman was aiming a musket at her back.
At the moment when the Traveler had just finished the battle and was most off guard, the gun fired at her back.
But in the instant the gunpowder was ignited, a blue figure stood in front of the Traveler.
"Bang!"
An ice-blue greatsword blocked the attack.
As Eula's complete figure was revealed on the screen, elegant music began to play. The Fatui gunman seemed to realize that this was a formidable enemy. Without hesitation, he continuously fired a barrage of bullets.
Accompanied by the agile background music, Eula displayed an incredibly agile posture, swiftly advancing while evading all the attacks from the Fatui gunman.
In front of the watchtower, she easily leaped up, using the wooden boards to swing herself to the top of the tower. Her ice-crystal-covered greatsword appeared in her hand.
"Sip—!"
A silver crescent arc was cut through the air. The Fatui gunman was immediately knocked down and fell from the watchtower. This series of elegant and dashing moves left everyone in awe. Even Eula herself couldn't help but feel a bit cool. She was well aware that this was a special entrance her boss had prepared for her. She could feel the warmth of this thoughtful gesture.
"Could it be that you're Eula?"
The Traveler explained their purpose for being there. In the storyline, Eula agreed to teach the Traveler the etiquette of the Lawrence family as part of the investigation into her uncle.
So, they began their training in the square. However, even a simple greeting turned out to be extremely complicated and troublesome after half a day of instruction.
"Or how about we find a few people, and you demonstrate to us how nobles interact?" Paimon suggested.
Eula accepted the proposal and began randomly selecting passersby in the square for demonstrations.
"...You're Eula of the Lawrence family, right? I have a bad feeling about this," one passerby said with a skeptical tone.
"Cough, hardworking one, why not pause for a moment? Do you know that the noble Lawrence family has graced this place with their presence, bearing important news?"
Eula demonstrated, "Please bow reverently, um... and then what was it? Oh yes, accept the noble's bestowed glory with the utmost sincerity."
The passerby furrowed their brows. "What nonsense are you talking about?"
"The Lawrence family's days of tyranny are long gone. I don't know what you're up to, but leave quickly!"
"You've got it all wrong. She's demonstrating for me," the Traveler explained.
Unfortunately, it didn't help. This passerby refused to engage with them any further. In fact, the first person was already considered polite compared to the next ones they tried.
"I have nothing to talk about with the Lawrence family!"
The third person even bluntly pointed out Eula and her family, saying sarcastically:
"Although I know she's a member of the Knights of Favonius, and the Knights of Favonius shouldn't make mistakes, the name 'Lawrence' is like an incurable scar."
"Who doesn't know that, even to this day, the descendants of the Lawrence family are still plotting to retake Mondstadt and bring back the old noble system?"
"Not avoiding it, but deliberately using the family's peculiar way of speaking to put on airs. I would feel that they don't care about the feelings of us common people."
Eula sighed. Whether in the game or in real life, this was the reality. These passersby were already being polite. Those who talked behind her back were ten times worse.
After giving up the demonstration, Paimon apologized to Eula, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked you to demonstrate. I didn't know people had such strong opinions about the Lawrence family."
"Haha, there's nothing to be done. After all, the Lawrence family is a notorious villain that everyone knows about. Even three-year-old kids know the story. It's normal for them to treat me badly," Eula said indifferently.
"You can actually accept this with a smile," the Traveler sighed.
"Don't worry, usually, because I'm a member of the Knights of Favonius, they are still willing to talk to me."
"Today, maybe the noble way of speaking has irritated them. Trust me, it's not a big issue."
"Is it always like this? I don't think it's necessary to target you like this," Paimon sincerely said.
"There's nothing to be done. Those who make mistakes will face such consequences, to receive punishment is only natural, right? But what if you commit a major mistake that cannot be atoned for?"
"The city and the wind have memories, and the debts to be repaid will be passed down from generation to generation. Now, it's my turn."
"Compared to the family elders who atoned with their lives, at least I have the right to live a normal life. I have nothing to be unsatisfied about."
In this rare moment, Eula revealed her true feelings. In fact, during her time with Takumi, she had occasionally confided in him about these troubles. However, Eula didn't want her boss to bear this burden, so she didn't say much.
Unexpectedly, this passage of text so clearly expressed her state of mind. Eula had never felt so understood before. It was as if her heart had been gently touched.
"Boss..."
Turning around, she couldn't control herself any longer and threw herself into Takumi's arms. Tears flowed uncontrollably, releasing years of grievances and injustices.
"Alright, alright, you're so easy to cry, Eula, this doesn't seem like the Eula I know."
Takumi gently patted Eula on the back, comforting her. Eula wiped away her tears with the tissue that Takumi handed to her, took a deep breath, and sighed. The outburst of emotions had only been a momentary release, and now she had calmed down. She felt a sense of relaxation in both her body and mind.
"Thank you, boss..."
"Then let's continue with the legend quest. If you feel anything is not right, please let me know in time."
"Okay, boss!"
Eula's training in noble etiquette was not yet over. They had just covered the aspect of conversation, which was relatively emotional.
The pursuit of proper etiquette required repeated training. They arrived at a mountain path near the snowy mountains. Because the game hadn't been updated to the snowy mountain version yet, this place was considered close to the border of the snowy mountains.
