The Extra is a Genius!?
Chapter 203: Rest in the Lioness’s Den

Chapter 203: Chapter 203: Rest in the Lioness’s Den

When Noel opened his eyes again, the world was no longer spinning—but it still felt heavy, like he was underwater.

The room was dim, the mana lanterns set low, and the scent of herbs mixed with sterilized fabric filled the air. Sitting nearby, arms crossed and face utterly unimpressed, was Clair, the academy’s ever-grumpy nurse. And right beside her, graceful as always and dressed immaculately even indoors, was Elyra.

Elyra looked up as soon as he stirred.

"I already delivered the message to everyone who needed to know," she said calmly. "From now on, you’re to rest until you recover. I had to wake Clair up to come check on you."

Clair let out a long, exaggerated sigh. "You know, Noel... you’re the student who’s given me the most work. And you’re only in your second year. We just started. Don’t you think that’s a little rude?"

Noel stared at her, blinking slowly.

’Isn’t that literally your job?’

Clair moved closer with a clipboard in one hand, already muttering under her breath. "I’m going to take your temperature and run a few basic checks to see what’s going on."

"Alright," Noel said hoarsely. "Tell me what to do."

He let her press a crystal thermometer to his temple, then felt a minor spell wash over his chest and stomach—standard mana diagnostic pulses. Clair didn’t waste time.

After a few scans, she gave Elyra a glance.

"Can you step out for a moment? It’s about privacy. I need him to remove the blanket for a proper reading."

Elyra didn’t move. Instead, she smiled—completely unfazed.

"Oh, don’t worry. I’ve already seen his body quite well."

Noel’s soul momentarily left his body.

Clair raised an eyebrow. "Well. I understand you’re both young and eager to experiment, but I do recommend using protection at the very least. You’d be surprised how many students end up pregnant and have to drop classes for a semester."

Noel’s fever jumped instantly.

"We haven’t even gotten to that part!" he protested.

Elyra added with perfect timing:

"For now."

Clair didn’t even blink.

She continued her check-up with cool efficiency, tapping notes into a floating scroll while muttering under her breath about irresponsible noble brats and her ruined sleep schedule.

Finally, she stepped back and crossed her arms.

"You’re exhausted. From what I can tell, your mana’s nearly depleted—and your body’s struggling to recover because you pushed yourself too hard. I assume that’s from Class S training?"

Noel nodded faintly.

Clair clicked her tongue. "I get that you want to keep up with the pressure, but your body’s not invincible. Take care of it. With rest, you should stabilize in a few days."

Elyra gave her a gracious smile. "Thank you for coming, Clair."

Clair scowled. "Don’t wake me again unless someone’s literally dying."

She turned and walked out, muttering to herself.

Noel watched her go, then sighed.

"You heard her," Elyra said, smirking as she looked down at him. "Time to rest now."

Noel let out a long sigh as his head sank deeper into the pillow. The blanket clung to his damp body like a second skin, but the fever dulled his sense of discomfort.

"I get it... I’ll rest. Though it’s not like I overdid it as bad as last time."

Elyra raised an eyebrow with a smirk. "Oh? Feeling nostalgic already? Want to sleep in my lap again?"

Before he could answer, she was already moving. With smooth, deliberate ease, Elyra climbed onto the bed beside him, settled herself comfortably, and tapped her thigh twice.

Tap, tap.

Her eyes glinted teasingly. "Come on. It helped last time, didn’t it?"

Noel hesitated. "You sure? I’m sweaty as hell... I don’t want you catching anything."

Elyra chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"I don’t care. Honestly, the way you look right now—flushed, shirtless, all muscled up? Kind of sexy, not gonna lie."

His face turned bright red.

Still, he shifted closer and gently laid his head on her lap. Her hands moved automatically to his hair, stroking softly, and the pounding in his head faded just a little.

Elyra’s fingers moved gently through his hair, her touch light, rhythmic. Noel let out a small breath, almost like a sigh, as his fevered body settled slightly into the warmth of her lap.

After a few moments, her voice broke the silence.

"So... how was your date with the Saint?"

Noel blinked slowly, then let out a faint chuckle.

"Pretty normal, I guess. I showed her around Valon, we went here and there, ended up at the library. She started teaching me about the history of the church, about Elarin. We kind of... lost track of time."

Elyra tilted her head. "Got locked in, huh?"

"Yeah. Some things happened... but we got out in the end."

She narrowed her eyes slightly, then gave a small shrug.

"I’m glad you had a good time. But ’some things’ is a little vague, don’t you think? Be specific. I already gave her the green light as the Head Wife, remember? I accept her."

Noel looked up at her, eyes half-lidded from fatigue.

"You can imagine what happened then."

Elyra paused for a heartbeat. Her voice was quieter when she spoke again.

"Is Charlotte important to you?"

Noel didn’t hesitate.

"Yeah. I think what happened in the Holy Capital really hit me hard. I was drowning a bit, and... she was someone I could lean on."

There was a short silence. Elyra’s hand never stopped moving. She simply continued stroking his hair with steady care.

"Then if she’s important to you, it’s fine," she said at last. "But I won’t let just anyone take advantage of you. Only the ones I approve. You remember your promise, right?"

Noel turned slightly, still resting in her lap, and met her gaze.

"Yeah. I promised I wouldn’t neglect you."

Elyra smiled warmly.

"Good."

Elyra’s smile lingered as her fingers played lazily with a lock of his hair.

"You know..." she murmured, "you’ve been a little distant with me lately."

Noel blinked, surprised by the shift in tone.

"I get it," she continued, her voice soft but firm. "There’s the council, the training, all the things you do when you’re off on your own. I won’t push you to explain everything, but..." She paused, brushing her thumb along his temple. "I wish you’d talk to me more."

Noel shifted slightly, his cheek still resting against her thigh. He turned his head just enough to look into her eyes.

"Thanks," he said quietly.

Elyra’s expression softened again. Then, with a mischievous glint in her eye, she added:

"You know, I wouldn’t mind taking a year off the academy. It’s not like I need it—my position’s already secured, and money isn’t a problem either."

Noel blinked. "Wait, what are you—"

"I’m just saying..." she interrupted with a teasing smile, "whenever you’re ready, we could get started."

His fever might’ve been high before, but now his face went crimson for a different reason.

"We can talk about this when I’m not sick!" he blurted, clearly avoiding her gaze.

Elyra let out a melodic laugh, the sound vibrating softly through her body.

"Of course. But don’t make me wait too long. You know I always get what I want, right?"

"Yeah..." Noel muttered, still red. "I know that all too well."

"Good." She leaned down without warning.

Elyra’s lips met his in a slow, lingering kiss, not rushed or teasing—deep, confident, warm. Her hand cupped the side of his face, guiding him gently as her mouth claimed his with unmistakable passion. His body tensed briefly, then relaxed into the kiss, eyes fluttering closed.

When she finally pulled back, her voice was low, a breath against his cheek.

"Remember you’re mine."

Then she stood, brushing her skirt back into place, and headed toward the door.

"I’m going to get you something for breakfast. Don’t go dying on me while I’m gone, okay?"

Noel let out a breath, dazed and flushed.

"Yeah... got it."