Bab 33: Really kiss?
"Ah, Jams, if you continue to bully me, I'll... I'll a punch!"
Noelle blushed and waved her small fist, faint golden waves of Geo energy emanating from her, exuding a strong and solid aura that sent shivers down Jams' spine.
"Let's talk it out, instead of resorting to violence. After all, you're an elegant and gentle maid, aren't you?"
Jams twitched his eyes slightly, quickly retracting his hand, his expression filled with fear and helplessness.
He had just taken a punch from Noelle head-on, and though he didn't sustain any serious injuries, it still hurt quite a bit.
However, that punch from Noelle was merely a casual one. If it had been a serious punch, it could have knocked Jams unconscious with a single blow.
"Maid, if you hadn't reminded me..."
Noelle blinked, feeling a bit frustrated, puffing up her cheeks. "I don't look like a maid anymore, and it's all your fault."
"We both share the responsibility in this. Putting that aside, weren't you at fault too? Alright, alright, I take greater responsibility. I'll take care of it, so just put your fist down for now."
Jams wanted to argue, but when he saw Noelle raise her little fist again, he didn't dare to joke around anymore and decisively took on all the blame.
Chirp~
Seeing that Jams seemed somewhat intimidated by her little fists, Noelle felt both annoyed and amused.
If only this man could always be so obedient. Who would want to resort to violence when things could be resolved with words?
"You said earlier that you just wanted to trick me into fishing with you. Why are you confessing now? Actually, even if you didn't say anything, I had a hunch. It doesn't make sense to join the Knights just by fishing..."
A cool breeze blew from the lake, gently rustling Noelle's silver hair as she continued the previous topic in a low voice.
Innocence doesn't mean foolishness.
Even though she fell for Jams' trick due to desperation at first, upon calm reflection, she realized that "fishing" and "becoming a knight" were completely different matters.
However, the time spent fishing with Jams was enjoyable, so Noelle never exposed the truth.
"Heh, seeing how clever you are, I'm somewhat relieved. At least I don't have to worry about you being deceived by other bad men."
Jams lay on the grass, not feeling guilty for deceiving Noelle but rather bursting into hearty laughter.
"Hmph, that still doesn't justify your lie to me," Noelle pouted, giving a slight snort.
Jams sighed lightly and smiled. "Fishing alone can be quite boring. I've always been searching for a like-minded fishing companion, and when I first saw you, I knew you would be a good partner."
"..."
Noelle listened attentively but felt that there was more to Jams' words than met the eye.
Like-minded?
Thinking I'm not bad at first sight?
Could it be... Is he confessing to me!?
Noelle sneakily glanced at Jams and realized that he seemed completely calm, showing no signs of confessing.
Huff...
Relieved that Jams wasn't confessing, Noelle let out a sigh but couldn't help feeling a slight sense of disappointment.
Which girl doesn't daydream a little?
Under the moonlit sky, by the shores of the fruity wine lake, with a man and a woman alone, the sparks of passion... Ahem.
This scenario always ignites the imagination of romantic girls, making them anticipate the unfolding of a romantic confession.
Thinking Noelle was upset by her expression, Jams couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt.
"Cough, to sum it up, after spending a few days together, I think you're a nice person, Noelle. We get along well."
"Huh?"
Noelle tilted her head. "What do you mean by 'get along well'?"
"It means you're worth getting to know better."
Jams smiled and continued, "Because I believe you're a girl worth getting to know, I didn't want to keep deceiving you."
"After all, trust is the foundation of any friendship. If there are only lies, such a relationship is bound to be short-lived."
"I see..."
Noelle nodded slightly, deep in thought. "Aren't you afraid that I'll get angry and ignore you?"
She suddenly crossed her arms and puffed up her cheeks, wearing an adorable expression that said, "Hmph, I can be tough too!"
"Cough, yes, I know you can be tough..."
Jams suppressed his laughter and put on a serious face, speaking in a solemn tone. "No matter how angry you get, it's deserved. As a man, I must take responsibility for my actions."
"Oh, don't be so serious. I... I was just joking with you."
Noelle saw Jams' serious expression and softened her heart. She quickly said, "I don't blame you at all. I've been really happy these past few days, and that's enough for me."
"It's not enough, far from it!"
Jams stood up abruptly, placing his hands on Noelle's delicate shoulders, speaking earnestly. "Noelle, that's just how I am. If someone respects me, I'll respect them even more."
"You consider me a friend, so I won't play any tricks on you. I promised to help you become a true knight, and I will definitely keep my word!"
"Oh, but right now, I just want to go fishing with you..." Noelle said weakly.
"What!?"
Jams was taken aback, looking at the girl whose aura had become somewhat listless. "Don't you want to become a knight anymore?"
"I do."
Noelle blushed, feeling a bit embarrassed. "But recently, I've started to find fishing quite enjoyable. If possible, can I have both fishing and becoming a knight?"
"Uh..."
Upon hearing this, Jams' eyes gradually lit up.
Yes, I like this girl with her own ideas!
"Why not? Am I being too greedy?" Noelle asked cautiously.
"Of course not!"
A smile appeared on Jams' handsome face as he patted the girl's shoulder reassuringly. "Good, even though you haven't accomplished anything yet, a change in mindset is definitely a good thing."
"Saying that I haven't accomplished anything... that's really hurtful."
Noelle felt a sharp pain in her heart. Couldn't Jams be a bit more tactful with his words?
I am a versatile maid, capable of more than just becoming a knight!
"Are you really just interested in me becoming a knight? If the work gets too busy, I might not have time to go fishing with you..."
"Heh, young lady, it seems you completely misunderstand."
Jams' lips curled up slightly, and his clear black eyes were full of confident brilliance. "Even the acting Grand Master, Jean, can't resist the allure of fishing and slacking off. Let alone you, so don't worry, even if you become the Grand Master, the Anemo Archon, I can still... umm... persuade you to come and hang out with me!"
Pfft~
Noelle looked at Jams' handsome and confident side profile, her beautiful eyes forming two crescent moons.
Indeed, no matter where she was, she couldn't forget this leisurely fishing time.
"As for why I want you to become a knight, the reason is simple."
Jams gently patted Noelle's fragrant shoulder, his eyes filled with admiration and pity. "You have the qualifications to become a knight. Why should those weak Mondstadt brats who are even weaker than you snatch away the opportunities that should rightfully belong to you through countless selections?"
"If you had no potential, it would be one thing, but you have strength and ideals. I won't allow those Mondstadt brats to bury your dreams!"
"Uh... Jams..."
Jams' words hit Noelle's heart like a thunderbolt. Her light green eyes instantly moistened, and she tightly covered her lips to hold back her tears.
In the entire city of Mondstadt, no one probably understood her better than this man!
She was also a young person full of hope for life. She wanted to become a knight! She didn't want to be labeled as just a maid by everyone!
"I'm so moved, Jams."
The teary-eyed girl suddenly hugged Jams' neck, and her rosy lips pressed against his...
Muah~
"[Detected that Noelle wants to go fishing with you. Do you want to activate multiplayer mode and add her to the team?]"
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone