AN: No beta we die like hilichurls


"So, you're saying that you have no idea what to get?"

"Yes."

"And you don't know what 'something nice' means?"

"I do know what it means." Noelle pursed her lips. "It's just that I… don't necessarily know the meaning when it comes in context with, well, this." She gestured towards the mora pouch given to her.

Belinda didn't really get what she meant by that. She sweatdropped. "What was it that Captain kaeya has said to you, again?"

"He told me to, and I quote, get myself something nice." Noelle almost recited. "Then he gave me this pouch."

"Mmm, I see."

"And then he told me to get something nice after he gave me this pouch. I'm not even sure how much mora is in here."

"Knowing the captain, and knowing how he loves to dote on you, it's probably more than what 'something nice' goes for." Belinda sighed. There could be ten thousand or a hundred thousand mora in there. Who knew? It wasn't like Noelle was going to open the pouch up before she had decided on what to get.

Heck, Belinda wasn't even sure if Noelle had thought of the pouch as hers yet.

"I can't believe I need to explain this concept to you."

"Oh, you mean what 'something nice' means? I do know."

"Y-You do? Then why were you saying you didn't."

"That's because I don't."

Belinda blinked. "What?"

"Oh, I feel like there has been a slight misunderstanding." Noelle slowly nodded. "I know what something nice means. I know that Miss Hertha likes small trinkets she can wear or keep underneath her desk drawer. I also know that Mister Bruce likes to add new weights to his collection. And Mister Huffman-"

"Wait, hang on, Bruce lifts weights?" Belinda's eyes were wide.

Noelle tilted her head. "He does. Yes."

"You're sure of this?"

"I am, yes. Most of my training weights are from Mister Bruce. He also helps me from time to time with my exercises."

"Huh, I wonder if Hertha knows about this." Belinda mused.

Noelle raised an eyebrow. "What does Miss Hertha have to do about this?"

"It's nothing. Just a few things you'd rather not know about, trust me."

"Okay." Noelle nodded.

Belinda cleared her throat. "Anyway, I think I get what you're saying. Basically, you know what to get for other people, but not for yourself?"

"Yes." Noelle nodded. "Buying a gift for someone else is no difficult task. I am aware of what most people's likes and dislikes are. It's just… the things that I find nice can't be bought by money."

"Hmm, what do you find nice, then?"

"Cleaning, performing my tasks, helping others, talking with my friends, such are the things I find to be quite pleasant." Noelle smiled. "Ellin and I have been training too, I find it enjoyable."

Belinda didn't know how to feel. On the one hand, she was happy that Noelle's interests were so admirable. But at the same time…

"O-Oh! Miss Noelle! G-Good morning."

The pair turned towards one of the two entrances to the common room. A maid with green hair greeted them, although her eyes seemed to be fluttering about.

Noelle recognized her immediately.

"Good morning, Miss Sanae."


"Miss Noelle is going through a problem?" Sanae raised an eyebrow. "Is it something I can help with? I'll do everything I can!" Sanae's eyes had a twinkle to them. Noelle had a feeling that she recognized that look somewhere.

She swore she did, but she didn't remember when, or where.

After Sanae's arrival, Belinda had thought that a change in scenery would be beneficial for their current dilemma.

Sanae looked like she was afraid to say no, not that she wanted to say no either. And Noelle didn't seem to mind, but then again, there were only a few times when Noelle had something to say about certain things.

Like that one time, Master Varka had given Noelle his personal training regimen when the maid had asked for it.

Safe to say, no one was crazy enough to even attempt the Grandmaster's training from hell. Not even Noelle.

"Well, you see, Sanae was it?"

"Y-Yes, that is my name."

"Great." Belinda gave her a smile before urging her to keep pace with them. "Now where was I again?"

"You were about to tell me about Miss Noelle's… problem?" Sanae asked with a tilt of her head.

