Hertha had expressed a desire to have Noelle eat something else other than a salad every single day. Maybe she could allow it? Just for today. After all, variety is the spice of life. She wouldn't regret accepting. Would she?


AN: No beta we die like hilichurls


In the hallway of the Knights of Favonius quarters, a door opened. Out revealed a small circular device on the floor, along with a maid who locked the door behind them.

"Shall we, Cookie?"

◤We shall, Maestra Noelle.◢

Noelle nodded. "To breakfast, then."

They began walking down the halls. It was only the two of them, but Noelle had a feeling that someone would be joining them soon.

◤Do we have any notable tasks today, Maestra Noelle?◢

She shook her head. "Nothing I can recall," and if Noelle, of all people, didn't recall, she meant it. "In fact, today should be a slow day. Aside from the usual cleaning, we don't have anything else."

Cookie glowed green. ◤Affirmative. Cookie will perform her tasks, and roam the halls for anything to do◢

Noelle raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You roam the halls now?"

◤Yes.◢

"Not that I don't support that decision, you can do a lot on your own now, but what prompted this decision if I may ask?"

◤It was Maestra Noelle.◢

"Oh?"

If Cookie hadn't been fully accepted in the Knights of Favonius Headquarters before, she had long since then become acknowledged by everyone who knew of her or Noelle.

They were a pair. A bundle. The only time you wouldn't see them with each other was if Noelle had been away to someplace else.

Everyone would agree that having Noelle be the one to essentially become Cookie's parent was beneficial to all parties involved, Cookie more than anyone else. With Noelle's kind nature, Cookie's mindset had evolved into something akin to her Maestra.

◤Yes. Maestra Noelle is very dutiful. One call and Maestra speeds away to help,◢ Cookie said. ◤Cookie thinks that is very admirable, and wishes to follow her Maestra's example.◢

"Aww," Noelle coo'ed. She picked up Cookie and nuzzled her cheek against Cookie "I'm so proud of you! I don't think what I do is that big but I'm still so proud of you!"

Cookie glowed green. Wheels spinning with glee. ◤Please keep showering Cookie with physical affection.◢

Of course, Noelle could do just that. She began to jump in place as she shook Cookie excitedly. Cookie, to say the least, reveled in the attention.

◤Oh. Oh. Amazing shake.◢ Cookie said in a rather odd tone.

A new person chimed in. "Heya whatcha doing there you two-"

"AHH!" Noelle was surprised

"Ahhhh!" Apparently, so was the newcomer.

"Wait, why are you surprised?!"

"You surprised me!"

◤Holy shit.◢

"Cookie!"

"Hey! Language!"

◤Ahhhhhh. Amazing shaaaake.◢

"O-Okay let's calm down." the newcomer chuckled as she sheepishly smiled.

Noelle took a few moments to catch her breath. "G-Good morning, Miss Hertha. You surprised me."

"Yeah, I probably shouldn't have done that," Hertha said. "But when I saw you having fun with Cookie, I couldn't resist." she chuckled.

"It's okay," Noelle chuckled. "Anyway, are you coming with us to breakfast, Miss Hertha?"

The coordinator nodded. "Of course! I can't wait!"

"You seem very enthusiastic about breakfast today."

"Well, if there's any day to be excited about breakfast, today would be a perfect time."

◤I do not follow,◢ Cookie chimed.

"So do I," Noelle thought the same. "Is there something special about today?"

For a minute, Hertha stared at Noelle as if she had gotten a second head before she sighed and shook her head. "Right, I forgot who I was talking to," she sighed once more when Noelle raised an eyebrow. "Today is the one day in a week where our breakfast will be fit for royalty!" her eyes gained a shine to them.

Noelle's eyes widened. "What?"

"You heard me," she nodded, a smug expression on her face. "Bacon, eggs, hash browns, sausages, and so many more!" she might as well have seen Nirvana from the way her smile became bigger for every dish she listed. "Today is the day we eat like royalty! And it's not just breakfast either."

◤It extends to dinnertime and lunchtime?◢

"Correct! 10 points to Cookie-puff!" she pointed towards the Roomba and winked. "I can't wait! I'm about to burst with excitement and hunger! A day full of food awaits us!"

Noelle smiled. "That's wonderful. I'm happy to see you so excited, Miss Hertha."

At that, Hertha suddenly stopped walking. Which made Noelle and Cookie halt as well. Noelle raised an eyebrow when she saw how Hertha looked at her.

She looked at Noelle like she had kicked a puppy.

"M-Miss Hertha?"

"No."

"W-What do you mean, no?"

Hertha sighed. "Please don't tell me you're getting the salad."

