The Extra is a Genius!? Chapter 593: The Name

Moments after uttering those words, Noel stayed motionless. He kept his slight lean over the bed, gaze locked on the tiny face bundled in white fabric. The infant had quieted down once more, eyes fluttering shut as though that short glimpse had exhausted it for the time being. With tender care, Elena repositioned the swaddled child in her hold, mindful in each gesture. It was only then that Noel eased himself onto the seat next to the bed.

"How are you feeling, Elena?" He bent forward a bit, examining her features with worry. "Is the little one fine? Wasn’t the arrival a bit premature?" A short hesitation followed, then the final query emerged naturally. "Are you certain all proceeded smoothly?"

A gentle, weary chuckle escaped Elena’s lips. From her spot close by, Selene gave a subtle shake of her head, a hint of mirth tugging at her mouth’s edge. "Cease your fretting," she advised in a steady tone.

An elven healer advanced before Noel could reply. Having washed her hands clean, she neared the bed bearing the assured poise of one experienced in numerous deliveries. "It all transpired splendidly," she assured. "Elena proved resilient. The delivery flowed without major hitches, and no issues arose." With a soft wave, she indicated the slumbering infant. "The baby is in excellent condition. True, it came sooner than anticipated, but danger was absent. Rest is what Elena requires at present."

Noel absorbed her words attentively, his taut shoulders loosening as an unnoticed strain began to dissipate. His eyes dropped. "Forgive me for not being present."

Elena dismissed it at once with a head shake. "Noel... it’s fine. The timing caught us off guard today." She adjusted against the cushions. "Besides, we grasp the importance of your efforts—your practice, your setups; those count just as much." In silent accord, Selene inclined her head.

A more peaceful hush enveloped the chamber. Shortly, Noel turned back to the healer. "Might we have some privacy?" The elf dipped her head graciously, signaled to her companions, and the group collected their instruments before exiting discreetly. The door shut with a gentle click.

Just the trio lingered within the space.

Following the door’s closure, Noel stayed put briefly, attuned to the stillness blanketing the area. Hallway noises dwindled away, leaving merely Elena’s light breaths and the subtle fabric whisper as the baby fidgeted in her embrace. He drew in a measured inhale.

"I realize this timing isn’t ideal," Noel started in a low voice, his sight dipping momentarily before rising anew. "I could hold off till Elyra and Charlotte arrive. Yet this matters greatly." Elena’s focus intensified a touch, while Selene stood taller behind him. "I encountered Roberto amid the peaks."

Silence gripped the room. Elena’s warm look shifted to grave intent, and Selene crossed her arms deliberately over her torso as she paid heed. "He materialized at my back undetected," Noel went on. "Not even Noir sensed his approach. We conversed. Anger didn’t mark him." He halted for a beat. "Disappointment did, though. And he revealed more—he’s gathered supporters now, ensuring he faces the reckoning not in solitude."

Moving nearer, Selene encircled Noel from the rear, her palms settling softly over his torso. "No need for concern," she murmured. "It seems he craves that duel still. One last clash. Not an all-out conflict." Her chin came to rest easy on his shoulder. "Should allies bolster him... yours stand ready too." Her glance flicked momentarily to the bed, to the tiny package cradled by Elena. "Our kin expands." A subtle grin touched her lips. "I merely wish that someday I might bear your child as well."

Noel lifted a hand to clasp Selene’s where they lay against him. Attempts had been made repeatedly, yielding no fruit thus far. Though Selene concealed her hidden sorrow well, Noel sensed its presence. She clung to that silent faith it would occur eventually, and for the present, she embraced him as the tiny sleeper near Elena drew soft breaths in the serene space.

"Chosen a name for him yet?" Elena raised her eyes to Noel, her inquiry light with interest alone. Over recent months, they’d discussed options endlessly—some tossed out in jest, others pondered deeply only to be discarded. Ultimately, no choice had stuck. "Any preferences now?"

Noel’s gaze fell to the infant. So petite, the boy scarcely stirred under the wrapping save for steady respiration. The newborn roused faintly, lashes quivering before parting to show once more those vivid emerald hues Noel had spotted before. "I’d prefer to name him... Nicolas."

Selene’s grip eased around him. For an instant, both ladies regarded Noel in astonishment, comprehension dawning swiftly. Nicolas. The director. A figure who had steered Noel through pivotal chapters of his existence here, offering trust amid widespread doubt, unaware that this babe would honor his legacy.

Elena’s fatigued visage grew tender. She bent forward a fraction, peering at the delicate countenance she held. "Greetings, Nicolas," she breathed softly, echoing the moniker as if sampling its resonance in the tranquil air. "That’s to be yours." In reply, the infant cooed faintly, tiny digits flexing as though stirred by her tone. A soft smile graced Selene, mirrored by Noel.

Moments later, Noel rose deliberately from his seat. "I’ll summon the healers." With a gentle nod, Elena kept the baby secure to her, and Noel moved to the exit. In his wake, the name wove into the chamber’s fabric, joining the day’s profound shifts.