Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight!
Chapter 141: ’Preparation For The Ball’

Chapter 141: ’Preparation For The Ball’

"Lancelot, give me your report," Heinz said as he gestured toward Lancelot, settling into his chair with effortless authority. His free hand rested on the desk, fingers tapping idly against the polished wood.

By the time Heinz and Florian arrived at the king’s office, Lancelot and Lucius were already waiting inside.

As expected, Lucius narrowed his eyes at Florian, suspicion clear in his gaze. He was obviously wondering why they had arrived together. Lancelot, on the other hand... well, Florian had been avoiding him for some time now. Rather than suspicious, Lancelot just looked surprised to see him.

Lancelot cleared his throat, his posture stiffening into something formal. As a knight, he was disciplined, standing straight with the kind of rigid respect required in front of Heinz.

"I had my knights investigate the Village of Forgotten Waters, along with several nearby settlements, searching for any remaining rogue activity," Lancelot reported. "We found nothing."

’Oh? So that’s why I haven’t been seeing the usual knights around.’ Florian mused, tilting his head slightly. ’They’re still searching for the rogues Arthur mentioned.’

"But," Lancelot continued, his tone heavier, "we’ve received an increasing number of reports from lower nobility about thefts. Businesses, manors—entire estates, in some cases—being stripped clean. I believe this is the work of the same rogues."

Florian frowned.

’I don’t get it. Why are they stealing from nobles? Shouldn’t rebellions be more... aggressive? Attacking the palace, targeting officials, setting things on fire?’

The pattern didn’t quite make sense. Heinz had told him before that whoever poisoned him had likely taken advantage of the poor’s resentment toward his reign. But this? This felt more like calculated raids rather than outright rebellion.

Still, Florian wasn’t sure if that was more or less concerning.

"I can already tell this will be a major topic among tomorrow’s guests," Lucius muttered, exhaling sharply. His hand rubbed at his temple, as if the mere thought of dealing with it exhausted him.

Florian hummed in agreement.

’Come to think of it, it’s been years since Heinz took the throne. And he did say they closed off the Diamond Palace, refusing to host balls or attend events. So now, after all this time, they’re finally opening the doors again?’

That meant one thing—everyone was probably dreading the upcoming socializing.

In the novel, the story mostly took place inside the Diamond Palace. Lucius had rarely needed to leave, and Lancelot—though frequently outside—spent his time on battlefields, not at noble gatherings. Neither of them had much experience with diplomacy.

"Speaking of guests," Heinz said, shifting his attention to Lucius. "Did anyone decline our invitation? Is there anyone we should expect not to attend?"

The shift in mood was immediate.

Lucius’ face darkened. Lancelot stiffened.

Florian blinked.

’Uh oh.’

"Everyone is coming, Your Majesty," Lucius answered stiffly.

"Oh? Even your families?" Heinz arched a brow. "That’s a surprise."

"Not really, Your Majesty," Lancelot said flatly. "My father and brothers would never miss an opportunity to speak with you."

At the mention of brothers, Florian’s stomach twisted slightly. He immediately thought of Andrew—Lancelot’s brother—the same man who had once tried to harass him, only to throw a tantrum afterward.

’Great. Just what I needed.’ He fought back a cringe. ’Can’t believe I have to see him again.’

Lucius scoffed. "My mother and father have already sent me a strongly worded letter about finally being invited to something."

Florian tilted his head slightly, recalling the family ties at play. Heinz and Lucius were cousins, after all. Lucius’ father—the Duke—was the brother of Heinz’s late mother, the former queen.

’So, there’s going to be a lot of family drama.’

And not just any drama.

Florian remembered bits from the novel about their fathers.

Lucius’ father had once confronted the original Florian, warning him to stay away from his son, calling him a distraction. Lancelot’s father, on the other hand, had been disgusted—outraged, even—that his own son had dared to pursue someone from the king’s harem.

And Florian?

Florian had been caught between them.

"Well," Heinz said, a hint of amusement lacing his tone, "you both have your work cut out for you."

Then his voice hardened.

"But do not forget your responsibilities tomorrow."

His gaze flicked to Lucius first. "You will be greeting the arriving guests."

Then to Lancelot. "Keep watch for anyone suspicious. I don’t want any uninvited guests slipping in."

Lancelot and Lucius both nodded in understanding.

Then Heinz turned to Florian.

"As for you, Florian," he said smoothly, "your job will be to observe and look after the princesses, along with mingling with the guests."

Florian blinked.

"Pardon?" He raised a brow. "I’ll be watching over the princesses?"

’Since when am I a bodyguard too?’

"Yes," Heinz confirmed. "Lucius and Lancelot will already have their hands full. Not only are they my attendants, but they are also nobles—sons of Dukes. Many people will want to approach them." He paused, studying Florian. "The same applies to you. It would be best if you worked as a team."

Florian’s eyes widened slightly.

’He’s basically saying I’m on par with Lucius and Lancelot now?’

That was... unexpected.

It wasn’t a bad thing, though. Up until now, Florian had only been seen as a member of Heinz’s harem—an ornament, a concubine. But this? This made him valuable. It made him useful.

Lucius and Lancelot looked equally surprised.

Despite their personal hatred for each other—and despite their rivalry over the original Florian in the novel—they had been an effective duo.

It had been mentioned briefly in the book: Heinz had taken the throne with only two people by his side—Lucius and Lancelot. And from there, his army had grown, either from supporters or from those who feared him.

Heinz had never trusted anyone else.

And yet, now...

Florian had been placed in that circle.

’Then again... it could just be because I’m the only one who knows he’s a regressor.’

Still, the weight of Heinz’s trust pressed against Florian’s chest, unfamiliar yet not unwelcome.

It felt... good.

Heinz exhaled slowly, his gaze sweeping over them, assessing, measuring. Then his crimson eyes glowed—a stark, inhuman brilliance that sent a ripple of tension through the room.

"This is the first event of its kind under my reign," he stated, voice smooth but laced with steel. "Everyone is watching, waiting—some eager, others searching for weakness. This also means increased threats."

A heavy pause. The air itself seemed to grow thick.

"Failure is not an option." His tone was final, unwavering. "We will ensure this ball is a success. Understood?"

Florian, Lancelot, and Lucius exchanged quick glances before bowing in unison.

"Understood, Your Majesty."

’I really hope nothing bad happens, but why do I feel like that’s impossible?’