Noelle said nothing.

Hertha groaned. "Oh my gosh. Noelle, what'll it take for you to eat actual food."

"But I do eat actual food," Noelle looked at her weirdly. "A salad is everything I need in one bowl. Mondstadt's fresh produce, nutritious and filling at the same time."

"That's not my point- and stop looking at me like that! I'm not the weird one here! I'm not the one eating salad every day for years on end" she scratched the back of her head. "Just, eat something that isn't the salad for one day. Alright? Just one day. Let me treat you."

"But I eat something different from time to time-"

"No buts, Little Lady! You told me that one day, you'd let me feed you. What better day for that to be than today? When the chefs in our cafeteria suddenly become Michelin and make your clothes burst from the delicious flavors!"

Noelle looked conflicted. She had agreed to it, yes. And her sense of commitment had already been telling her to agree. But… her stomach…

"I know but-"

◤I believe you should agree, Maestra Noelle.◢

"Cookie?"

"Yes! Cookie is on my side! Tell her, girl!"

◤I have been hearing the other knights complain about the monotony of their duties. And how they want to 'Spice it up at times,◢ Cookie recalled. ◤I believe that monotony without timely intervention cannot be healthy for the mind.◢

"Cookie…"

◤Maestra Noelle. I suggest you agree. But the decision will still be on Maestra Noelle's shoulders,◢ Cookie turned towards Hertha. ◤I have done my part, and I have said my piece. Should Maestra Noelle insist on declining, I believe another day will suffice, Maestra Hertha."

Hertha smiled and nodded. She crouched and patted Cookie on her metallic surface. "Will do, Cookie, thank you," she said. "And I apologize for being pushy, Noelle. If you really don't want to, I won't bother you with this-"

"Okay."

"H-Huh?" Hertha lagged. "O-Okay? With what?"

"This is simply once, correct?" Noelle turned to Hertha with a smile. "Okay. I'll agree to it."

"Y-You mean you'll eat actual food?"

"Again, a salad is a food, but, yes. I will be eating whatever is in the cafeteria that isn't a salad," she said. "I did say I would before."

It took a few moments for her response to kick in for Hertha, but once it did.

"AHHHHHHH!" she hugged Noelle tightly and jumped in excitement. "Oh my gosh, I can't believe it! I actually got through Noelle! The Noelle!" Cookie glowed green as she brought her metallic limb out to pat Noelle on the back. "You won't regret this, Noelle! I promise!"

"M-Miss Hertha! Too tight! Too tight!"


"Here, have some more eggs!"

"Do you want some more sausages? Perhaps bacon?"

"Oy, knock it off. Noelle wants some hashbrowns!"

"Who the hell are you kidding, you idiot? Forget the hashbrowns, she's going to run out of syrup for her pancakes."

It was chaos.

Once they arrived at the cafeteria, and they saw the other knights already seated with trays of their own very special breakfast, Hertha couldn't wait to tell them about her glorious achievement while Cookie went off to start her cleaning duties and left Noelle alone in the cafeteria. That was understandable, Cookie couldn't eat.

Well, Noelle didn't think it was that big of a deal. She was just going to eat a healthy and hearty meal, maybe potato pancakes and some freshly squeezed fruit juice. Noelle thought it was a fairly adequate substitute for a salad. It had less nutrition than a salad, but it wasn't a salad. Therefore, Hertha should be happy with this decision.

One factor that Noelle didn't account for, however, was the fact that the Favonius chefs and their staff also knew of Noelle's eating habits or lack thereof. And once they knew that Noelle, on this very day, was going to forgo said eating habits, they pounced like sharks and began giving her extra portions!

It got even worse when the head chef herself started giving her more food!

It was all very tasty though, so she didn't mind.

"Alright, alright, settle down, everyone," Huffman, always being the local figure of authority told everyone in the vicinity. "I know today is a special occasion, courtesy of Noelle, but please act with decency. We are in the midst of a meal, and as much as we appreciate your contributions, Noelle can't eat any of them if you don't leave her alone."

The room was filled with silent apologies before they finally died down and went back to eating their own meals. Noelle mouthed a silent thank you and sighed.

"It's like they've never seen Noelle eat." Huffman shook his head.

Hertha scoffed. "Hello? Noelle's been sitting with us for years now. She's been eating the exact same thing all the time."

"While I do have some concerns over Hertha's phrasing-" "Hey!" Bruce waved Hertha aside. "I am glad you chose to eat something else."

Noelle chuckled. "I can't deny that I don't have any problems with a salad, I… do agree that this is nice from time to time."

"I mean yeah, but," Joyce looked a bit concerned. "Can you finish… all of… well, that?"

