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Chapter 120: ’Heinz’s Test’

Chapter 120: ’Heinz’s Test’

’Is he really going to go through with this?’

Florian’s thoughts churned as he approached the table where Heinz and Alexandria sat. The chill in the air seemed sharper, biting at his skin and making him acutely aware of his surroundings—the subtle creak of chairs, the muted hum of distant conversations, and the soft rustle of leaves in the wind. Everything felt heavier, as if the moment itself carried weight he wasn’t prepared to bear.

He stopped at the edge of the table, his gaze briefly catching the gentle flutter of Alexandria’s dress as she shifted her posture. Her movements were effortless, graceful, almost too perfect. When she turned to him, her radiant smile lit up her face, her expression warm and inviting, as though she didn’t have a care in the world.

"Oh, Prince Florian, hello," she greeted, her voice sweet and melodic, carrying just enough charm to soften even the harshest mood.

Florian returned her smile, though it felt tight, almost mechanical. His chest constricted with unease, but he forced himself to stand tall. From the corner of his eye, he caught Heinz’s glance—a fleeting but deliberate look. The king’s sharp silver gaze was unreadable, but Florian could feel it weighing on him, quietly demanding competence.

"Are the lunch preparations complete?" Heinz asked, his tone calm and authoritative, a voice that left no room for uncertainty.

Florian lowered his head respectfully. "Yes, Your Majesty."

"Oh? Lunch?" Alexandria’s eyes lit up, her excitement brimming over. She clasped her hands lightly, her tone bright with enthusiasm. "We’ll also be having lunch together, Your Majesty?"

Her reaction seemed genuine—her smile, her tone, even the slight sparkle in her eyes. Yet Florian’s mind refused to let it rest.

’She looks so excited. How could Lucius say she’s lying about something?’

His gaze lingered on her for a moment longer, searching for cracks in her joyful facade. But there was nothing suspicious about her demeanor. Just a princess who seemed genuinely thrilled to spend time with the king. Still, Lucius’s words lingered in his mind, casting a long shadow over everything.

"Yes," Heinz replied smoothly. "Today is dedicated to you, Alexandria."

A soft blush dusted her cheeks, and her smile grew even wider.

Florian blinked, the sight stirring something unexpected in him. ’Why does that... annoy me?’

It was a sharp, inexplicable pang—small but persistent. Watching them interact, hearing Heinz’s voice shift just slightly toward warmth—it was unsettling in a way he couldn’t quite articulate.

’Wait. No. This is probably just... me overthinking it. Or maybe... ugh, it’s definitely that weird part of Florian again. Calm down. If anything, hearing Heinz be flirty is just... creepy.’

He straightened his posture, swallowing the irritation bubbling in his chest. His voice was carefully measured as he spoke. "We’ve prepared a private room for you and His Majesty to dine. If you’ll follow me, please."

"That sounds lovely," Alexandria said, her excitement still bubbling as she turned her gaze to Heinz. Her movements were light, almost like a character out of a storybook.

Heinz nodded and rose smoothly to his feet. Then, in a gesture Florian hadn’t expected, the king moved to Alexandria’s side and offered her his hand.

’Oh? He knows how to be a gentleman. Who would’ve thought?’ The sarcastic thought came unbidden, but it wasn’t enough to mask the sharp sting of annoyance that followed.

He watched as Alexandria placed her delicate hand on Heinz’s, her expression soft and happy. That sting deepened, sharper now, more insistent. Florian clenched his jaw.

’It doesn’t matter. This isn’t new. It’s happened too many times. Don’t let it sway you now.’

He inhaled deeply, steadying himself, and bowed slightly. "I shall lead you there," he said, his tone calm and practiced.

The quill and parchment in his hands were pressed firmly against his chest, his grip tightening as if the paper could anchor him. He turned on his heel, ready to lead them, but not before catching Heinz’s pointed look.

The king didn’t say a word, but the message was clear.

’Don’t mess this up.’

Florian met his gaze for a brief moment and offered a subtle nod, his silent promise to handle whatever came next. Whether Heinz doubted him because of his hesitation or because he genuinely thought Florian wasn’t ready, he couldn’t tell—and right now, he didn’t have the time to analyze it.

As he started walking, he spotted Cashew in the distance, standing off to the side. The boy’s expression was an uneasy mix of curiosity and nervousness, his small frame almost blending into the background. Florian lifted a hand in a quick wave, forcing a smile he hoped would reassure him.

Inside, though, the tension in his chest only tightened, coiling like a snake ready to strike.

’Things are about to get messed up.’

The soft rustle of Alexandria’s gown and the deliberate, steady rhythm of Heinz’s footsteps behind him only heightened his unease. Whatever was coming, Florian had the sinking feeling that this moment—this lunch—wasn’t going to end well.

