Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight! novel Chapter 329

Chapter 329: ’Bad Feelings Everywhere.’

"Alexandria?" Florian mumbled, his brows knitting together the moment the name left his lips.

’What is she doing here?’ he thought, confusion swirling in his chest like a storm cloud.

Still, his hand moved almost on instinct, undoing the latch and pulling the door open. On the other side stood Lady Alexandria—radiant as always.

Her platinum curls were perfectly arranged, her smile wide and bright with a carefree warmth that didn’t seem to match the current tone of the day. She looked as though the world was in her favor this morning.

In contrast, Florian had to force his lips upward, forming a polite smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

"Lady Alexandria! What a pleasant surprise." He stepped aside with practiced grace, gesturing inside. "Come in."

But Alexandria merely lifted her hand and shook her head with a soft laugh. "No, no, it’s fine, Prince Florian. I only came here to wish you luck!"

She paused, then tilted her head slightly. There was a curious glint in her eyes as she leaned to peer around him, as though trying to see inside without stepping in.

"Though... it seems you’re frustrated," she added, her voice lilting with light concern. "Actually, before coming here, I saw Lord Lucius and Lord Lancelot—both looked terribly serious. They were in such a rush, they didn’t even notice me."

Florian stiffened slightly. He opened his mouth to respond—some vague explanation, maybe even a joke to brush off the tension—but the words caught in his throat.

He froze.

Not because of what she said. Not because he didn’t trust her.

But because something felt off.

Alexandria had always been his friend. Since he came to this world, she was one of the few people he found himself easily trusting, someone who never made him feel watched or judged.

And yet...

’Why can’t I just say it?’ he wondered. ’Why does it feel like I’m standing in front of a stranger in her skin?’

His throat felt tight, and he hated it. Hated that he was doubting someone who had done nothing wrong. But ever since last night, since the cursed dress incident and the butterflies’ strange reaction—something in him had changed. Not drastically, but subtly. A whisper of caution now curled around his gut when she smiled. A hesitation nestled in his bones.

She was still smiling. Still warm. Still the same Alexandria.

But Florian’s instincts were whispering something else.

’Something’s not right.’

Still, he gave a small laugh, trying to smooth out the tension in his expression.

"Well..." he began again, but this time more careful. "I appreciate you coming all this way to wish me luck. It means a lot. I—I’ve just had a bit of a rough morning, is all. Nerves."

"Oh, do you need help? Can I do something?" Alexandria asked gently, tilting her head ever so slightly. Her voice was soft—genuinely concerned—but the question made Florian’s chest tighten instead of easing his burden.

He should’ve felt grateful.

He really should’ve.

But instead, guilt crept in like a slow fog. Because the only thing he truly wanted to do right now was push her away.

Not out of anger. Not because she did anything wrong.

But because something inside him felt off—and he couldn’t explain it.

’It’s because of what happened today... everything’s just... gotten into my head,’ Florian told himself, forcing another smile. But even to his own ears, it sounded hollow.

"No, no. It’s fine..." he began, rubbing the back of his neck. Then, after a brief pause, he added with an awkward chuckle, "Actually... I want to be alone for a while. If you don’t mind."

The effect was immediate.

Alexandria’s bright expression faltered—just for a second. Her smile cracked, subtle but visible. The light that had lit up her face dimmed as if a curtain had been drawn over a sunny window.

’Oh... she’s upset.’

Of course she was. Anyone would be. She went out of her way to visit, to check on him, and he just shut her out.

But Alexandria didn’t press. She didn’t pout or ask why.

She simply lowered her gaze and gave a small, composed nod. "Alright. I understand. It must really be... pressuring."

Her voice had lost its usual cheer, replaced by something quieter. Something that made Florian wince inside.

She curtsied politely, but even that gesture felt slower than usual—heavier.

And though her lips formed a small, understanding smile, it didn’t quite reach her eyes.

He should say something. Maybe reassure her. But his mind was too tangled, his nerves too frayed.

’Why does it bother me so much?’ he wondered, watching her. ’Why do I care if she’s upset? This isn’t the time... not with everything else going on.’

Still, his voice came out softer when he spoke again. "I’ll see you after?"

Alexandria glanced up, her eyes meeting his briefly before that practiced smile returned—just a little more convincing this time.

’I have a bad feeling about this.’

✧༺ ⏱︎ ༻✧

’When it comes to His Highness, it seems he’s cooperative with others,’ Lucius noted, surprised but thankful. Azure was... unpredictable at best. Powerful in ways most people couldn’t comprehend, even if he looked like a harmless blue creature the size of a cat.

’Florian probably doesn’t even realize just how capable Azure is. He has him curled around his shoulders like a pet, but... he’s a force of nature,’ Lucius thought, narrowing his eyes as Azure leapt down to sniff at the torn fabric on the table. ’A force that chooses loyalty—and right now, he’s choosing Florian.’

Residual energy, tampering spells, curse remnants. Anything that might hint at who had done this. Because whoever it was, they were precise. The palace was secure, especially Drizelous’ workshop. Someone sneaking in would’ve needed an immense level of skill—or access.

’His Highness’ pants were untouched. No rips, no residue. But the lower part of the top... it’s as if they specifically aimed for the most delicate parts to ruin. Easily frayed lace. Thin silk. No random violence—this was calculated.’