Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight! novel Chapter 80

Chapter 80: ’Rescue Mission’

A few hours earlier...

The scent of blood still clung to the air, the aftermath of the ambush evident in the lifeless bodies strewn across the dirt road just outside the Dead Forest. The dying light of the sun cast eerie shadows against the towering, skeletal trees.

Knights moved with grim efficiency, collecting the fallen, their expressions hardened with grief and duty. Eight carriages stood still, their occupants silent and tense. Two of them held the princesses, their worried eyes peeking from behind the drawn curtains, hushed whispers barely audible over the rustling leaves.

"I see..." Heinz murmured, his voice calm yet carrying the weight of authority. Lancelot and Lucius knelt before him, having just relayed the details of the attack.

The king’s black armored outfit gleamed under the dim light, his long, obsidian hair cascading over his shoulders. But it was his red eyes—sharp, calculating—that held Lancelot’s attention. There was no surprise in them.

Lancelot clenched his fists. Did Heinz already expect this?

"And you didn’t see where they took him?" Heinz asked, tone even.

"No, Your Majesty. It was my failure as a knight. I failed to act early on and now His Highness..." Lancelot gritted his teeth, frustration boiling beneath his skin. ’He had to be the one to act instead.’ _{ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm}

Lucius, standing to Lancelot’s side, cleared his throat. "However, we are certain that the rogues will be asking for ransom soon. We are just waiting for any sign of how they might do that."

Lancelot caught the hesitation in Lucius’ voice. He wanted to say more. He wanted to ask if the king would pay the ransom. But he held back. It wasn’t a question Lucius could ask outright—not when Florian was part of the harem. Showing too much concern would be dangerous for him.

Heinz remained silent, deep in thought. Lancelot chanced a glance up—and froze.

There was something off about the king.

His red eyes shone unnaturally bright, his pupils slightly dilated. Was it fury? Or something else?

’Could His Highness’ disappearance be affecting him this much? No... unlikely.’

Lancelot’s mind raced back to earlier that day. Heinz had changed the knight formations at the last moment before they departed for the village. At the time, Lancelot hadn’t questioned it. But now... was it possible Heinz knew there would be an attack?

’That’s ridiculous. He would’ve told me directly if he knew.’

Heinz finally spoke. "What should be our next step, Your Majesty?" Lancelot asked, his voice firm despite his inner turmoil.

"Isn’t it obvious? We’re going to wait for the ransom—"

Lucius opened his mouth, likely to argue, but Heinz held up a hand, silencing him. Lucius furrowed his brows. "Your Majesty?"

"We are not paying the ransom," Heinz declared, crossing his arms. "It is best not to give the rogues what they want. If word spreads that kidnapping a harem member yields wealth, do you think others wouldn’t attempt the same?"

Lancelot found himself agreeing. Concordia was already plagued with uprisings. The royal knights were stretched thin. If kidnappings became common, protecting the princesses would become even more difficult.

Lucius’ lips pressed into a thin line. "So are we... just letting His Highness stay with them?" His voice was even, but barely concealed his emotions.

Lancelot exhaled. Florian had been bold, joking earlier that he was the best target for ransom. But the truth was, the rogues would have made far more money had they taken a princess instead.

Yet...

Lancelot stiffened. ’That means...’