"Congratulations, Noelle!"
Amber pounced on Noelle and hugged her, bouncing up and down with delight.
"Oh my... this day came sooner than I expected!"
A smile played at Kaeya's lips, but then he sighed wistfully. "Still, when a junior who used to be so immature suddenly grows up, I can't help feeling a little sad."
Everyone gathered around Noelle, smiling as they offered their congratulations and praise.
At that moment, so many eyes were on her. She alone was the star.
Her efforts had not gone unrewarded.
The people's concern and comfort were an acknowledgment of her kindness.
And now, everyone's congratulations were an acknowledgment of that same kindness.
As she listened to the laughter and well wishes all around her, she lowered her head and glanced at the medal on her chest.
She pressed her lips together, trying hard not to sob.
That medal had been sitting in Acting Grand Master Jean's desk drawer for such a long time.
All along, Acting Grand Master Jean had been looking forward to pinning it on her.
And everyone in the Knights of Favonius had been hoping she would become a knight, too.
All along, everyone had believed in her. Just like Acting Grand Master Jean, they had been waiting for the day she became a knight who could stand on her own.
"Thank you. Thank you, everyone!"
Surrounded by everyone, Noelle finally lost the struggle to hold back her tears, wiping them away as she thanked them.
That day, news that Noelle had been awarded the title of [Guardian Knight] spread throughout Mondstadt City.
People rushed to tell one another, and soon the news had spread across all of Mondstadt.
That day, from the new aristocrats to the ordinary citizens.
From restaurants and taverns to little roadside stalls.
From elderly