The Extra is a Genius!?
Chapter 191: Where I Stand

Chapter 191: Chapter 191: Where I Stand

Charlotte’s dorm room looked nothing like Noel’s.

Where his space was minimal, almost utilitarian, hers was filled with small details: glowing fairy lights gently floating above the bedframe, potted enchanted lilies that swayed with emotion, a plush rug shaped like a crescent moon, and a shelf full of trinkets and tea tins. Feminine? Maybe. But definitely hers.

She stood in front of the mirror in her bathroom, slowly brushing her long hair—pink and luminous under the soft magic light. The Sancta Veil was off for now, allowing her natural features to reflect clearly.

Golden eyes met her gaze from the mirror.

’I like this look more,’ she thought, admiring the way her real hair shimmered with a light that no illusion could replicate.

’But I can’t walk around the academy like this. Not unless I want to get lectured by the elders or dragged back to the Holy Capital.’

It had been exactly one month since she arrived.

She’d made friends—some too eager. Clara always invited her to go explore Valon, but Charlotte declined every time with some excuse.

’Because I want him to be the one to show me around,’ she admitted to herself, a small smile forming on her lips.

’A tour, a stroll... anything that feels like a date. Just one normal day, like any other girl my age. Back in the Holy Capital, that wasn’t even an option. There were no boys my age... and the ones that were around weren’t interested in anything but praying or politics.’

Things changed the day they named her Saint.

As she continued brushing her hair, memories flickered in her mind—moments filled with chaos, fire, and... Noel.

’I still remember when that traitor pervert left me alone with the lions.’

’He betrayed me. I was so mad I almost cursed him out loud.’

She let out a soft laugh.

’But something about him... stuck.’

She ran her fingers through the silky strands of her hair one last time.

’He smells nice, too. Not "nice" like someone you trust, but... "nice" like something you remember. I never told him. But it’s true.’

’No one else has ever smelled like that. Not Orthran, not Marcus, not Garron or Laziel, not any guy in the Holy Capital. Not even God, for heaven’s sake. Just him.’

The brush stopped. She stared at her reflection.

Maybe it was time.

Time to stop pretending it was nothing. Time to talk to the girls who, without a doubt, were already a part of his life.

She turned off the light and stepped out of the bathroom. Tomorrow would be complicated. But tonight, she would prepare.

Because Charlotte was many things—Saint, troublemaker, wanderer.

But above all... she was honest.

Steam still lingered in the air as Charlotte walked back into her bedroom. The warmth clung to her bare skin, but she didn’t rush. There was something ritualistic in how she moved, drying off with a soft towel embroidered with small stars, then reaching for her clothes one piece at a time.

First came the undergarments—white and simple.

Then the dark navy skirt of the academy uniform, pleated and sharp, followed by the collared blouse and blazer. She buttoned each one slowly, fingers careful and steady.

Finally, she reached for the Sancta Veil.

The moment she slipped it over her head, her body shimmered slightly. The pink hair faded to a deep red, and her golden eyes turned hazel. Her usual disguise—Saint Charlotte, student of the Imperial Academy.

She stared at her reflection again, now a stranger to herself.

’I always look so serious like this... Kind of mysterious, too.’

Her eyes narrowed as she adjusted the folds of her skirt.

Tonight wasn’t about teasing or wandering off to buy bread at midnight. Tonight, she had something important to do.

"I guess it’s time to have that talk," she whispered to herself, standing tall.

Not with Noel.

With them.

She picked up a small enchanted comb from the vanity, slipped it into her pocket, and stepped outside.

The moonlight bathed the academy halls in silver. It was quiet, almost sacred.

Her boots tapped gently against the marble as she walked—past empty classrooms, silent gardens, and dark corridors—searching. She knew where they’d be. The same place they always went when they needed peace: the east courtyard, where the roses bloomed even in winter.

’The two girls who already held pieces of him. Elena... Elyra...’

Charlotte tightened her jaw.

’I just want to know where I stand.’

-----

The courtyard was as peaceful as always.

Neatly trimmed hedges bordered a wide circular path paved with white stone. A fountain gurgled softly in the center, and around it, benches stood like quiet sentinels under the moonlight.

And on one of those benches sat the two girls Charlotte was looking for.

Elyra von Estermont—black hair braided down her back, eyes as sharp as winter steel.

Elena—platinum hair glinting like frost under the stars, her amber gaze softer, but no less perceptive.

Both wore the gray-and-crimson uniforms of the student council. Both looked like they belonged there—composed, calm, powerful.

Charlotte approached slowly. Her steps were deliberate, her heartbeat annoyingly loud in her ears.

’They probably noticed me the second I entered the courtyard.’

Elena was the first to turn her head, her expression curious.

"Charlotte?" she asked. "Did something happen?"

Elyra looked over next. Her eyes narrowed slightly, not in hostility—just analysis. "It’s late." f|ree(w)ebn\o.vel.com

Charlotte stopped a few feet away. Her usual smirk tugged at her lips, but she forced herself to keep her expression steady.

"No emergency," she said lightly. "I just wanted to talk."

"To us?" Elena tilted her head. "Now?"

Charlotte shrugged. "It couldn’t wait."

The two girls exchanged a glance, then made space on the bench. Charlotte sat down, back straight, eyes forward.

There was a moment of silence. The breeze carried the faint scent of roses. fre.ewebnov el.com

Charlotte broke it first.

"I know you’re both close to Noel," she said. "Closer than anyone else here."

Neither interrupted.

"And I know I probably seem like... I don’t know. The annoying girl who showed up out of nowhere. Who calls him names, breaks stuff, causes chaos."

This time, Elena gave a small smile. Elyra didn’t.

"I don’t really care what title you give me. Saint. Transfer student. Troublemaker. I just..." Charlotte took a breath. "I wanted to be honest with the two of you."

Elena leaned forward slightly. "About what?"

Charlotte’s voice dropped just a little.

"I like him."

The words were out now, carried into the night.

She felt her hands clench slightly on her lap. But she didn’t look away.

"I don’t know if it’s love. Maybe it is, maybe it’s just the first time I’ve met someone who makes me feel like myself without pretending. But I like being near him. I like annoying him. I like how he doesn’t flinch around me. I like how he smells."

That made Elena blink. Elyra raised an eyebrow.

Charlotte coughed into her fist. "Forget that last part."

Neither of them spoke.

She continued.

"I don’t want to take anything from you. I don’t want to start drama. I just... I want to know if I have a place. Even if it’s small."

Silence stretched out again.

Charlotte sat still.

’Maybe that was stupid. Maybe I should’ve just stayed quiet and kept smiling.’