Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight! novel Chapter 177

Chapter 177: ’Tonight?’

Heinz stepped inside without hesitation, his very presence shifting the atmosphere of the quiet room. He carried an air of authority so effortlessly that even the walls seemed to straighten in response.

Cashew, still standing near the door, instinctively moved aside, his movements smooth yet strangely slow—almost reluctant.

"I came to speak with you," Heinz said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Florian suppressed a sigh.

’Again? It’s only been an hour since we last spoke.’

He didn’t let his thoughts show on his face. Instead, he gestured toward the couch with a polite smile. "Please, take a seat."

"Right." Heinz strode in further, heading straight for the couch. His movements were effortless, practiced, and when he sat, it was with the kind of ease that came from a lifetime of power.

Florian, however, found his attention elsewhere.

His gaze flickered to Cashew—

And his breath hitched.

Cashew’s usually soft, uncertain eyes had narrowed.

Just slightly.

But it was enough.

’Is he... glaring?’

A slow frown formed between Florian’s brows. Cashew never looked at anyone that way. Not even when he was scolded. Not even when people treated him unfairly.

And yet—

That expression disappeared as quickly as it had come.

Florian blinked, shaken, but forced himself to turn back to Heinz. He shoved his unease aside.

"What do you want to talk about, Your Majesty?"

Heinz didn’t answer right away. Instead, his sharp, crimson gaze drifted toward Cashew, assessing him.

"Before we talk, can you let your servant leave?" Heinz asked. "This is a private conversation."

Florian hesitated. He hadn’t planned on dismissing Cashew, but—

"Right..." He turned toward the boy, offering a small, reassuring smile. "Cashew, can you go to your room for a bit?"

Normally, Cashew would nod without hesitation. He would bow his head and leave quietly—obedient, reserved, ever-respectful.

But this time?

Cashew didn’t move.

A strange silence stretched between them.

Florian felt his stomach twist.

’What?’

"Cashew?" He tried again. "Hello?"

Cashew blinked—like he had only just realized Florian was speaking to him.

Then, finally, he nodded.

"Alright, Your Highness," he murmured, bowing slightly. "Please summon me if you need anything."

His voice was even. Smooth.

Too smooth.

Then, without another glance, Cashew turned and walked out, leaving Florian frozen in place.

Because—

’He... didn’t even look at or address Heinz.’

Florian’s pulse thumped in his ears. He risked a glance at the emperor, half-expecting some sort of reaction.

But Heinz didn’t seem to care.

If he noticed anything off about Cashew’s behavior, he didn’t acknowledge it.

Instead, he leaned back slightly and spoke.

"I’m sure you’ve already heard about Julius’ death?"

The change in subject hit like cold water.

Florian straightened, his fingers curling slightly against his lap. "Yes... It’s unfortunate. And a bit terrifying."

"Whoever the traitor is, they’re getting bolder," Heinz said, crossing his arms. His tone was clipped, controlled, but there was a dangerous edge beneath it. "If this continues, it won’t take long before the entire palace finds out."

Florian’s frown deepened. "What are our next steps, Your Majesty? Shouldn’t we at least inform the princesses as well? What if they become targets?"

"I’ve already deployed more knights to stay within their wing," Heinz replied. "But I highly doubt they’ll be targeted. So far, it’s been you."

Florian stiffened.

’Right. I’m the only one they’ve tried to kill.’

"Do we have a plan?" he asked after a moment.

’The visit... will still happen?’

’You are coming with me, Your Majesty?’