That, as Joyce observantly put it, was nothing short of a smorgasbord. Hashbrowns, pancakes, sausages, eggs, bacon, potato pancakes, along with many others. The various contributions of the knights and the chefs had made Noelle's table fairly crowded with food that would probably be enough for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

She wanted to say no. She wanted to tell them she couldn't finish all of it. But she knew it would be a lie. She could finish all of it and still have enough room for lunch once it came. Not to mention it was given to her to have her eat them.

And so, with a strained smile, Noelle nodded. "I can. Please do not worry."

"...If you say so." Joyce looked unconvinced.

Bruce put an arm around him. "Don't look so doubtful. Noelle may be small, but she's still a kid who's growing. You've never seen her eat as I do."

Noelle stiffened mid-bite.

Joyce raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"I mean exactly what I mean. Our very own Noelle here, hasn't been eating up to her full potential." Bruce proudly said.

"Uh… what?" Belinda chimed in.

Bruce cleared his throat. "Every feast, the food is always exquisite, always proper, always so good. Of course, the various cooks and staff that help procure, prepare, and cook the food help out a lot, but much of that quality is thanks to Noelle!"

No one noticed a rapidly paling Noelle in the background.

"That's right! Our Noelle dutifully samples every single dish to serve and judges if it is up to her standards."

Noelle looked around her tray.

"Every single dish?" Joyce asked.

She had to find something to stop Bruce from saying anything further.

"That's right. Every single on- oof!"

Luckily, she didn't need to. Hertha took the liberty of slamming his head with a tray. "That should shut him up."

"..." Noelle's eyes widened.

Hertha winked at her.


"Just leave it over there, Noelle." A buff, bearded man wielding a hammer pointed towards a space near a forge.

"Yes, Mr. Wagner," Noelle put down the crate of what she assumed to be supplies. "Here you are."

"Thanks. Hey, mind opening it up and giving me a few pieces?"

Noelle did as she was asked. Inside the crate was several ingots of some sort of metal. Iron, maybe?

"Thanks. I appreciate it," Wagner went back to pounding his hammer onto the metal on his anvil. "So, how's that greatsword treating you?"

Noelle brandished her weapon for the blacksmith to inspect. "Very nice. I've won many battles thanks to your work."

"Great," Wagner's eyes narrowed at the blade, before he nodded. "When you notice the slightest sign of wear, tear, or anything, come and I'll fix it right away."

"Duly noted. But I would never dream of having to break your work," she smiled. "Not after you spent so much effort in making one just for me."

"Damn right. I spent and wasted a lot of good steel before I settled on making that sword of yours," though it reminded him of his past failures, Wagner couldn't help but be proud. "I finally made a weapon that you could wield without breaking. Hell if I'm letting it break now. And you're getting stronger by the day."

Noelle chuckled. "Of course. I never let up in my training."

"That's good. Keep working hard."

"Yes, sir!"

Noelle appreciated Wagner's stern, yet caring attitude. Some people might have thought he was grumpy, but that was for the people that foolishly disturbed the man while he was working.

Rumors say that Wagner once threw his hammer at a customer that wouldn't stop asking him about his crafts. But that hammer was stopped by a shield the customer was using, which coincidentally was what they were complaining about.

Needless to say, it proved three things about the man. You don't disturb him while he's working, and his crafts were nothing to scoff at, and his muscles weren't for show. One can only imagine their head being the one on the anvil.

"Ah, Noelle, what brings you here?" a new voice introduced himself.

A man clad in blacksmith's gear and clothing, with blond hair and a light complexion, walked towards them, a rather wide empty crate in hand.

Noelle bowed. "Good noon, Mr. Schulz."

"Good morning to you too, Noelle," Schulz nodded. "Had something to give to Master Wagner?"

"Yes. A couple of ingots, as I recently found out."

He chuckled. "I'm surprised they even let you out of Headquarters."

"Why wouldn't they?" Noelle raised an eyebrow.

"Uh… you know," he sheepishly scratched the back of his head. "Word around the street, or rather, around the cathedral says you let go of that salad diet of yours for one day. I'd have thought they'd all but chain you down and force-feed you anything they can."

Noelle resisted the urge to groan. That would've been quite un-maid-like. The smile on her face never changed, but the twitching of her eye was something she couldn't control. "Please. They mean well."

"Of course, I'd never doubt that, "Schulz replied. "Anyway, since you aren't restricted to eating anything in particular. I have a few dishes to recommend to you, like-"

"Schulz, you can chat later on your own time," Wagner emphasized with a loud clang to his anvil. "Right now, I need you to deliver these swords. Is that clear?"

