The Extra is a Genius!?
Chapter 75: Shift of Power

Chapter 75: Chapter 75: Shift of Power

Winter had arrived at the Imperial Academy of Valon.

The change wasn’t announced with fanfare—but it was everywhere.

The wind had teeth now, whistling through the stone corridors like a warning. Frost etched delicate veins across the outer windows of the main halls, and students moved briskly through the academy grounds, breath misting in the cold air.

The uniforms had changed with the season.

Robes now ran full-length

Deep blues and greys replaced the lighter autumn tones. Some students wore layered jackets over their shoulders, trimmed in their family colors or personal house sigils.

Noel walked with his hands in his coat pockets, shoulders hunched slightly—not from cold, but from the low thrum of exhaustion that never seemed to leave him anymore.

The aftermath of the debate still lingered in the air.

Students huddled in corners of the hallway, whispering and laughing. Some in disbelief. Others in smug satisfaction.

Even the nobles—those who had once sat tall in Dior’s corner—were quieter now.

One third-year in pristine silver-stitched robes muttered near the entryway:

"Seraphina was born to lead. At least she doesn’t scream at us for breathing and think of us like normal living beings."

Another added:

"I always knew Dior was an idiot. It was just a matter of time."

Noel passed them without slowing, eyes forward, jaw tight.

He didn’t need to hear it, because he knew him better than anyone here.

’They’re not wrong, just a bit late.’

He rounded the corner toward the central tower—the place where, later that evening, a meeting had been scheduled.

A private one.

Seraphina of Valor.

Elyra von Estermont.

And him.

The meeting room was warm—dimly lit by a pair of soft-glow mana lamps mounted near the ceiling. It smelled faintly of ink, firewood, and the faintest trace of enchanted parchment.

Elyra sat with her usual posture—legs crossed, arms folded, expression unreadable.

Noel stood near the tall window, hands still in his pockets, the winter light reflecting off the frost-lined glass.

Then the door opened.

Seraphina of Valor stepped in, composed as ever. She wasn’t smiling, but her presence filled the room like she didn’t need to. Her coat was black, cut with silver trim and pinned with her family’s insignia.

She nodded once at each of them.

"I imagine you’ve heard by now."

Noel met her gaze.

"He’s leaving?"

Seraphina didn’t flinch.

"He’ll withdraw from the academy for the remainder of the year. Voluntarily." She paused. "At my insistence."

Elyra’s eyebrow lifted just slightly.

Noel didn’t move.

Seraphina stepped closer.

"What happened out there couldn’t be erased. Even if I wanted to. His outburst ensured that."

She looked between the two of them.

"So, I’m here to thank you both."

Noel shrugged.

"Don’t look at me. Elyra did all the work."

Elyra turned her head, finally giving Noel a glance.

He added:

"I just showed up and offered someone meat."

Elyra, surprised: "What?"

"Nothing. I just offered her some meat—what, is that so weird?"

Seraphina looked between them, and for the first time in the evening, she smiled.

Something close to genuine.

"Still... You executed perfectly. Both of you."

Seraphina took the seat opposite Elyra, resting her gloves on the table with elegance that didn’t feel forced—just natural.

Noel remained standing near the window, posture relaxed but eyes alert.

She looked to both.

"I’ll be reorganizing the council once the official results are announced."

Elyra didn’t blink.

"You mean once they finish counting the votes you already won?"

Seraphina smiled faintly.

"Formality matters, Ely."

"Says the girl who never cared for appearances unless they were strategic."

Noel glanced between them, quiet.

There was no edge in their words.

Seraphina turned to him next.

"Noel, I want you on the council. Officially."

Noel shook his head once.

"Not really my scene, its too much of a burden you see."

Seraphina raised an eyebrow.

"You’d have freedom. More than most. I don’t care about formality—I care about results."

Elyra looked at him now too, one leg crossed over the other.

"You’d still have your own time. She’s offering a flexible role, not a collar."

Noel exhaled slowly.

Still not convinced.

Seraphina continued, eyes calm.

"One request. That’s all I ask. You do one thing for me."

Before Noel could respond, Elyra cut in, casually:

"And don’t forget our agreement."

Seraphina tilted her head slightly.

"When do I ever?"

Their exchange was effortless. Two minds that had been playing this game for years.

Noel didn’t interrupt—but didn’t look away, either.

Even like this—laughing, teasing—Seraphina still felt untouchable. Regal, in her own right.