The reason Takumi opened Eula's legend quest early was because he considered that the mobile game hall would soon be established in Liyue, and the story would also open up Liyue-related plotlines. Therefore, the presence of Mondstadt would temporarily become lower. At the same time, he also wanted to use Eula's legend quest as an opportunity to completely dispel the prejudices and baseless accusations against the Mondstadt people.
On the mountain path, Eula smoothly passed the etiquette training. Next, it was time to prepare a gift for Schubert.
With everything ready, Eula met Schubert again and gained his trust through the aristocratic etiquette taught by Eula. She also infiltrated the Fool's base as Schubert's "assistant." After some negotiations, with Schubert's guarantee, the Fool's temporarily set aside their suspicions of the Traveler and began their trade.
"Let's get straight to the point. Have you brought the Mondstadt city defense map you promised?"
"Of course, rest assured. And don't forget our agreement – to let the Lawrence family's flag fly atop the Knights of Favonius headquarters," Schubert stated.
"Well, it's a win-win deal. There's no need to haggle," the Traveler responded.
It seemed that the Fool's had reached an agreement with Schubert. However, the credibility of this simple agreement was unknown.
"When the time comes, I'll stand on top of the Knights of Favonius headquarters and harshly criticize their weak rule over Mondstadt. All the citizens will once again submit to the rule of the Lawrence family!" Schubert stood on a high platform, envisioning the Lawrence family's resurgence.
"Haha, they've all come back, they've all come back!"
Seeing Schubert so enthusiastic, the Traveler decided not to play along anymore. He removed his mask.
"I won't pretend anymore. I am a Knight of Favonius."
"And I'm Paimon, the best companion of the Knights of Favonius!" Paimon chimed in.
Schubert was stunned, almost infuriated. "You dare to deceive me! You used our cherished manners and elegance to gain my trust!"
"After planning for so long, to expose yourself like this... You just wait!"
One of the Fool's officials looked helpless. "Sigh, is it really like this? We shouldn't have trusted this idiot in the first place."
Schubert's escape route was a dead end, so there was no need to chase after him immediately. They first had to deal with the Fool's inside the base. After all, the city defense map was still in his possession.
Within this stronghold, the Traveler's strength was more than sufficient. That was also why he dared to reveal his true identity.
A few Fool's members were quickly defeated, and the city defense map was recovered. On the other side, Schubert's escape had also reached its conclusion.
Eula and her guerrilla team members had already captured Schubert. When the Traveler arrived, Schubert seemed to have finally understood the situation.
"Could it be that this guy learned all his manners from you? Aren't you the one who never cared about these things?"
Facing Schubert's questioning, Eula appeared indifferent and cold.
"Oh, it seems like that's the case. And so what? It's not like there's no reason to do so."
"I know that Uncle has put in a lot of effort, but you also know that this is something that shouldn't be done. As a Knight of Favonius, I have no reason to turn a blind eye to it." This cold and sharp attitude seemed to completely infuriate Schubert.
"Enough with the Knight of Favonius nonsense! I'm your uncle! You belong to the Lawrence family, and you should help the family regain its glory!"
"You still have a chance for forgiveness now. Take down all the Knights of Favonius here and leave with me!"
"Then I will plead for you at home, giving you a chance to reform!"
"I'm sorry, I didn't understand," Eula's attitude remained resolute. "You want the Knights of Favonius to eliminate the Knights of Favonius?"
"Let me repeat it once more, you are not a Knight of Favonius. You are the descendant of our family!"
"You are a noble with the blood of the Lawrence family! You should obey the will of the family!"
"But when, from the past to now, have I ever followed the will of the family?"
Eula's expression finally changed. Underneath her icy calmness, there was now a hint of anger. It was like magma beneath an iceberg, showing signs of eruption.
"You, you...! You ungrateful scoundrel!"
Schubert was almost beside himself with anger, and his eyes seemed to spew fire.
He couldn't understand it. He couldn't comprehend it.
Why was Eula, also of the Lawrence family, preventing the family's revival? Without the name Lawrence, what was she?
"If anyone is going to lose their temper, it should be me."
Eula's gaze darkened. She didn't shout and yell like her uncle, didn't lose her temper, but instead used cold, harsh words to state the facts.
"Do you, knowing you're a member of the Lawrence family, still engage in this kind of threat to Mondstadt's safety?"
"Have you ever thought about how much trouble you've caused for people?"
"Have you ever thought about how many enemies I'll make to resolve this incident?" Schubert looked shocked.
In his eyes, Eula had completely rebelled.
"Are you lecturing me? How dare you lecture me?"
"Yes, I am lecturing you, Uncle, in the name of the Lawrence family that you value most!"
"I haven't experienced the era of glory you mentioned, nor do I understand the family's fervent pursuit of it."
"But I have the ability to judge right from wrong, and I deeply understand the meaning of 'freedom' to the people of Mondstadt."
"The Lawrence family should not, and must not, become what you envision in your heart!"
Schubert was so angry that he kept coughing.
REFLEXIONES DE LOS CREADORES 
Ulimate_random
Ulimate_random Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
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