"O-Of course, Master. I was just-"

"Is that clear?"

"Y-Yes, Master." He immediately bowed to Noelle and began loading his crate once more. He put the blades back in their sheathes before he laid them down carefully in the crate.

'Oh, so that's why the crate is quite lengthy.'

Wagner might've seemed harsh on Schulz, but he never does it without a reason. Tough love, as they say. Wagner always meant well, and it appeared that Schulz could see that.

Something that Noelle also noticed from the many times that she's been around the two, was that they envied each other. Schulz was an easy guess. He envied his master's skill with smithing and aspired to become just as good as him.

As for Wagner… she still hasn't figured it out yet.

"So, you're actually eating other things now? Good for you, you're growing up." Wagner nodded.

Noelle scrambled to set her image right. She wasn't a picky eater! She was just… cautious. "I-I eat other things too!"

"Do you? I've only ever seen you a handful of times. And in all those times, I've seen you eat that salad."

"But you've only seen me eat twice."

"Exactly. If I had a mora for each time it happened, I'd have two," he shrugged. "Not much, but it's weird that it happened twice."

"Uuuuuuuuu" She was going to be here for a while.

But rest assured, she would be able to fix Wagner's image of her as a picky eater before lunchtime.

She was sure of it!


She failed to convince him. All her words just went in one ear and out the other.

It was probably because Wagner watched her grow up that he still saw her as a child, and thought that being picky wasn't out of the ordinary for someone like her, and it infuriated her to no end.

"Sure, whatever you say. Here, have some mora. Buy some gummy bears from Good Hunter."

He still treated her like a child! Why would she buy gummy bears?! They were so sweet, so chewy, so tasty- so unhealthy! It was junk!

"If that isn't enough, then buy whatever you want and tell Sara to put it on my tab. They'll understand."

She could pay with her own money, thank you very much!

She slumped down onto the table some more. It was only noon and she was already so tired. It was lunchtime by the time she was done trying and failing to get through Wagner, so she ultimately headed off to the cafeteria. She could only dread what her lunch was going to be, but she would be lying if she said she wasn't excited, and hungry.

That conversation with Wagner had drained so much energy from her that food would be a wonderful thing to have right now, and lots of it.

'Now, if only I can get this bag of gummy bears out of my hands.' she sighed.

"You look pretty tired already, Noelle," Hertha, always the big sister, asked next to her. A warm smile on her face. "That busy?"

Noelle sighed before she shook her head. "It's nothing. Just… a bit hungry." Yes, that would be the excuse she would go with. It wasn't really a lie. It was one of the reasons, after all.

Hertha nodded. "I get you. Don't worry, lunch is going to be great," she looked up at the ceiling. Imagining the food. "We got here a bit earlier, but I can already smell it."

◤Good noon, Maestra Noelle, Maestra Hertha◢

Noelle smiled. "Cookie! What brings you here?"

Cookie glowed green as she was petted by Noelle. ◤News of Maestra Noelle's eating habits have come to my attention,◢ she spoke. ◤Therefore, Cookie is here to facilitate Maestra Noelle's nutrition.◢

"You can do that?" Hertha raised an eyebrow.

◤Only recently. As of two hours ago, I retrieved multiple pages worth of data regarding human health and nutrition. I have reviewed the data multiple times and committed it to my main memory bank.◢

"Wow, color me impressed," Hertha smiled and clapped. She gently nudged Noelle with her elbow. "You know, at this point, Cookie might as well be your nutritionist. Maybe even a healthcare companion!"

◤Acknowleding… updating database…◢ Cookie spun orange before she beeped green again. ◤Hello. I am Cookie. Your personal healthcare companion.◢

Noelle couldn't help but coo and pet Cookie some more. Her pride was obvious to anyone who could see her face. And although Cookie didn't have one, Hertha was sure she would be grinning from ear to ear from the affection as well.

The coordinator cleared her throat. "So, since you're going to be Noelle's nutritionist today, I should probably tell you what they'll be serving for lunch. Ready, Cookie?"

◤Affirmative.◢

"Alright. So, we had more than a few to choose from for lunch. Smoked chicken, grilled fish, stew, and some others," Hertha listed. "Though, most people get some sticky honey roast." Oh boy did they love that dish. One outrider, in particular, made it no secret how much she loved it.

◤Information received… Processing◢ Cookie processed.

Noelle, meanwhile, was surprised. "That's a lot of food. Even for all of the knights and the staff in headquarters. What do they do with the leftovers?"

Hertha shrugged. "Yeah. It is," she sighed. "You can blame Master Varka for that. As for leftovers… we never have any, thankfully."

