Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight! novel Chapter 340

Chapter 340: ’Laughing At The King.’

"Those are the plans..." Florian concluded, his voice calm but firm, the confidence in his tone unshaken.

After his earlier outburst, the chamber had fallen into a heavy silence. None of the dukes had dared to interrupt again, and now that he had laid out everything, the atmosphere had shifted from mockery to contemplation.

’Easy part’s done.’ he thought, eyes sweeping across the grand roundtable where each duke sat with their own brand of judgment.

Cedric—who had laughed the loudest—was now quiet. His face, though still relaxed, had grown serious. He leaned back, arms crossed, gaze unfocused like someone deep in thought.

Roland, ever the stoic, hadn’t reacted much during the presentation, but now Florian noticed him quietly jotting something into his notebook. Of all of them, he was probably the one who would scrutinize the fine print the most.

Alexandrius looked... unimpressed. His arms were folded and his brows slightly furrowed, as if holding back a sigh. But tellingly, he made no move to challenge or even speak.

And Alaric?

Alaric looked utterly baffled. His mouth was slightly open, brows drawn together like someone trying to piece together an impossible puzzle. It seemed Florian had thrown him off completely.

But none of them asked the question burning in all of their minds.

No—he knew exactly who would.

At the far end of the table, Lady Elara raised her hand gracefully, her expression serene, the ever-present soft smile resting on her lips like a petal balanced on water.

’Here we go.’

If he had a preference, it would always be her who asked. She was poised, measured, and most importantly—fair. She was one of the few who hadn’t treated him like some foolish prince playing at politics.

"Yes, Lady Elara?" Florian said, the tension in his spine relaxing just a little. He smiled and gestured toward her with practiced ease. "Do you have any questions or comments?"

Her smile widened slightly, delicate fingers folding together as she rested her hands on the polished table.

"Yes. Your ideas are quite unique," she said, her voice light but not dismissive. "I find myself rather intrigued."

"Thank you." Florian dipped his head respectfully, though inwardly—

’However?’

Elara’s eyes sparkled as she turned her gaze briefly toward Heinz, then back to Florian.

"However, a project of this scale... is monumental. It will require a significant amount of resources and funding. I have no doubt that His Majesty..." she gestured gracefully toward Heinz, who had yet to speak again, "...has reserves. But this is kingdom-wide. Do you have a plan for acquiring the necessary funds?"

Florian’s smile sharpened—pleased, but not smug. This was exactly the question he had anticipated.

’Textbook. Perfect opening.’

"I do. In fact, it’s something I considered from the start." He straightened and spoke with assurance. "The Obsidian family will be providing initial funding, of course. I would also expect that the ducal houses will contribute—proportionately. But beyond that, we will be organizing several charity events: balls, auctions, galas designed to draw in noble sponsors."

He paused to let them digest that, then added with a slightly playful lift of his brow, "And as we all know, nobles can never resist a well-marketed cause... especially if it means being seen."

A few of them nodded—Elara and Cedric, most notably.

"But those are short-term methods, are they not?"

The interruption came from Roland, eyes still on his notes, tone cool and inquisitive. "This isn’t a one-time endeavor. There’s construction, but also long-term management. Salaries, maintenance, security—ongoing needs."

’He seemed so disinterested before. Now he’s taking it seriously.’

"A good point," Florian said smoothly. He raised his hand and formed a gesture, thumb touching index to create a ’money’ symbol. "But consider this—many of the businesses will be established under royal patronage, but run by locals. With the right branding and endorsement from the crown—" he tapped the table lightly, "—they’ll attract attention. Especially from nobility."

He let his words settle for a moment before continuing, his voice dipping just slightly with emphasis.

"Exclusive shops, artisan goods, seasonal markets. Fashion houses. High-end cuisine." He glanced briefly toward Alexandrius, who blinked and looked away. "And since these businesses are tied to royal and ducal territory, their success becomes your success."

Roland and Elara exchanged a glance—something had clicked.

Florian folded his hands in front of him. "Most of the profit will be directed back into the village—salaries, public services, healthcare. But of course..."

’There will be a small percentage for us.’

"...a portion will naturally be set aside for future development and noble coffers."

Cedric leaned forward now, no trace of sarcasm in his tone. "Impressive," he said. "You really thought this through."

There was something else behind his eyes—a question, maybe a challenge—but he didn’t voice it.

’Hm. I wonder what that was?’ Florian mused, but kept his expression warm.

"I appreciate that, Lord Cedric. I made sure to research the current trends in noble spending. I wanted to design something sustainable and appealing."

"Like fashion?" Cedric asked with a teasing tone, though not mocking.

Florian chuckled lightly. "Among other things."

"But," Cedric leaned back, his fingers tapping on the wood, "what benefits do we get from this? Beyond easing the struggles of the villagers. These are our lands. Surely there’s more incentive than just moral victory?"

’Ah. Yes. Of course they weren’t just thinking of the villagers.’

"Firstly, reputation. These reforms will start in your territories. Imagine the narrative: dukes who turned years of decay into prosperity. Who revitalized their regions. That kind of legacy is immortalized. It’s not just leadership—it’s legend."

"Secondly, revenue. These ventures will generate ongoing income. Taxable businesses, expanded trade, reinvestments from nobility. You won’t just oversee land—you’ll oversee thriving economies. You’ll gain influence in every direction."

"And third... loyalty."

"When people see their dukes fighting for them—not just giving orders, but investing in their lives—they won’t just obey. They’ll believe. They’ll follow."

"Mhm." Elara touched her chin with a thoughtful grace, her eyes soft but discerning as they flicked toward Florian. "I knew from the moment I saw your proposal that there was something... different about you, Prince Florian. Is it your kingdom? No... perhaps it’s you."

’I did it!’ Florian thought, barely able to hold back the grin rising to his lips.

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