Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight! novel Chapter 381

Chapter 381: ’Once You’re Ready.’

’That’s silly... right?’

Florian stood in front of the tall double doors, their frames gilded with ornate silver filigree, unfamiliar and imposing. This part of the palace was one he had never been to before—quiet, cold, and tucked away like a secret. The faint smell of polished wood and lavender oil lingered in the air, almost as if trying to soothe the tension humming beneath his skin.

’They could be mad at Heinz... but not mad enough to target me. Right?’

He swallowed hard.

It wasn’t that he wanted to believe the princesses were saints—they weren’t. Each of them had their personalities, their thorns, and their sharp tempers. But Florian couldn’t imagine any of them wanting to hurt him. He had tried his best to be kind, to give them space, to make their circumstances bearable.

He didn’t want to put them on a pedestal... but even if they did hate Heinz, would they really go so far?

’No. It doesn’t make sense.’

The person targeting him used magic. That alone should’ve disqualified the princesses from suspicion. None of them possessed the ability to wield spells—not even basic ones. And even if they somehow did, how could they orchestrate such elaborate plots under constant watch?

The harem members had strict surveillance. Maids trailed them. Guards kept watch. They weren’t allowed to go anywhere without permission unless it was to see Florian or the king himself. Their lives were confined. Gilded cages.

’Unlike them... The original Florian was given freedom because he was neglected.’

That stung more than he cared to admit.

He was left alone. No one watched his movements because no one really cared where he went. Not back then, anyway.

’They were trapped. He was discarded.’ They were all in a tough position.

It couldn’t be the princesses. It just couldn’t.

"Your Highness?" Lucius’s gentle voice pulled him from his spiraling thoughts. Florian flinched slightly, then turned his head.

Lucius’s hand was resting behind him, a soft touch urging him forward—but there was no pressure, only quiet support.

"I’m seeing a lot of not-so-positive emotions on your face," Lucius said softly. "Don’t worry. It’s nothing to be afraid of. I’m sure you’ll do well on the test."

Florian met his gaze. There was a hint of concern in Lucius’s amber eyes—subtle, but genuine.

’Well, it’s not really the test I’m afraid of...’ he thought bitterly. ’It’s what it might reveal.’

But he couldn’t tell Lucius that. He didn’t want to worry him more than he already had.

"I’m more worried about passing the test," Florian joked instead, forcing a grin.

Lucius chuckled, easing some of the tension in the air. "Ah, the ever-elusive approval of princesses. Quite the challenge."

Florian smiled, the joke helping him relax just a little. Still, underneath the laughter was a sharp truth—if he passed this test, it might make things worse. It would solidify his standing. Maybe even make him a real contender for the position of queen. That thought made his stomach twist.

And besides... the princesses had been taking their own queen lessons. In private. They were preparing for this far more seriously than he was.

"Worst comes to worst," Lucius added with a smirk, "you’ll be forced to wear the traditional queen’s gown. I hear it has twenty-seven embroidered phoenixes stitched by blind monks."

Florian laughed, genuinely this time. "Oh no. Anything but the phoenixes."

Lucius’s amusement warmed his features. It was a relief, really. To see Lucius behaving like a friend again—even after everything. Their past tensions, the jealousy, the heartbreak... it felt manageable now. Like they’d found a new balance.

"Oh, right." Florian looked at Lucius. "Since you’re not allowed to go in, can I ask you to find Lancelot? Just remind him to talk to His Majesty."

"About?"

"It’s personal to him. I can’t say," Florian said gently. "You can ask him yourself, though. I’m just afraid with everything happening lately, he might’ve forgotten."

Lucius tilted his head in curiosity but didn’t push. "Alright. I’ll see to it."

Then he gestured toward the door. "But for now, please go in. His Majesty and the princesses are waiting for you."

Florian inhaled slowly, filling his lungs with air that somehow felt heavier than usual. He closed his eyes for a second.

’Okay... here we go.’

He opened his eyes.

"I’ll go." He stepped forward, hand reaching for the cool, ornate handle of the great doors.

"Good luck, Your Highness," Lucius said softly behind him.

Florian turned back and smiled, a soft, nervous flicker.

Then, with one final breath, he pushed the door open—and stepped inside.

As soon as Florian stepped inside the room, his entire body froze.

He hadn’t expected anything, really. But this?

’...What am I looking at?’

And every single one of them was smiling at him.

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