"Master Varka?" Noelle inquired.

"Oh, right. Of course, you wouldn't know," she smiled. "Master Varka eats a lot. And I mean it. A lot, a lot." she said. "Before Master Varka left for the expedition, this used to be the norm in the Favonius. Every mealtime used to be like this aside from Sundays. Now we just do it once a week."

"I see," Noelle nodded.

"It's become something to honor Master Varka even when he's away too. To show that his presence and influence still persists."

Noelle nodded. She'd spent a long time with Master Varka, but it never dawned onto her just how much of an appetite the man had. It never seemed obvious to her at the time but she was thankful that she didn't pick up his appetite.

Or at least, that was what she liked to believe.

◤I have found results from the data I have gathered.◢

"Great! Care to tell us?" Hertha asked.

Noelle didn't say anything, but she was listening.

Cookie began listing to Hertha what she would like to have her Maestra eat for lunch. It was clear that Cookie had taken into account most of the factors that she had learned from being in Noelle's presence for a long period of time.

Things like her after-meal habits, her daily activities, how much energy she was going to burn through the remainder of the day, and a lot of other things that Noelle had never even thought of. It was clear that Cookie had done right with her research regarding the subject.

At least, at first.

Noelle heard wrong. Cookie wasn't listing down meals to suggest to Hertha. Cookie was telling Hertha what Noelle would be eating for lunch. And it was a long list.

"U-Uhm… Cookie?"

The Roomba turned towards Noelle. ◤Yes, Maestra?◢

"Can I ask what book you learned these… nutritional stuff?"

◤Affirmative. I read it in a book about the wrestlers in Inazuma.◢ she said. ◤With this diet, they can topple down enemies up to 330 pounds!◢

Noelle paled.

"Oh wow! That's so cool! I wish I had someone like you planning my meals too," Hertha sighed. Oblivious to Noelle's current demeanor. "Though unlike Noelle, I don't think I'd have enough self-discipline to follow it."

◤I would not mind, Miss Hertha. However, I will be needing additional information about you to make an effective meal plan.◢

As Cookie and Hertha conversed, Noelle seemed to drop a cold sweat in the background. The realization of just what Cookie had read, fully dawned on her.

Cookie didn't just read any book on nutrition.

'Cookie had read a book about the nutrition of Sumo Wrestlers in Inazuma!'


"Still no stomachache, I guess that's something to be happy about," she said, slumping down on the Good Hunter's counter some more. "I don't give my metabolism enough credit."

"Wow, I listened to what you said, but I never thought I'd see you this worn out, and over food no less," a woman with hazelnut hair and red eyes and clad in a maid outfit commented. Cleaning a glass all the while. "Here, have some tea. It'll help with your digestion."

"Thank you."

After lunch, Noelle found herself without tasks to do. But she couldn't help but feel the urge to sit down. But she knew she couldn't do that.

Thankfully, there was someone she could always talk to. The chef of Good Hunter, the best Satisfying Salad in the world, the one and the only, Sara.

"Practically everyone is pulling out all the stops today, huh?" she chuckled.

Noelle sighed. "Is it really that big of a deal?"

"The one day in Barbatos knows how long that Noelle something other than a satisfying salad?" Sara looked up. "I'd say it only happens once in a blue moon, perhaps even rarer than that."

Noelle hummed as she thought her words over.

"I eat different things from time to time."

Doubt was on Sara's face. "Do you really?"

"Y-Yes!"

"When was the last time you ate something that wasn't a satisfying salad?"

"Just a few hours-"

"Today doesn't count."

"I… Uh…"

Sara shook her head. "See? You can't even remember."

"Y-yes I do! Just… let me think for a bit," she raked her brain for anything she could use as an answer. "Ah! During the ludi harpastum!" she exclaimed with pride.

Sara wasn't having any of it. "On your date with the traveler? That's been more than a year ago," Before Noelle could start stammering and giving her denials of her claims, about the traveler or otherwise, Sara followed up on her one-two punch. "And before that, you've been eating that salad for ten years aside from the usual taste-testing you do at feasts."

"T-That's-"

"I should know, 'cause I'm the one whose been serving you for the exact same ten years with the exact same meal."

"Hauuu…"

Noelle slumped down on her chair. Sara couldn't resist a quick giggle. She was so cute. "Don't get us wrong. We're not being mean to you or anything. For all I care, you can eat whatever you want. But listen to a person who cooks and knows their food, alright?"

Noelle sat up straight and nodded. She supposed she could listen. Sara never did her wrong after all. "I will."