She couldn't imagine what Noelle of all people would be worried about. The green-haired maid. dreaded to ponder of what could be bothering the maid she idolized, but it was necessary if she wanted to help.

"Well, it's-"

"Noelle's predicament frightens even the bravest men." Belinda dramatically sighed. Noelle looked at her weirdly.

Sanae looked very invested. "Really?"

"Yes, really. Oh goodness me, are you sure you wish to hear it?"

"I am. No matter what it is!"

Noelle sweatdropped. "Actually, it's just-"

"Are you sure you're sure?"

"Absolutely!"

"Then… the problem that Noelle faces right now is…"

Sanae leaned in. "is…?"

"Alright, that's enough." Noelle cut in between them as they stopped walking down the hall. A stiff smile on her face. "It's nothing grand. I've just been given a pouch holding a certain amount of mora."

"Aw, you're no fun." Belinda shrugged.

Sanae slowly nodded. "Okay…"

"Now, Captain Kaeya has given me the task of 'getting something nice' with the mora pouch I mentioned." Noelle told her. "And I'm afraid I don't know how to do that."

"D-Do what?"

"Get something nice."

Sanae raised an eyebrow, then both of her eyes went wide.

"What?"

"Right? That's what I said." Belinda chuckled. "Long story short, we're off to help Noelle look for what she thinks would be something nice. I'm guessing you're coming with?"

Sanae rapidly nodded. "Y-Yes! Of course. I said I would help, and I will. T-Though, I am not aware of Mondstadt merchandise other than wine."

"Great!" Belinda put an arm around both maids. "I feel like such a big sister. Taking my siblings for a shopping trip."

As they resumed walking, Noelle had a thought.

'She strikes me more as an Auntie than a big sister.'


"Oh, this is… a lot more than I expected."

Their other maid tag-along remarked.

"This is… well, it's been like this since I've been born. Welcome to Mondstadt's shopping district, I guess." Belinda swung her arms out.

With a fountain behind them, an alchemy table to their left, and a diner at the right, they were smack dab in the middle of Mondstadt's plaza.

If one had listened in on their surroundings, they could hear idle chatter all around them. Though, some did spare a glance at Sanae.

Noelle raised an eyebrow. "Have you never been here, Miss Sanae?"

The maid shook her head. "N-No. I haven't."

"Wait, really?" Belinda chimed in. "How haven't you?"

"I… don't get out of Headquarters much."

"Oh." Noelle slowly nodded.

"I-It's not that I don't want to. It's just, I feel like I have so much to learn, and going out might not be the best course of action."

"Oh, I see." Noelle smiled. "That's an admirable attitude."

"Right, I almost forgot you aren't from Mondstadt." Belinda deduced. "Sorry."

"N-No worries, I-It's alright." Sanae stammered. "Though, I was happy to find out that I'm not the only green-haired person in Mondstadt."

Belinda and Noelle both nodded at that. Though that certain green-haired person tried her best to stay in the background, she too had her own moments to shine.

Perhaps the next time they visited the alchemy table, she would be there?

That is a story for another time.

"Anyway, since you don't know the local shops and all, maybe this would be a good opportunity to show them to you too?" Belinda suggested. "Who knows? Maybe a fresh perspective is all Noelle needs to decide?"

"O-Oh? M-Me? I couldn't possibly." Sanae recoiled. "I-I mean, not that I wouldn't love to help but it's…"

"Yes?" Sanae looked at Noelle, who simply smiled.

"I-It's… I'm me and she's… Miss Noelle is…"

"Personally, I would love to hear people's opinions about certain topics. And given the fact that you've not seen much of what Mondstadt has to offer, it might be a good idea to have you along with us." Noelle offered. "Though, if you refuse then I'm afraid that's that-"

"I would love to!" Sanae immediately hid behind her hands after her sudden outburst which had attracted the attention of passers-by. "I-I mean-"

"Great! The enthusiasm is appreciated!" Belinda grabbed both of their arms and dragged them to their destination.

…Which was literally not a hundred steps away.