Seraphina leaned forward, elbows resting lightly on the table.

Her voice was soft, but clear.

"There’s something I’ll need from you, Noel."

Noel raised an eyebrow.

"Let me guess. Not optional?"

"You already agreed to be part of the council. This is just part of the role."

He sighed through his nose.

"Fine. What is it?"

She didn’t answer.

Not right away.

Instead, she smiled—measured, deliberate.

"You’ll know when the time comes. But when I ask, I’ll expect it."

Noel didn’t like vague deals. But something about the way she said it...

He nodded.

"Then I want something in return."

Seraphina’s smile didn’t falter.

"Name it."

Noel leaned back.

"I want unrestricted permission to leave the academy grounds whenever I want, I will not fail attendance so don’t worry."

That made her pause—but not in denial.

She glanced at Elyra.

Elyra was already watching him.

Then, quietly:

"What for?"

Noel didn’t break eye contact.

"I need it. That’s all I’ll say."

Elyra narrowed her eyes slightly.

Before she could ask more, Seraphina tilted her head toward her friend with a small grin.

"You’re suspicious Ely. What, are you jealous I have a favor from him?"

Elyra rolled her eyes.

"Of you? Never."

Noel remained still, gaze flicking between them.

The air in the room shifted.

The political weight of the conversation faded—just enough for something more human to slip through.

Seraphina leaned back in her chair, arms crossed now.

Her grin was sharper this time.

"So... I wasn’t imagining things."

Noel looked at her sideways.

"What things?"

Seraphina glanced at Elyra, amusement in her voice.

"You really kissed him?"

Elyra didn’t even blink.

"Yes."

Seraphina froze mid-smile.

"Wait—seriously? ...It was meant to be a joke."

Elyra turned slightly, resting her cheek on her hand with complete calm.

"I like him. He already knows."

Noel coughed once, eyes flicking toward the window like it might help.

Seraphina shifted in her seat, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"You’re... surprisingly direct about that."

"Why wouldn’t I be?" Elyra replied smoothly. "It’s not like I’m ashamed of it."

Seraphina stared at her for a moment longer, then exhaled.

"I see."

Noel still hadn’t said a word.

He looked calm.

He wasn’t.

’It was supposed to be a quiet conversation, a normal one about the elections and the results.’

’Now I’m part of some romantic fallout subplot, I mean I don’t dislike it, but still is strange.’

The room was quiet again.

Seraphina broke the silence with a breath—composed, but deliberate.

She stood, smoothing her coat, posture regaining that noble edge she always wore when something important was being said.

"Then I’m glad."

Elyra glanced up, one eyebrow raised.

"Glad?"

"That we’re on the same side." Seraphina’s gaze moved from Elyra to Noel. "I’ll need people I trust. People who would not leave my side when needed or when times are hard."

Noel didn’t answer with words.

He just nodded once.

’I mean, I had to do it, now I need to prepare for the outbreak for having this big of a change.’

Seraphina walked toward the door, but stopped short and turned back.

Her voice was softer this time.

"And... Thank you. For helping me see things clearly."

She didn’t clarify who she meant.

She didn’t have to.

Then she was gone—leaving the room in a quiet firelight.

Noel let out a slow breath, dropping onto one of the couches and rubbing the back of his neck.

"Things are moving fast."

Noel didn’t even look at her.

"They always do."

A beat passed.

The door clicked shut behind Seraphina.

Silence settled again, but this time it wasn’t political.

It was chill and comforting.

Elyra turned from the window, her grey eyes steady on Noel, who was still sprawled on the couch, one arm slung over the backrest.

She didn’t cross her arms. Didn’t sigh.

She just said:

"So?"

Noel looked up at her slowly.

’Here it is, I knew this was coming sonner or later.’

He wasn’t confused.

He knew exactly what she meant.

And for once, he didn’t have a clever answer.

He sat up a little straighter.

"...Can you give me some time?"

Elyra tilted her head.

Not disappointed.

Just watching.

"I can."

She stepped closer, resting her hand on the table between them.

"But you know I always get what I want—"

"—Yeah," Noel cut in, eyes meeting hers.

"I know. Don’t worry. But really... just give me a bit."

Elyra studied him.

Then gave the faintest nod.

"I’ll wait."

Noel exhaled, finally leaning back again, eyes on the ceiling.

’Things really aren’t simple anymore.’