"Thank you, now," she cleared her throat. "Yes, a salad does contain plenty of minerals, vitamins, and nutrients, but the fact is, your body requires variety. Not to mention that only you could have possibly lasted that long on nothing but a salad made of apples, cabbage, potato, and a single boiled egg. That's not nearly enough protein for you, and you're still growing!"

Noelle pouted. "I… I see."

"I wasn't finished," she playfully pinched Noelle's cheeks. "You need protein which your body uses to essentially build up your immune system and healthy tissues and muscle. Protein just isn't present enough in that salad. A single hard-boiled egg does not make up for the protein a girl like you needs. Do you understand?"

"I… okay." Noelle's tone was rather somber.

Sara's gaze softened. "Now, now, I'm not mad at you, no one is," she went to the other side of the counter, sat beside Noelle, and put her hands on her shoulders. "We all love you, that's why we care for you. Okay?"

Noelle nodded. "Okay," she leaned in on her arms. "It's just, I like that salad…"

Sara resisted the urge to hug her. Noelle was just too cute sometimes.

"Tell you what. I'll still be making you that salad every time you want, but!" Sara quickly said when the maid turned towards her with shining eyes. "I'll be adding some more things to it as well. Beans, grilled chicken, or tuna."

Noelle vehemently nodded. "Yes. I'm perfectly fine with that."

"Ah you're too cute," she pat her head. "But, as much as I chastise your eating habits, I wish I had your tenacity sometimes. I could use that strength to stick to eating a salad for the most part of ten years straight."

Taking solace in the cook's embrace, Noelle raised an eyebrow. "Huh? Why?" she spun towards Sara.

Sara sighed.

"Let's just say I liked food a lot when I was younger and let's leave it at that."


Compared to lunch and breakfast, Dinner was a simple affair. Noelle expected another bombardment of dishes and a meal fit for the hungriest heavy-weight fighter in the world. Instead, she got the complete opposite.

"Tonight, Noelle, you get to choose what you want to eat." Huffman declared. Though Noelle could see a pouting Hertha beside him.

"Really?"

"Yes," he nodded. "It has come to my attention that these fools have been giving you way too much food the whole day, without even asking for your say in it."

"B-But this is a rare chance!" Hertha defended herself. "Besides, Noelle didn't so no!"

"Noelle doesn't know how to say no! That's what we're supposed to be here for, you idiot!" In a burst of uncharacteristic infuriation, Huffman brought down the fist of love onto the Coordinator.

"Ow!"

"If Noelle isn't going to get annoyed at you, I'll be getting annoyed for her." Huffman wiped his knuckles with a napkin.

"Quite elegant, if I do say so myself." Otto chimed.

"Thank you."

Hertha glared up at Huffman, crocodile tears at the corner of her eyes. "Elegant, my ass! What's elegant about a guy hitting a pretty, helpless girl?!"

Huffman scoffed. "I yearn for true gender equality," he brought his fist up to his chest. "I have no patience for one who talks about female privilege when it suits them, and then complains about someone 'not being a man' when it's convenient!" he huffed. "Now, another fist of love for you!"

"Ayyieeeee!"

Noelle could only sweatdrop as she looked upon the slapstick occurring in front of her.

"Huffman is getting into big brother mode again." she heard Bruce comment beside her to Joyce.

"Yeah, best not get in the way and get some food," Joyce replied. They both silently stood up, but not before Bruce tapped Noelle on her shoulder.

Bruce smiled. "You coming with us? I promise we won't be as pushy as breakfast."

"Sure. And please do not worry about breakfast. That time has already come and gone," she smiled as she followed after the two.

Walking through the various arrangements of food that they had laid out for the knights to get for themselves, Noelle could see that the quantity of the food dishes had diminished significantly. Hertha was right, the knights did finish just about everything they could and left just enough room for dinner. Ensuring no leftovers.

In the distance, she could see Bruce and Joyce putting sausages, bread, and a couple of slices of ham on their plates, alongside some sparkling drink that she didn't know, perhaps it was soda?

She walked up some more, narrowing her eyes at the various dishes that presented themselves to her.

She pursed her lips. Normally, she would get the salad. But this whole day was for her to try new things. But she'd been basically catered to for the whole day too.

But this time, she had to pick what she was going to eat. It could be anything she wanted. Huffman had said so, himself.

But what?

Something filling, but not too heavy. Something hearty. Maybe a soup? The night was getting cold. Something with enough protein too.

She kept thinking. Until her eyes found one particular dish.

'Aha!'

Back at their table, Bruce and Joyce had just got back. The two put down trays of food in front of Huffman and Otto.

"Oh, thank you. I was enjoying the entertainment and forgot to get myself some food." Otto nodded towards them.

