They should have known it wouldn’t be that easy. Noelle wasn’t someone you could just play off a request for and send her off casually. She was the number one maid of the Knights of Favonius, and her determination to finish a task for the sake of others could even rival Jean’s on some days. How could Paimon even think to ask her for some big, spectacular meal! Especially when it had been such a plot at that, and they just couldn’t do that to such a sweet, earnest girl like Noelle.
Even if……..those pancakes did sound particularly tasty….Noelle was such a good cook too….
But just as quick as the traitorous thought came, they were shaking it out of their head.
“Oh, not at all!” She was quick to grab a nearby sunsettia and held it out for Noelle with the pride of someone who had picked it themselves. Because, obviously, it was most definitely hers and not just the closest edible object in view. She will not be taking questions at this time. “In fact, Paimon would really like it if you would take this tasty treat. That Paimon picked. With Paimon’s own two hands. You’re Paimon’s very good friend, after all! And Paimon wants to give you good wishes for the new year!”
Internally, the starling begged for her to take the offered treat, even if just for a bite. The guilt would eat them alive otherwise.
Ah, what a difficult scenario this is....
Noelle isn’t completely out of it-- she can tell that Paimon was putting aside their own needs for the sake of not wanting to bother Noelle with more things. Darn it, that seemed to be a growing pattern today! How is she supposed to please everyone if everyone is already pleased? (someone please help her dump out this logic.)
Despite that, she can’t help but smile fondly as Paimon not-so-subtly grabs a nearby sunsettia out of a bowl.... a sunsettia which, not too long ago, she had set up along with other fruits for the people of Mondstadt during this time of celebration. Would it be rude of her or upset Paimon to tell them that this fruit was something she had already prepared? Ah... maybe the best course of action is to simply accept this offer of ‘charity’ in hopes that it wouldn’t upset the little... Paimon. ( what is a Paimon, anyways? the traveler always said they were like a fish... )
“ Well, if it’s your New Year’s wish to give your very good friend a very good treat, there’s no reason for me to decline, is there? “ Aside from the fact that Paimon very obviously did not pick this on their own, Noelle couldn’t help but feel enamored by the way they were trying to help her feel better. Her hand takes the sunsettia out of the starling’s grip and brings the fruit to her mouth to take a bite.
Mmm... it’s just as juicy as I remember the other one’s being~... The thought runs through her mind as she silently appreciates the sweet, hydrating flavor of the fruit.
“ Well, Paimon, if you ever change your mind, just know that I’m your good friend too, and as a friend, it’s my responsibility to ensure that my friends are taken care of as well! “ She beams at her own obvious excuse for wanting to do more things for people--- gods, please help her.
