Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight! novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40: ’A Guide To Make Friends’

It was yet another day.

Aden’s fifth day as Florian, and his fifth day in this strange new world. With everything that had happened, it felt like he’d been there for a full month.

But no—just five days.

Still, Florian was starting to settle into the morning routine. Cashew would wake him up. He’d groggily brush his teeth before taking an absolutely enchanting bubble bath. Then, Florian and Cashew would decide on what he’d wear for the day, ensuring he looked every bit the part of royalty. Right on cue, Lucius would arrive after completing his morning duties: securing the palace and reporting to Heinz.

Today was no different. Florian, Cashew, and Lucius were now making their way to the dining area. Breakfast time.

For Florian, however, breakfast wasn’t just about eating—it was an opportunity.

An opportunity to make friends.

As Aden, back in his old life, close friends were a luxury he never had. He had been too busy working multiple jobs to keep his sister fed and cared for. Work was his friend. His sister was his family. There was no room in his life for anything—or anyone—else.

Now, here he was, in a foreign body and a foreign world, being tasked with befriending seven royal princesses, each more intimidating than the last.

’I’ve never even dated, let alone tried to befriend a princess,’ Florian thought, dread pooling in his stomach. ’I just wanted to get close to Alexandria and Athena. Now I have to charm all of them?’

He glanced sideways at Cashew, who was carrying a gentle smile, blissfully unaware of Florian’s internal panic. Cashew wasn’t much help—he was still a child and Florian’s ever-present servant. And Lucius? Well, judging by how often Lucius was by either Florian’s or Heinz’s side, Florian doubted he had any friends either.

As they approached the grand double doors of the dining hall, Florian felt the weight of what was ahead pressing down on him.

Lucius leaned in close behind him and whispered, "Remember, Your Highness. You need to start befriending the princesses."

Florian sighed, shooting Lucius a glance over his shoulder. "I know that. I’m not the problem," he whispered back, feigning confidence.

Lucius nodded at the knights standing guard at the doors. They bowed to Florian before pulling the heavy doors open.

"Good morning, Prince Florian," the knights greeted in unison.

"Morning," Florian replied, trying his best to look calm and composed as he stepped through the doorway.

The moment he entered, the dining hall went silent.

Agitated, frustrated whispers that had been filling the room only seconds ago stopped abruptly. Florian could feel every pair of eyes on him—the princesses, their maids, even the chefs serving food all paused to watch him.

And Florian knew exactly why.

First, there was the lingering tension from his confrontation with Scarlett and the way he had handled it.

Second, and probably the bigger reason, was the fact that Heinz had summoned him three times in the span of five days, two of those times being late-night summons. It wasn’t a stretch to imagine the rumors swirling among the princesses.

Florian’s instinct was to fall back on his usual strategy: avoid eye contact, stay silent, and get through breakfast unnoticed. But he forced himself to stand tall and plaster on a polite smile, ignoring the sinking feeling in his stomach.

"Good morning, ladies," he greeted warmly, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.

The greeting caught the room off guard. He could see the brief flicker of surprise on most of the princesses’ faces, though Scarlett and Camilla’s icy glares were palpable, practically burning into him.

Florian swallowed hard but kept his composure. This was going to be a long breakfast.

’Still on probation, probably,’ he thought with a hint of dark amusement. ’Not that it makes her any less dangerous.’

’Interesting. She’s staring now? That’s new.’

’I’ll start with Alexandria and Athena again,’ he decided, glancing briefly at the blonde and brunette seated beside him. ’Maybe if I keep things light, they’ll actually respond.’

’Well, at least she didn’t bolt,’ Florian thought, trying to suppress a sigh. ’Baby steps.’

’Fantastic. The observers have entered the chat,’ Florian thought wryly before deciding to address them directly. Taking a deep breath, he turned toward them with the same forced politeness he’d been wearing all morning.