─────── ·𖥸· ───────

"Oh... Oh my, Your Majesty!"

Alexandria’s voice rang out, a mixture of surprise and flattery.

"Welcome, Princess Alexandria," Lucius greeted, his tone indifferent as he gestured for Heinz and Alexandria to step inside.

They were in one of the many unused rooms within the Diamond Palace. It was grand yet oddly unremarkable compared to the palace’s usual splendor—repurposed into an intimate dining space for Heinz’s "date" with the princess.

’Secluded, quiet... too quiet,’ Florian thought, his expression darkening as he watched Heinz guide Alexandria to her seat. The king moved with a deliberate air, pulling her chair out with a grace that belied his usual demeanor. Alexandria’s delighted smile shone as she murmured her thanks, and Heinz’s subtle nod in response felt almost... calculated.

From his place near the wall, Florian exchanged a glance with Lucius, their shared unease unspoken but palpable. Meanwhile, Heinz settled into the seat opposite Alexandria, the tension in the room shifting as though the walls themselves were holding their breath.

Off to the side, two chefs stood nervously, their hands clasped tightly as they awaited further instructions. The faint clinking of their utensils only added to the heavy silence.

"So, what are we eating, Your Majesty?" Alexandria asked brightly, her gaze flitting to the chefs, her tone light and eager.

Heinz’s demeanor shifted. His posture straightened, his silver eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "Mhm. Before we eat... there is something we must do." His voice was calm, but the weight of his words drew the room’s attention.

Alexandria tilted her head curiously, her expression thoughtful rather than alarmed. "Is this... related to the test, Your Majesty?"

Heinz inclined his head, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "A test, yes. Just a personal one."

"I don’t mind at all, Your Majesty," she replied without hesitation, her confidence unwavering.

’I hope this goes well,’ Florian thought, his stomach twisting nervously as he gestured for the chefs to proceed. The two approached the table carefully, carrying silver-domed cloches. They placed one in front of Heinz and the other before Alexandria with practiced precision.

As they retreated, one of the chefs brought forward a cart with an elaborate tea set. Alexandria’s eyes widened slightly in surprise.

"Oh, tea again, Your Majesty?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of amusement.

’Heinz is way too obsessed with tea,’ Florian mused, barely resisting the urge to roll his eyes. His mind flashed to countless moments of Heinz sipping tea in silent contemplation, no matter how pressing the situation.

"This," Heinz gestured toward the tea set, his tone taking on a rare note of reverence, "is my favorite tea. It is called Vael en’Lunareth, which translates to ’Tea of Life’ in Eldariel, Concordia’s ancient language."

’Ancient language, huh?’ Florian thought, watching as the chefs quietly slipped out of the room under his direction. Only Lucius and he remained, standing by like silent sentinels as Heinz and Alexandria spoke.

"My, that sounds lovely, Your Majesty," Alexandria said, her voice carrying genuine intrigue.

"It is lovely," Heinz agreed. "However, it is made from a very particular ingredient called Selûr en’Vareth."

Her head tilted slightly. "And what does that mean, Your Majesty?"

A sharp glint flashed in Heinz’s eyes, one that sent an involuntary shiver down Florian’s spine. "It means ’Flower of Death.’"

Alexandria’s smile faltered for the briefest moment, confusion flickering across her face. "Oh?"

"I want my bride—my wife—to be capable of preparing my favorite tea," Heinz continued, his voice cool and steady. "That is your test."

He pointed toward the tea set, where a small stack of papers rested alongside the flowers and other ingredients. "There are two sets of instructions there. Your task is to determine which one outlines the proper preparation method."

Alexandria blinked, her brows knitting together in thought. "That’s..."

’Wait for it...’ Florian braced himself. He could see it in her expression—the brief flicker of relief. She was likely thinking this was simple, even tame.

"But," Heinz interjected, his tone dropping an octave, "I would like to add one thing, Alexandria."

Her attention snapped back to him, her composure intact though her gaze had sharpened. "Yes, Your Majesty?"

Heinz leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table, his chin propped on one hand. His next words were delivered with unsettling calm.

"If you don’t choose the correct method... there is a high chance I will be poisoned and die."

The silence that followed was deafening.

’There it is.’ Florian’s shoulders tensed as the gravity of Heinz’s words settled over the room like a storm cloud. He glanced at Lucius, whose expression remained unreadable, though there was a subtle tension in his jaw that betrayed his unease.

Alexandria’s eyes widened, but only slightly. Her smile wavered, though it didn’t vanish entirely. If she was rattled, she hid it well.

’Good luck.’

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