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Chapter 144: ’Time For The Grand Entrance’

Chapter 144: ’Time For The Grand Entrance’

"Prince Florian! You’re finally here!" Alexandria exclaimed happily as she stepped closer, her bright eyes filled with excitement.

Florian was absolutely awestruck.

Alexandria, along with the other princesses present, looked stunning. They were already beautiful in their daily attire, but now, adorned in grand gowns of the finest fabrics, they were truly breathtaking. The intricate embroidery, the shimmering jewels—everything about them exuded elegance and grace.

"You look stunning, Lady Alexandria," Florian complimented with a warm smile.

Alexandria beamed. "Thank you! You look amazing as well, Your Highness."

Before he could respond, another figure stepped forward—Princess Athena, standing quietly behind Alexandria.

Florian’s eyes widened slightly as he took in her appearance. "Oh my, Princess Athena! You should wear more colorful dresses instead of your usual brown ones. This suits you beautifully!"

Athena’s gowns were typically plain, simple shades of brown, but tonight, she was dressed in a strikingly vibrant ensemble—a blend of green, purple, and gold, each color complementing the other perfectly.

Athena’s face flushed. "Oh, I couldn’t... I wouldn’t be able to afford such dresses often."

"Eh? But His Majesty provides for all our clothing, doesn’t he?" Florian asked, tilting his head in confusion.

Alexandria let out a small sigh before answering. "Athena has always refused to use the allowance given to her by His Majesty. She still wears the dresses she brought from her homeland."

Florian blinked in surprise.

’Wow. She’s incredibly frugal... but now it makes sense why Scarlett and Camilla pick on her so much.’

Speaking of them, his gaze drifted toward Camilla, who stood nearby, watching him with an unimpressed glare but remaining silent.

Out of all the princesses, Camilla’s gown was, unsurprisingly, the most extravagant. She was from a kingdom renowned for its beauty and fashion, and it showed—her dress, a luxurious cascade of orange and gold, was designed to demand attention.

’What a shame that her beauty and fashion sense come with such a terrible attitude.’ Florian sighed internally.

"I see that Princess Scarlett isn’t here," Alexandria noted, glancing around the room.

"Oh, she’ll be arriving later with His Majesty," Florian answered. "We’ll be going in first to mingle and greet the guests."

"It’s like we’re just here to entertain their nobles," a voice scoffed.

Florian turned his head, surprised. It was Mira. She was never one to hold back her thoughts, but her bluntness still caught him off guard. Beside her stood Bridget, who remained quiet but watchful.

Alexandria frowned. "I’m sure it’s not like that. This is the first time, aside from touring Concordia, that we get to truly speak with the nobles."

Mira huffed, crossing her arms. "And do you really think they aren’t going to make a spectacle out of us? We’re members of their king’s harem. We’re accessories."

Bridget shot her a warning look. "Keep quiet, Mira. If anyone hears you..."

Florian’s attention briefly shifted to Bridget.

’Oh. She’s not wearing her glasses.’

His lips curled into a soft smile. "Lady Mira, Lady Bridget... You both look even more beautiful today."

Both women turned to him, their expressions momentarily stunned before their gazes hardened.

"You still owe us an explanation, Prince Florian," Bridget said, her voice measured but tinged with frustration. "As much as I want to respect your decision, I cannot fathom what went through your head to give her the advantage."

Ah. There it was.

’I knew it. They’re still upset about the choice I didn’t even make... And here I thought I was finally getting along with them.’

Florian opened his mouth to respond, but Alexandria beat him to it.

"Prince Florian made his decision, and I’m sure... if His Majesty disagreed with it, he would have said something," she said firmly, her voice carrying the weight of reason. "Let’s not forget that this test wasn’t just for us—it was for him as well. At the end of the day, His Majesty had the final say. If he thought it was unfair, he would have intervened. So, I don’t think it’s fair to blame Prince Florian."

Florian could have cried right then and there.

’Alexandriaaaaa! You are a goddess, an angel, an absolute queen!’

Bridget and Mira seemed taken aback by Alexandria’s words. But more importantly, they listened.

Bridget sighed, her expression softening. "I apologize. That test... was difficult. I suppose I wanted some form of recognition for my efforts."

"I feel the same," Mira admitted, her gaze lowering.

Florian frowned slightly.

’This is what I feared. Some of them were really affected by this test.’

Taking a step forward, he reached out, offering both of them a hand.

Bridget and Mira hesitated but eventually placed their hands in his.

Florian gave their hands a reassuring squeeze, his voice gentle yet firm.

"You both did wonderfully. Not just you, but Alexandria and Athena as well. Being a queen is no easy feat, and there will be more challenges ahead. I know this was difficult... but for tonight, you deserve to enjoy yourselves. This is a celebration."

Then, leaning in slightly, he lowered his voice so only they could hear.

"Besides... wouldn’t it be fun to show them all how stunning you look? This is your moment to represent your kingdoms. Show the nobles of Concordia who you really are."

Mira and Bridget exchanged glances, their rigid expressions softening, uncertainty flickering into something else—perhaps amusement, or even the smallest hint of confidence.

Florian grinned.

’Pep talk, accomplished.’

Honestly, he hadn’t planned any of that. He just spoke whatever came to mind, and he was well aware that his words were neither profound nor particularly relevant to the deeper issues at hand.

But it worked.

Florian let go of their hands, and just in time—the knights guarding the ballroom doors finally spoke.

"Your Highnesses, please prepare yourselves. It is time to enter the grand ballroom."

The air tensed. Every princess stiffened, their momentary ease giving way to the weight of what was about to happen.

And yet, the mood was lighter than before. Even Camilla, who had been quietly sulking, seemed less irritable now.

One by one, the princesses moved into formation, standing in order according to their first names. Their gowns shimmered under the soft candlelight, an array of colors and textures, each of them embodying the unique heritage of their respective kingdoms.

Florian remained at the back. He would enter last.

He exhaled slowly, watching as they subtly adjusted their postures, straightened their shoulders, and steadied their nerves. The murmurs of anticipation from beyond the doors grew louder.

"I’ll see you all inside," Florian murmured, watching as they braced themselves, poised and ready for their names to be announced.

He rolled his shoulders, drawing in a deep breath.

’This is it. Our grand entrance.’

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