"No problem, dude." Joyce gave him a thumbs up.

"You have my thanks as well. My temper got the better of me. And I told you all off for the same reason during breakfast as well," Huffman bowed. "My apologies."

Bruce chuckled. "Don't worry about it, man. I get it. You going big brother mode over Noelle isn't anything new." he went behind Joyce to get something.

"H-Hey, where's my food-"

"Here you go," Before Hertha could say anything, Bruce had put down her tray in front of her. "You like your dressing on the side, right?"

Hertha nodded. "...I do," she tucked a hair behind her head. "Thank you."

Bruce raised an eyebrow at the sudden change in demeanor. But he quickly shrugged it off and smiled. "You're welcome."

Quickly noticing their missing person, Huffman inquired about her. "Where's Noelle?"

Joyce and Bruce looked around before they could sit down. "She was right behind us earlier," Joyce remarked.

Bruce nodded. "Yeah. She can't have gone far-"

"Who couldn't have gone far?"

Said maid chimed in from the side, her tray had a single decently sized bowl with visible steam coming out on top of it.

"Ah, Noelle. What took you so long?" Joyce asked.

◤I'm afraid I would be at fault for that.◢

"Ah, Cookie," Hertha smiled. "Hello there!"

◤Good evening Maestro and Maestras◢

Noelle put Cookie onto a high chair, before setting her tray down on the table and sat down.

"I found Cookie cleaning nearby. It just so happens that she'd already finished cleaning that area and I asked if she wanted to join us for dinner," Noelle said. "And here she is."

"Well, I believe I speak for everyone when I say we'll always welcome you, Cookie. Just say the word." Huffman stated. Everyone at the table nodded.

"So, Noelle," Hertha leaned in. "What did you get?"

"Nothing big, just a simple creamy potato soup with sausages and vegetables." she told them.

Hertha nodded. "Ah, I've had that before. It looks light but it's actually fairly heavy. I had one bowl and I couldn't get anymore," they shared a chuckle. "But, I want to say sorry too. I was over-enthusiastic about this day."

Noelle shook her head. "Please, don't be," she told her. "And… I had a great day as well."

Hertha's eyes widened. She smiled. Then her smile grew even bigger.

"Yes! Yes! Mission success!" she celebrated.

Her happiness was contagious. But of course, they were all happy to hear that Noelle had been having fun too.

"Congratulations, Hertha," Huffman told her. "Now, I'd suggest you eat your food before it gets cold."

"Now that's an order I can get behind."

And so they began eating. With Cookie there to… observe? What else could the Roomba do anyway?

As they were eating, Otto quickly took notice of the beverages present in front of Joyce and Bruce.

"Hey. If I may ask, what's that you two are drinking?" Otto gestured towards their glasses.

Compared to everyone's glasses that had either water or juice, Joyce and Bruce's glasses were filled with some kind of transparent yet bubbly and frothy liquid. Carbonated maybe? It didn't smell like soda though. It couldn't have been alcohol either since it was banned from Headquarters.

"Ah, this?" Bruce took a sip from his glass. "Something a friend gave to me. Came all the way from Inazuma. It's Narukami Water."

Hertha nodded. "Kawakami water…" she looked up in thought. "Nope, doesn't ring a bell."

Joyce swallowed his food first before he spoke. "I'll tell you about it later. After we're done eating."

◤There is no need for that, I can explain.◢ Cookie told them.

"Oh sure, thanks, Cookie." Joyce gave her a thumbs up.

◤Searching database for… Narukami water…◢ the light on Cookie's lid spun orange before she made a sound once it turned green.

◤Subject found. Narukami Water is a frothy beverage made and manufactured in Narukami, Inazuma. The beverage is so pure and refreshing that it can replicate the sensation of inebriation from the atmosphere around you. Despite this, the Teyvat Health Organization denies all claims of Narukami Water being an alcoholic beverage.◢

"..."

"..."

Hertha blankly stared at the glass in front of Bruce. "So basically it's alcohol without actually being alcohol."

"...Yes." Bruce replied.

"But it can still get you drunk?" Otto raised an eyebrow.

Joyce sighed. "Yes."

"But this one, you can bring into headquarters because it isn't classified as an alcoholic beverage?"

"...Just eat your food and I'll drink my non-alcoholic alcohol." Bruce sighed.

"It isn't alcohol, Bruce."

"Right, sorry, Joyce."

All the while, Noelle was witnessing the exchange. She was interested when Cookie had given them the definition, but when the conversation became an interrogation and Bruce and Joyce had frozen mid-meal, she was resisting the urge to laugh.

That was a bad idea because it ended up being counter-intuitive and Noelle just burst out laughing.

