Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight!
Chapter 146: ’The Harem of Heinz Obsidian’

Chapter 146: ’The Harem of Heinz Obsidian’

"Are you all ready?" Florian asked, his voice low as he joined the princesses at the base of the staircase. His sharp gaze swept over them. "The moment we step forward, everyone is going to try and talk to us."

Athena hesitated, her fingers gripping the delicate fabric of her gown. "I guess..." she murmured, glancing away.

Florian caught the flicker of unease in her expression and softened. ’Right... she’s a shy one. She probably feels uncomfortable trying to talk with others. I’ll have to look out for her.’

Alexandria, ever composed, tilted her chin up, a small, knowing smile gracing her lips. "Let’s not disappoint His Majesty."

Mira sighed, raising a hand to her cheek as if already bracing herself for the impending conversations. "I only hope they greet us kindly," she said, her tone edged with doubt. "Though, I suspect they won’t. We are, after all, foreigners."

Florian hummed in agreement but said nothing. Instead, his gaze flickered toward Camilla, the only one who had yet to speak. She stood slightly apart from the group, her usual air of elegance intact, yet something about her silence felt deliberate.

As much as he disliked speaking to her, she was still part of this. He sighed internally before addressing her. "How about you, Lady Camilla? Are you feeling well?"

Camilla flinched, eyes widening in brief surprise as if she hadn’t expected him to acknowledge her at all. Her lips parted, but before she could respond—

"Well, well, if it isn’t His Majesty’s esteemed harem."

The words dripped with amusement, smooth and calculated. The voice belonged to a man approaching them with an air of effortless confidence.

The princesses turned toward him, their expressions shifting—some guarded, some merely curious.

Florian, however, felt his instincts sharpen. His posture stiffened slightly, though he kept his face neutral.

Thanks to his near-flawless memory and the grueling lessons they had endured, he and the princesses knew exactly who had been invited tonight. Every noble, every dignitary. And Florian, more than anyone, had to stay on guard—for if there was anyone suspicious lurking among them, it was his job to know first.

The noble approaching them was tall and impeccably dressed, his dark green coat embroidered with gold, a sign of his wealth and influence. His slicked-back hair and sharp eyes gave him a fox-like appearance, one that spoke of both charm and cunning.

’Hm. This is...Marquis Vaudrin.’

A polite smile curved his lips, but Florian could tell—this was no friendly greeting.

"It is an honor to finally meet His Majesty’s esteemed offerings," Marquis Alistair Vaudrin said smoothly, his gaze sweeping over the princesses like he was inspecting fine jewelry.

’So it begins,’ Florian thought, schooling his expression into one of neutrality.

Mira, poised as ever, stepped forward first, her every movement graceful. "We appreciate the warm welcome," she said, her voice carrying a regal confidence. "Though, I must admit, I am surprised we have not had the pleasure of meeting earlier."

Marquis Vaudrin chuckled, shaking his head. "Ah, my dear princess, the pleasure is certainly ours. It is not often one meets such... illustrious guests." His eyes flickered with something unreadable before he extended a hand to the young girl standing beside him.

’She’s pretty, but not as beautiful as the princesses under Heinz’s harem.’

She was a delicate thing, draped in a gown of deep sapphire, her golden hair meticulously curled. Her lips, painted a soft pink, pursed in mild displeasure. Her sharp, narrowed gaze landed on the princesses with open disdain.

"This is my daughter, Lady Evelyne Vaudrin," the marquis introduced. "I thought it only fitting that she meet the women who will hold Concordia’s future in their hands."

"Or what’s left of it," Lady Evelyne muttered, just loud enough to be heard.

Bridget, who had been standing slightly behind the others, narrowed her eyes. "And what exactly do you mean by that, Lady Evelyne?" she asked, her tone deceptively sweet. "Do enlighten us."

Lady Evelyne blinked, clearly not expecting to be called out so directly. Her father, however, merely chuckled. "My daughter only means that the Concordian court has always been ruled by a single queen," he said smoothly.

"And yet, now there are so many of you. Quite the unprecedented change, wouldn’t you agree? After all, with no true queen, there is only a harem."

Camilla huffed, tilting her head in faux curiosity. "Unprecedented ? Or fascinating?" she mused, her gloved fingers brushing against the pearls of her necklace. "After all, it is not every day that a king brings together such a collection of fine women."

Marquis Vaudrin’s smile didn’t waver, but Florian could see the glint of condescension in his eyes.

"I suppose we shall see," the marquis said lightly, but there was an unmistakable implication beneath his words.

A murmur spread through the gathered nobles.

"So these are the ones given to His Majesty?"

"They’re little more than pawns, aren’t they?"

"How unfortunate for them. Do they truly think they have any power?"

"A parade of pretty faces... but nothing more."

Florian could feel the tension thickening, the weight of dozens of eyes scrutinizing them, waiting for a misstep. Athena shifted uncomfortably, fingers twisting the fabric of her gown.

Alexandria’s smile remained, but there was a subtle stiffness to it now. Mira’s expression was unreadable, but her fingers lightly tapped against her arm—an indication of her restrained irritation.

Florian exhaled silently. ’That’s enough.’

Taking a step forward, he let his presence settle over them like a cold wind. Though his posture remained at ease, there was an unmistakable edge in his voice when he spoke.

"Oh, it’s the male."

"The prince rumored to have the ability to get pregnant..."

