Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight! novel Chapter 39

Chapter 39: ’Do Better’

After yet another long day, Florian had finally handed Lucius his report. The exchange had been brief and painfully awkward—he couldn’t help but feel tense after everything that had happened. Between Lucius touching him earlier and the unsettling vision of the original Florian and Lucius together, Florian’s mind was a chaotic mess. He had forced himself to stay composed, but his insides were still twisting with unease.

Now, safely back in his room, Florian was sitting on the edge of his bed, trying to calm his racing thoughts. Across the room, Cashew was quietly tending to the flowers and plants he cared for with such devotion. The scent of fresh blooms filled the space, a comforting contrast to Florian’s frazzled mind.

Florian sighed, running a hand through his hair as he tried to focus on the task at hand: figuring out a way to befriend the princesses at breakfast tomorrow.

"Athena and Alexandria are wary of me, but they should be the easiest... I guess?" Florian said aloud, his gaze shifting to Cashew, who was carefully watering a cluster of lilies.

Cashew glanced up at him, tilting his head thoughtfully. "I’ve noticed that, Your Highness. But why do you think they’d ignore you?"

Florian shrugged. "I’ve already tried talking to them remember, and after what happened with Scarlett, they might just completely avoid me. Can’t say I blame them."

Cashew frowned slightly, setting the watering can aside. "What about Princess Bridget and Princess Mira?" he asked.

"It’s possible I could befriend them," Florian mused, tapping his chin. "But only if I manage to strike up a conversation about their interests. Especially Bridget. She’s apparently very passionate about astrology."

Astrology. The mere thought made Florian groan internally. ’Great. Now I have to study star charts and constellations just to keep up. I don’t even know my own damn sign.’

He sighed again, the weight of it all pressing down on him. "Scarlett and Camilla, though... they’re going to be the hardest. Scarlett probably already hates my guts."

’I hate her guts too, but...’ Florian thought bitterly, forcing himself to stay focused.

"Mhm," Cashew hummed softly, about to add something when a sudden knock at the door interrupted him. Both Florian and Cashew turned their heads toward the sound. Florian instinctively glanced at the clock. It was late—far too late for an ordinary visit.

’Who could that be at this hour? Lucius?’ Florian’s thoughts raced as Cashew, ever obedient, set the watering can down and went to answer the door.

When the door opened, it revealed the familiar figure of Delilah, the head maid. Her expression was calm but subtly perplexed, her sharp eyes scanning Florian with a hint of curiosity.

’Oh no. I already know what this means,’ Florian thought, standing up immediately to greet her.

"Good evening, Lady Delilah," he said with forced politeness. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Delilah’s gaze lingered on him for a moment before she spoke. "His Majesty wishes to see you once again, Prince Florian," she said, her tone carrying a faint trace of disbelief.

Florian blinked, trying to keep his face neutral, but inside, his stomach sank. He couldn’t believe it either.

His pulse quickened as he recalled the last time he had been summoned. It hadn’t been pleasant. In fact, every single summons from Heinz so far had been because the king was angry about something.

Still, Florian knew better than to panic. Keeping his composure, he turned to Cashew, who was looking at him with wide, concerned eyes.

"After you finish watering the flowers, go back to your room and rest, alright?" Florian said, giving the boy a gentle smile.

Cashew hesitated for a moment, his hands wringing nervously, but he eventually bowed his head. "Okay, Your Highness."

"Good," Florian said, his tone light but reassuring. Then, he turned back to Delilah. "Lead the way, Lady Delilah."

Delilah gave him a long, measured look before turning on her heel and walking away. Florian followed, his footsteps steady even as his thoughts swirled in chaos.

He tried to focus on the sound of their steps echoing down the corridor, but his mind kept drifting to worst-case scenarios. ’Please let Heinz be in a good mood,’ he thought, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. ’After what happened with Lucius, and that ridiculous mess with Lancelot, I can’t handle another disaster.’

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

"Correct." Heinz’s tone was as indifferent as ever, his focus still locked on the papers. "Lucius informed me you went to great lengths to gather this information." He paused, flipping through another page. "Though, he refused to disclose exactly what those lengths were."

Florian let out an awkward laugh, shifting from foot to foot and instinctively rubbing the back of his neck. "It... was quite embarrassing," he admitted hesitantly.

Florian’s mind whirred, a mix of frustration and mortification bubbling under his skin. ’Why is he asking me this? What even is the point of this summon?’

He cleared his throat, trying to steady his voice. "I, uh... had to take on a disguise to get closer to the princesses."

Florian hesitated, his cheeks burning. He lowered his gaze to the ground as he muttered, "...a maid."

The room fell into an unbearable silence. Heinz didn’t speak, his expression unreadable. Florian felt every agonizing second stretch into eternity. His stomach churned, dread creeping in as his imagination ran wild. ’What is he thinking? Is he mad? Amused? Ready to kill me? I hate this—this blank face nonsense.’

’Surprising?’ Florian thought with a wry smile he barely managed to suppress. ’You threatened me into doing it, what do you expect?’ Out loud, he forced a polite tone. "All to prove that I am genuine, Your Majesty."