The Extra is a Genius!?-Chapter 129: The Lady Awakens

’Last night was... a long one.’

Noel woke in a guest room provided by the Estermont family.

A guest room — though honestly, it was enormous. A wide bed fit for royalty, tall mirrors reflecting a view of the sprawling gardens beyond. Fountains danced among the flowers, their enchanted streams performing a subtle, endless show.

Noel dressed in a loose white shirt and simple brown trousers.

He made his way to the bathroom, splashing water on his face and brushing his teeth.

He glanced at the mirror.

’I look like I got hit by a train.’

A small smirk tugged at his lips.

’Funny. There aren’t even trains in this world yet.’

He looked exhausted. But for once, he could afford to be.

’One week until my sister’s wedding. I’m supposed to leave today, catch the ship. I guess... I can finally allow myself to rest for a while.’

He dried his face and stepped back into the room.

Standing by the door, waiting, was Elyra.

"Good morning, Noel," she said softly.

Noel blinked. "You know... I’m not even surprised anymore when you appear like this."

A faint smile touched her lips. "Good. I want you to get used to it. Because this won’t be the last time."

"I was hoping it would be," he said dryly.

"Too bad," she replied. Then her voice softened. "Thank you."

"There’s no need to thank me," Noel said quietly. "I told you I would do it. I made a promise—and I don’t break those."

"I know..." Elyra hesitated for a moment. "This... this means more to me than you know, Noel. My mother—she’s awake. And... she wants to see you."

Noel walked just behind Elyra.

She seemed in far better spirits than she had in days — understandably so, now that her mother was awake and recovering.

’Here we go again. Another complete deviation from the novel. Not that I could’ve let it play out as it was, right? The system is in the way... No—no, that’s just an excuse. I’m doing this because I want to. And that’s how it’s going to stay.’

They walked together through the long corridor, making their way toward the family dining hall.

Breakfast was waiting — and for the first time, all four would share the table: Lord Caeron, Lady Elissabeth, Elyra, and Noel.

As they entered, Noel offered a polite nod.

"Good morning, Lord Caeron. Lady Elissabeth. Are you sure you’re well enough to be out of bed? Wouldn’t it be wiser to rest a few more days?"

Caeron let out a sigh. "I told her the same thing — but this woman never listens."

"She reminds me of someone..." Noel muttered under his breath.

Caeron’s eyes narrowed. "Did you say something?"

Noel gave a neutral smile. "It must’ve been your imagination, my lord."

Beside him, Elyra and her mother exchanged amused glances, soft laughter escaping them.

Lady Elissabeth spoke next, her voice warm but composed.

"This is the first time we speak, young Noel Thorne. I owe you my deepest thanks—for saving my life. And also... for taking care of Elyra."

"It’s what any friend would do," Noel replied simply.

"Friend, hmm?" Caeron’s tone sharpened. "You’d best stay that way."

At that moment, the family’s servants arrived, laying out a rich breakfast—an assortment of juices, fresh fruits, fine breads, and various spreads.

Noel kept his voice calm. "You needn’t worry, Lord Caeron."

Elyra interjected with a teasing glint in her eyes.

"And what do you mean by that, Noel? I already made it public at the academy that you’re my future husband. I told my mother the same yesterday."

Noel froze.

’...I have no idea how to respond to that.’

Lord Caeron’s expression darkened.

He stood abruptly, picking up a knife from the table, eyes locked on Noel with a sharp, threatening gaze.

Before he could speak, Lady Elissabeth cut in—her tone colder than ice.

"Calm yourself, dear. It is most inappropriate to act this way in front of a guest. And one who saved my life."

Her words carried a quiet, lethal edge.

Caeron hesitated, then exhaled slowly.

"...Apologies."

He obeyed — clearly used to the weight behind his wife’s words.

Noel cleared his throat softly.

"If I may interrupt... I’m not sure if you’ve had the chance to discuss the document I gave you yesterday. The Iskandar side is trying to claim full credit for the cure — and they also expect compensation."

Caeron sighed. "Yes, we’ve reviewed it. But tell me—does it not bother you? Letting them take the glory for such an achievement? I imagine your family would be quite pleased."

Noel shook his head calmly.

"With all due respect, my lord — it doesn’t matter to me. My goal was to keep my promise to Elyra and cure her mother. That’s all. As for my family... let’s just say relations aren’t exactly warm. They’d probably prefer I wasn’t standing beside them at all."

Caeron frowned, then gave a small nod. "I see... forgive me for asking."

Noel offered a faint smile. "No offense taken."

He leaned back slightly. "Well then. I’ll be leaving later this afternoon. I need to catch the ship to arrive at my sister’s wedding ahead of time. I assume you’ve received invitations as well?"

Lady Elissabeth answered with a gentle nod.

"We have. My husband informed me that the letter arrived while I was ill. Unfortunately... I’m not quite strong enough to attend."

Caeron added, "That’s right. We’ll remain here. Please convey our apologies to your father on our behalf."

Noel gave a polite nod. "Of course. Though they may not care much for me, my father is still... reasonable when it comes to matters of formality."

He glanced around the table. "Now — I assume you also saw how the cure was prepared?"

Elyra gave a small smile. "I did. I watched you make it... for two straight hours."

"Good."

Noel reached into his dimensional pouch.

"I’ll leave you with all the frostpetals I have left. If possible, I’d like you to prepare as much of the cure as you can — and distribute it between the Iskandar and Estermont families. It may save more lives."

Lady Elissabeth met his gaze, her voice steady.

"If that is your wish, we will do so. It’s the very least we can offer in return for saving mine."

Noel inclined his head. "Thank you."

He rose from his seat.

"Well then — if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to prepare my belongings before I depart."

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