The Extra is a Genius!?
Chapter 209: Three Hearts, One Path

Chapter 209: Chapter 209: Three Hearts, One Path

The summer heat had finally retreated.

In its place came a gentler warmth — the kind that brushed softly against the skin and hinted at the coming of autumn. The city of Valon had settled into that seasonal shift, with cooler breezes and longer shadows. And in the heart of its noble district, the top floor of the famed Mirae’s Restaurant had once again been rented out in full.

By Elyra, of course.

Mirae’s wasn’t just any restaurant — it was one of Valon’s most exclusive. The upper level, reserved only by those with money or influence (or both), boasted wide windows overlooking the city skyline, plush crimson seats, and tables crafted from enchanted whitewood that never stained or dulled.

This evening, one table in particular was alive with light conversation and soft laughter.

Noel sat at the head, relaxed but alert, a half-finished glass of chilled berry wine at his side. Around him sat the three girls who now filled his life with more chaos — and peace — than he’d ever expected.

Elyra wore her signature deep red, the color of her house — Estermont. Her long black hair was tied into a thick, precise braid draped over her shoulder. Her grey eyes scanned everything, as usual, but softened when they landed on Noel.

Elena was in soft yellow, matching her amber eyes. The cut of her dress was refined, subtle, with silver stitching tracing gentle curves across the fabric. Her platinum hair hung loose, with her pointed ears barely peeking through.

Charlotte, seated closest to Noel, was without the Sancta Veil. Her pink hair shimmered in the dim light, and her golden eyes were exposed without hesitation. Her dress leaned toward a warm blush-cream, elegant and feminine, her hands folded neatly in her lap.

Noel leaned back in his seat, arms crossed, his eyes drifting between the three girls sitting around him.

"You know," he said casually, "I don’t think there’s a guy in this entire continent luckier than me right now."

Elyra raised an eyebrow. "Hm? And why’s that?"

He smirked. "Because I’m pretty sure no one else is dating three absolute beauties at the same time."

The reactions were immediate — and, as always, different.

Elyra narrowed her eyes, lips curling with mischief. "Is that so? Then I guess I’ll have to make sure you never forget it."

Elena turned bright red, eyes darting toward the floor. "N-Noel..."

Charlotte just smiled, leaning her chin against her hand. "As you should feel. You earned it."

Noel chuckled. "Honestly, I’m still not used to it."

Elyra crossed one leg over the other. "You better. This is how you’ll live for the rest of your life. Keep us happy, or—"

"—Or else," Charlotte added sweetly.

Elena, still pink, gave a quiet nod. "Mm... you have to."

Noel raised both hands. "Yeah, yeah, I know. If I mess up, Elyra’s father hires an army to hunt me down, and the church labels me a heretic. Not exactly great odds."

Elyra smirked. "So you have considered it."

"Considered and rejected it," Noel said without hesitation. "Right now, you three are the most important people in the world to me."

Charlotte closed her eyes and nodded once. "Good answer."

Elena bit her lip, trying to suppress a smile.

Elyra gave a satisfied breath. "Well then. Let’s change the subject before we all end up piling on you."

Elyra reached for her glass, took a sip, and glanced toward the window before speaking.

"Tomorrow, they’ll make the announcement officially. The students of Class S will be sent to Elarith. The academy’s participating in the inter-academy event."

Charlotte blinked. "Huh? Already?"

Elena nodded. "We got the news early through the student council. The others will hear it tomorrow morning. We’ll need to pack."

Charlotte leaned forward, her golden eyes wide. "Wait—so we’re all going? Even me?"

"You’re Class S now," Elyra said. "Of course you’re coming."

Charlotte beamed, visibly excited.

Elena looked to Noel. "What about Noir? Will she come with us?"

Noel nodded. "Of course. She can stay hidden in my shadow during the trip. Once we’re there, I’ll let her rest in my room while we attend the event. I’ll take her out in the afternoons."

Charlotte smiled. "She’s earned a vacation too."

"Yeah... well, I doubt she’d sit still for long anyway," Noel said.

Charlotte tilted her head. "So what’s the event like? I’ve never been to one — you know why."

Noel folded his arms. "It’s basically a massive competition between the best academies across Vaelterra. Since we’re from the Imperial Academy of Valor — the top one, supposedly — we’re expected to represent at a high level."

Elena added, "My family had the option to send me to other schools in Elarith. But they chose this one specifically for its prestige and the quality of training."

Charlotte nodded slowly. "So it’s not just about the continent, then... it’s international?"

Elyra rested her elbow on the table, cheek against her knuckles. "Pretty much. The best from all over. Hundreds of elite students competing for glory and reputation."

Charlotte’s eyes lit up. "That sounds fun!"

Noel shrugged. "It will be. Just long. The trip won’t be short — we’ll have to cross a big part of the ocean to reach the west coast of Elarith."

Charlotte asked. "So, how are we getting there? By ship?"

Noel replied. "Our destination’s on the western coast of Elarith. So yeah, we’ll cross the ocean... but it won’t be your typical sea voyage."

Elyra took over smoothly, a faint smirk on her lips. "Thanks to the dwarves, there’s now a massive canal running beneath the southern mountains. A giant underwater tunnel. A marvel of both magical and mechanical engineering."

Elena nodded. "That canal connects directly to the mountain region where the Dwarven Kingdom is located. It saves days—maybe even weeks—compared to traveling by land."

Charlotte blinked, visibly impressed. "So we’ll be traveling... under the mountains?"

"Exactly," Elyra confirmed. "And not just any mountains. That range is part of the Spine of Vaelterra, the massive natural barrier that cuts through the continent."

"Isn’t that dangerous?" Charlotte raised a brow.

Noel shrugged. "It’s dwarven work. That means two things: it’s sturdy, and it works. They don’t do half-measures."

Charlotte giggled. "Sounds like it’ll be an experience."

Elena folded her hands. "It will be. Though just so you know, my family’s territory is in the far northeast of Elarith. So... on the complete opposite side of where we’re heading."

"So you’re the farthest from home," Noel said with a soft smile.

"Yes, but it’s worth it," Elena replied calmly.

"How many days total?" Charlotte asked, looking toward Elyra.

"Nine or ten, depending on the weather and currents," Elyra answered evenly. "It’s not exactly a short trip, but it will be like a small vacation."

The sun had begun to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows across Mirae’s restaurant floor. The staff had quietly withdrawn, giving the four some privacy as their conversation lingered.

Noel leaned back in his seat, arms crossed behind his head. "Now that I think about it... Director Nicolas still hasn’t returned."

Elyra raised an eyebrow. "Right. He left to investigate those incidents, didn’t he?"

Noel nodded. "Yeah. He told me just before the semester started. Said he needed to confirm something personally." He looked at the three girls. "But please, keep that between us. I’m only telling you because... well, I don’t want secrets between us anymore."

There was a short silence.

Elena smiled softly. "It makes me happy that you trust us more."

Charlotte gave a small nod. "We won’t say a word."

Elyra tilted her head slightly, her grey eyes narrowing with a knowing look. "I’m glad you told us, but... don’t forget who my father is. If something happens to you, there won’t be a place in this world where your enemies could hide."

Noel smirked. "Pretty sure I’m more afraid of you three than of any enemies at this point."

All three girls reacted in their usual way.

Charlotte smiled proudly.

Elena looked away, red creeping up her face.

And Elyra? Elyra just chuckled. "As it should be."