Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight! novel Chapter 173

Chapter 173: ’Problem After Problem’

"Y-Your Highness!"

The moment Florian stepped inside his room, he was enveloped in a tight embrace. Cashew, his ever-loyal attendant, clung to him, voice thick with relief.

Florian exhaled softly, a small smile tugging at his lips as he returned the hug, resting his chin atop Cashew’s blond head. "Hello, Cashew," he murmured, his voice carrying an unmistakable warmth.

’Ah. Now I feel much better.’

Cashew always had that effect on him. Being with him felt like home—or at least the closest thing to it. Maybe it was because he reminded him so much of Kaz. Like a younger brother.

Or perhaps... it was Florian’s body remembering. The original Florian had taken Cashew under his wing for the same reason.

Cashew pulled back slightly, his eyes wide with lingering worry. "I-I was looking for Your Highness last night... but... I couldn’t find you. The princesses were worried and... I saw Sir Lucius, and he told me you... you got poisoned again..." His voice shook, the last words barely above a whisper.

Florian’s heart clenched at the way Cashew’s lower lip trembled. He placed a gentle hand on the back of his head, fingers threading through soft blond locks in an attempt to soothe him. "I’m fine. I was saved just in time again."

Cashew let out a choked breath, gripping the fabric of Florian’s sleeves. "W-Why does Your Highness always get hurt? I-I couldn’t do anything again."

Florian felt something in him twist. ’Why is he blaming himself?’

"You don’t have to do anything, Cashew," he said firmly. "Just because you serve me doesn’t mean you have to shoulder my burdens. You’re still young."

Cashew shook his head, stubborn as ever. "Y-Your Highness is very kind to me. You took me in... even though palace servants should come from good families... I-I want to do more..."

"You’re doing enough," Florian assured him, squeezing his shoulder. ’He’s so grateful to Florian. How terrible was his life in the orphanage for him to feel this way?’

Cashew didn’t reply, but his small frame trembled, silent tears soaking into Florian’s coat. Florian let out a quiet sigh before ruffling his hair with uncharacteristic fondness.

’Ah. I feel bad now. I must have really worried him... Though, Lucius could’ve just lied to him instead of telling him I got poisoned.’

Florian made a mental note to scold Lucius for that later.

But it seemed he wouldn’t need to.

"Your... Highness?" _{fгeewebnovёl.com}

Florian’s head snapped up.

Lucius.

He had completely forgotten that he left the door open. And that he was still standing by the entrance. Hugging Cashew.

Cashew immediately pulled away, sniffling as he hurriedly wiped his tears. Florian turned to face Lucius. "Lucius? Aren’t you supposed to be—" He stopped himself. He had almost mentioned Julius. But Cashew was still in the room.

Lucius must have realized this too. His sharp gaze flickered to Cashew. "Cashew, His Highness hasn’t eaten yet. Go and fetch something for him."

Cashew straightened, nodding quickly. "Y-Yes! Right away, Your Highness!" He bowed and rushed out, as if eager to avoid further embarrassment.

’That was fast. Then again, he probably didn’t want Lucius to see him cry.’

As soon as the door shut, Lucius turned back and closed it firmly. Florian narrowed his eyes.

"Did you really have to tell him that I was—"

"Julius is dead."

The words hit Florian like a hammer to the chest. His breath caught, his mind blanking for a moment before the meaning fully registered.

"What?"

"Julius is dead, Your Highness," Lucius repeated, his tone grim. "When I went to retrieve him, to have his memories erased... he was already dead."

"Dead... as in..."

"He was murdered."

Florian’s stomach dropped.

’That fast? That means...’

"I know what you’re thinking," Lucius said, his voice clipped. "His Majesty has already deployed Lancelot and the royal knights to investigate. But he’s ordering discretion. He doesn’t want to cause panic."

Florian clenched his jaw. "He still wants to keep this a secret? Someone was murdered!"

Lucius sighed, shifting uncomfortably. "I don’t know what he’s thinking, but he insists on containing this. He ordered me to walk the palace grounds, to monitor anyone displaying suspicious behavior. Any suspicious emotions."

’What the fuck?’

Florian had barely stepped into his room, and already, he was drowning in problems again.

"He also instructed me to inform you to stay in your room. After Cashew returns, knights will be stationed around your quarters. We cannot risk anything happening to you."

Florian took a few steps back before dropping onto the sofa, running a hand through his hair with a groan. "Whoever is after me is shameless. They actually killed Julius, and for what?"

"If my assumptions are correct... it’s to send a message."

’I can’t catch a break. This is exhausting.’

✧༺ ⏱︎ ༻✧

’Someone’s targeting His Highness?’