"That’s a male?"

’I can hear you, you know.’

"My, those are quite bold words, Marquis."

Marquis Vaudrin’s lips curved into a knowing smile. "Ah, Prince Florian, was it?" he repeated, his tone laced with amusement. "Forgive me—I nearly forgot you were part of this gathering. It is rather unusual, isn’t it? A prince among princesses."

’He’s suddenly attacking me?’ Florian didn’t react, his expression unreadable. ’Interesting.’

The marquis continued, his voice carrying the same false politeness.

"I must say, it is quite the... curious arrangement. His Majesty is known for his discerning taste, yet rather than selecting a queen, he has instead built himself a collection. And within that collection, a prince?" He chuckled. "Most fascinating."

A few nobles around them chuckled under their breath, their amusement barely concealed.

Florian remained still, his sharp gaze locked onto Vaudrin. "Is that truly so strange?" he asked, his voice calm. "His Majesty commands the strongest kingdom in the world. Why should his court be bound by tradition when Concordia stands above all others?"

The marquis raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Perhaps. But one does wonder what role a prince plays in such a... delicate arrangement. After all, at least the princesses are given as signs of loyalty, their presence a symbol of their kingdom’s devotion. But you?" His smirk widened slightly. "What exactly do you symbolize?"

Athena flinched at the words, and even Camilla’s lips parted, as if she were about to interject. But Florian lifted a hand slightly—just enough to still them.

’That’s such a dumb argument. Florian’s here for that same reason too.’

He exhaled slowly, then tilted his head, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Ah, so this is about me now?" he mused. "I must admit, Marquis, I expected better from a man of your stature. If I am to be insulted, I would at least hope for something more clever."

A few gasps rippled through the gathered nobles.

The marquis’s smile thinned. "Oh, not at all," he said lightly. "I simply find it fascinating. After all, rumors do spread quickly, and they say you are neither beloved by the harem nor favored by His Majesty. That must be quite the predicament."

’Just like Andrew... relying on rumors.’

Florian’s gaze darkened slightly, but his smirk never wavered. ’So that’s what he was aiming for. He thinks I’ll crack if he prods enough.’

Florian let out a thoughtful hum. "Ah, rumors. Funny things, aren’t they?" He took a single step forward, just enough to close the space between them ever so slightly.

"I imagine someone as... seasoned as yourself must be well aware of how unreliable court gossip can be. Though, if you are so eager to put your faith in whispers, allow me to share one of my own."

The marquis stiffened, his amusement flickering for the first time.

Florian leaned in just slightly, his voice dropping to a lower register, just enough that only those closest could hear. "There is a saying in Concordia, is there not? That the wise do not provoke a beast they do not understand?" He smiled, slow and deliberate.

"So tell me, Marquis, which do you believe I am—harmless, or merely patient?"

Silence.

The nearby nobles watched with bated breath, some of them even inching away from the exchange.

Marquis Vaudrin’s expression remained composed, but the way his fingers twitched against his sleeve betrayed him.

Florian studied him for a lingering moment before pulling away, his tone returning to that easy calm. "I was under the impression that Concordia valued strength," he said, letting his gaze drift over the gathered nobles. "Yet, it seems rather contradictory to belittle those who have been entrusted with ensuring peace between our nations."

The murmurs faltered. Some nobles straightened slightly, as if realizing they had been too bold in their mockery.

Florian smiled, slow and deliberate. "Unless, of course, one believes that His Majesty made a mistake in his selections?" He tilted his head, his tone deceptively light. "That would be a rather bold claim, wouldn’t you agree?"

Marquis Vaudrin’s expression flickered—just for a second—before he forced another laugh. "Ah, you misunderstand, Prince Florian. No one would dare question His Majesty’s wisdom."

Florian hummed, as if considering his words. Then, with a slight smirk, he gestured toward the ballroom, his tone smooth yet edged with something unmistakable. "Then I must ask, Marquis—if you truly respect His Majesty’s decisions, why do you seem to have forgotten the purpose of this evening?"

Vaudrin blinked.

"This ball was arranged in my honor," Florian continued, his smile never wavering. "And yet, rather than extending a proper welcome, you’ve spent your time casting doubts on my presence here. One might almost think you resented His Majesty’s choice." He tilted his head slightly. "That isn’t the case, is it?"

A thick silence followed.

A few nobles discreetly stepped back, clearly wanting no part in whatever was about to unfold.

Marquis Vaudrin’s jaw tightened just slightly, but his laughter came smoothly, practiced. "Ah, of course not. Perish the thought," he said, though his tone lacked its earlier ease.

"Good," Florian said smoothly. "Then perhaps we should all extend the courtesy of showing due respect to the princesses His Majesty has welcomed into his court."

Silence followed, the weight of his words settling over the gathering.

Marquis Vaudrin, though still smiling, was visibly tense. With a curt nod, he gave a final, graceful bow. "Of course. It seems I have taken too much of your time already. Do enjoy the evening, Your Highnesses." He turned sharply, his daughter following, though Lady Evelyne still threw one last sneer over her shoulder.

As they left, Mira let out a slow breath. "Well," she murmured, "that was an amusing start to the evening."

Bridget scoffed. "I’m hardly amused."

Alexandria pressed her hands together, a gentle sigh escaping her lips. "At least it’s over."

"For now," Florian muttered, scanning the crowd. ’But the night is far from finished.’