Stifling her laughter, though a few chuckles still escaped her, she wiped the stray tears from her eyes. "I'm… I apologize. It's just… I feel happy. For some reason," she smiled at them. "I… I always dine alone come dinner time, though recently I've had Cookie with me. But to get together like this… perhaps that's what makes me so happy…"

The others couldn't help but reflect Noelle's happiness right back at her.

Bruce nodded. "Yeah. Around this time I'd be in the tavern with a couple of others too."

"And I often eat dinner later than the others once I'm done with everything I have to do." Otto added.

"I've never noticed it before, but we never really dine together often, do we?" Hertha sighed.

Most of the people Noelle hung out with were the older knights, who often went to the tavern for dinner to cool off. The only one that was always available during dinner time was Hertha or some other knight. But that didn't mean they were going to eat together.

"Then perhaps we should," Huffman spoke up. "One day a week. Let's make it a day that we dine together the whole day. Is that alright with everybody? I'll let the other knights know too."

A day to spend with friends, with… family…

Noelle couldn't help but smile. And neither could all the other knights at the table.

"I think that sounds grand." Noelle smiled.

One day a week, they could do that. The knights at the table thought.

Especially if it meant seeing that smile on Noelle's face again.


◤Today was quite the fulfilling day if I do say so myself, Maestra Noelle.◢

The maid of Favonius stepped out of her bathroom, clad in sleepwear. She yawned. "I think so too, Cookie," It was fulfilling. In more ways than one too. "I didn't know a lot of people paid attention to what I ate."

◤Indeed.◢ Cookie went into her charging port.

Noelle sighed in relief. "Still, I'm happy I agreed," she sighed. "I learned much about what people thought of my diet, and how I should improve it."

◤WIll Maestra be needing some help developing a meal plan?◢

"O-Oh, no need to," she awkwardly replied. It wasn't that she had anything against Cookie but… she'd rather not wake up tomorrow and consume a Sumo wrestler's meal. "Besides, one shouldn't take advice from the get-go, no matter how they gave it to you," she told Cookie. "Take their advice to heart, and make your own conclusions with said advice in mind. That is how I make decisions."

◤I see,◢ Cookie said. ◤And what is Maestra Noelle's decision?◢

Noelle hummed before she answered. "I'll start adding more protein to my meals every day. I'll still eat the salad, it's my favorite after all, but it wouldn't hurt to eat more things from time to time."

Cookie beeped green. ◤I think that's the best conclusion everyone could hope for today.◤

Noelle nodded. She tucked into her bed, closed the bedside lamp, and closed her eyes. She smiled as she remembered today's events.

Although she was reluctant at first, she quickly realized that they had a point. And though she still didn't mind eating her favorite salad most times, she looked forward to next week when they would all dine together for one day, and the week after that, and the next, and the next.

She was a very notable figure in Mondstadt, someone one could always depend on. But sometimes, with how much she did, and how much she could do, people from time to time forgot.

She was still a child. A child that had to grow up very quickly.

"Goodnight, Cookie."

◤Goodnight, Maestro Noelle,◢ Cookie said. ◤Though, may I ask something before you sleep?◢

"Sure."

◤Do you think this will have any effect on Maestra?"

Noelle raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

◤I have been hearing the other knights complain about their weight gain due to their inactivity,◢ Cookie stated. ◤Does Maestra Noelle think the same will happen to her?"

"Of course not," Noelle quickly replied. She giggled. "It's cute that you're concerned, Cookie. But don't worry. There is nothing to worry about regarding that matter. I'm active enough around the Headquarters, after all."

◤That is true. Then please forgive and forget my inquiries◢

"Like I said, no worries. Your concern is appreciated."

◤My Maestra is truly kind,◢ Cookie slowly let herself go into sleep mode. ◤Good… night… Maestra Noelle.◢

"Goodnight, Cookie."

As Noelle closed her eyes, her thoughts began to wander.

This was just the one day that she let herself eat to her heart's content. And it was true that she was one of the most active members of the Favonius even if she was still in the Maids Division.

Surely just one day wouldn't leave any effect on her. Right?


AN: I had a lot of fun writing this chapter. If it wasn't evident by the massive jump in word count compared to the other chapters.

This premise just seemed really fun for me. Especially since I got to write about Wagner and Sara, though it was pretty brief. I plan on making a chapter regarding Wagner and his apprentice, and Sara too in the future. NPCs are fun to work with. I feel like I've said this before but I think they could be so much more, personality or otherwise.

And no, I could not eat salad for ten years straight. I can't even eat a salad for three meals in one day. Sasuga Noelle.