"Fine! Just give me the stupid thing!" Florian barked, snatching the maid outfit from Cashew’s hands with a dramatic huff.
Lucius let out a low chuckle, clearly entertained, while Cashew tried to stifle his nervous smile. The trio began walking off, Florian mumbling bitter complaints under his breath as they disappeared around the corner. freёwebnovel.com
Hidden in the shadows, Lancelot remained perfectly still, his sharp eyes following their every move. As their footsteps faded, he shifted slightly in his hiding spot, a frown tugging at his lips.
’So the rumors are true,’ he thought, his brow furrowing. ’The prince of the harem is actually sneaking around as a maid. What in the world is he playing at?’
Lancelot had heard whispers about Florian’s strange behavior, but seeing it with his own eyes was another thing entirely. After learning about the prince’s disguise, he had decided to investigate for himself.
’His Majesty claimed that whatever Florian’s doing is permitted,’ Lancelot mused, crossing his arms as he leaned against the cold stone wall. ’But I don’t trust that prince—not one bit.’
His mistrust wasn’t unfounded. Only a few weeks ago, Florian had been boldly pursuing him—attempting to seduce him, no less. While Lancelot wasn’t blind to the prince’s appeal, he found Florian’s desperation distasteful. One moment, the prince would proclaim undying love for Heinz; the next, he’d be making moves on him or even Lucius, the ever-moody butler.
’It’s pathetic,’ Lancelot thought, his lip curling. ’Throwing himself at Heinz, and then turning around to flirt with anyone who breathes. And Lucius—’ He paused, his frown deepening. ’That butler’s no saint, either. It’s obvious he’s been interested in Florian from the start.’
Still, Lancelot couldn’t deny that Florian’s behavior intrigued him, if only because it seemed so contradictory. Sure, Lancelot himself was no stranger to harmless flirting with the princesses—they flirted back, and everyone knew it was just part of the game. But at least he didn’t claim to love Heinz while simultaneously chasing anyone who caught his eye.
His job, however, was clear: protect the harem and ensure Heinz had a safe, balanced pool of candidates to choose from when the time came. And right now, Florian was the biggest wildcard in the deck.
’Why this sudden change?’ Lancelot wondered, narrowing his eyes as he moved carefully from his hiding spot, trailing after Florian from a safe distance. ’Why would someone who claims to love Heinz go to such lengths to help him choose a wife?’
The excuse Florian had given—gathering information to help Heinz—was laughable to Lancelot. ’Helping his Majesty pick a wife? Give me a break. There’s something else going on here.’
His gaze sharpened as he followed Florian and his companions through the corridors. ’If His Majesty refuses to see the prince’s actions as suspicious, then it’s up to me to uncover the truth. I’ll confirm Florian’s motives myself, even if I have to keep this up all day.’
With that resolve, Lancelot slipped further into the shadows, his movements silent as he continued to tail the prince. Whatever game Florian was playing, Lancelot intended to find out—and he wasn’t about to let the harem, or Heinz, fall victim to it.
· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·
The soft hum of activity filled the castle halls as Lancelot continued his covert mission, tailing Florian in his maid disguise. It was the second day of his surveillance, and he had to admit—he was baffled. For someone of royal blood, Florian was surprisingly diligent.
Sweeping, dusting, even scrubbing—the prince executed each task with unexpected efficiency, blending seamlessly with the staff. Lancelot couldn’t deny that it was impressive, but it only made him more suspicious. ’Why go to such lengths?’ he thought, keeping a safe distance as Florian moved between two rooms where separate lessons were being held for two of the princesses.
’Two different princesses today,’ Lancelot noted. Yesterday, Florian had been observing two others, always taking notes as he quietly moved between their rooms. Lucius and the younger servant—one whose name Lancelot didn’t know—had also split off, keeping tabs on the remaining princesses.
’So they’re all in on this,’ Lancelot thought grimly. But for all his suspicion, there wasn’t much to see. Florian wasn’t doing anything overtly suspicious; he merely lingered near the doors, scribbling notes in his little book while keeping out of sight of the princesses. Occasionally, he’d peek in, but only when a maid or tutor passed by.
To Lancelot’s growing frustration, it all seemed... harmless. ’No schemes, no plotting. Just a royal playing maid and taking notes.’ He sighed inwardly, boredom creeping in. But giving up wasn’t an option. ’No one changes this fast. He’s hiding something—I’m sure of it.’
’Where the hell did he go?’ Lancelot scanned the area, his hand instinctively hovering near his sword. He retraced his steps, checking corners and side halls, but there was no sign of him.
’He...was right behind me?’
Lancelot blinked, his grip on the sword loosening. "You... How long have you known I was following you?"
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