Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight!
Chapter 147: ’A Stranger’

Chapter 147: ’A Stranger’

After the incident with Marquis Vaudrin, the atmosphere in the ballroom shifted—if only slightly. The nobles, once brimming with thinly veiled mockery, now tempered their words with a forced politeness.

Whether it stemmed from genuine caution or simple self-preservation, Florian neither knew nor cared. It worked in his favor.

The princesses and Florian eventually decided to split up to socialize, each naturally gravitating toward the circles they felt most comfortable in.

Camilla was effortlessly holding court with a group of noble ladies, no doubt discussing her gown. Considering her kingdom’s reputation for fashion, it was only natural that the women would be drawn to her. She looked pleased, gesturing gracefully as she spoke, her smile self-assured.

Bridget, on the other hand, had found herself among intellectuals. She was deep in conversation with an older man—her astronomy tutor—flanked by a handful of his students.

Even from a distance, Florian could see the sharpness in her gaze, the slight smirk tugging at her lips. She was in her element, likely correcting someone with her usual bluntness.

Mira stood with an older noble couple, her posture dignified yet relaxed. Their conversation appeared pleasant, punctuated by occasional soft laughter. She was handling herself well, maintaining the delicate balance between approachability and refinement.

As for Alexandria and Athena, they remained together, as expected. Florian hadn’t had the heart to tell Athena to go off on her own, and Alexandria—ever gentle, ever protective—seemed more than willing to keep her company.

They were currently engaged in discussion with Duke Elara, one of the five most powerful nobles in Concordia.

Florian kept an eye on the room, subtly scanning the crowd. There were still four more dukes present—two of whom were directly tied to Lucius and Lancelot.

His gaze landed on Lucius first. The man remained stationed near the entrance, his stance rigid, ever the dutiful knight as he oversaw the late arrivals. As for Lancelot, he was still nowhere to be seen.

’He’s probably hiding to avoid his family.’

Florian knew from the novel that both male leads had deeply strained relationships with their families. Estranged was a mild way to put it.

Sighing, Florian decided to focus on himself for the time being. He made his way to the refreshment table, pouring himself a drink while keeping an eye out for Cashew.

He wanted to check how the boy was doing, but his mind was still half-distracted, flickering between the princesses and the looming presence of the nobles he had yet to interact with.

He took a sip of his drink, exhaling softly.

"Hah. I want to—"

"That was quite the sigh, Your Highness. And the party has yet to truly begin."

A smooth voice interrupted his thoughts.

Florian stiffened.

He turned sharply, nearly choking on his drink as his gaze landed on a man he did not recognize.

’Huh? Who is this?’

The stranger was tall, well-dressed, and carried himself with an effortless confidence. There was something distinctly polished about him, as though he belonged here, but Florian knew for a fact—

’He wasn’t on the invitation list Lucius showed me.’

A chill of suspicion curled in his chest.

But he couldn’t react. Not yet. If this man was important and Florian simply didn’t recognize him, it would be a grave mistake to make a scene.

So, instead, he plastered on a polite smile. "You startled me, sir."

The stranger mirrored his expression, though his own smile was far too composed. Too knowing.

"My apologies, Your Highness," he said, inclining his head slightly. "But forgive me for asking... you don’t recognize me?"

Florian narrowed his eyes just slightly. "Should I?"

The man’s smile widened a fraction. "That stings quite a bit. I must say, I’m rather surprised. You seemed quite familiar with Marquis Vaudrin despite his rather unpleasant demeanor."

’Mhm? If he’s saying that... then should I know him?’

Florian’s mind raced. He had spent time reviewing the guest list before the event, but it had been extensive. Was it possible he had overlooked someone? Still, something about this conversation felt off.

"I apologize," he said smoothly, tilting his head slightly. "With so many distinguished guests present, I’m afraid I may have overlooked a few names."

The stranger let out a quiet chuckle, amusement flickering in his sharp gaze. "That is understandable. However, I must admit—I don’t feel like telling you just yet." His lips curled slightly. "I’d much rather see if you can figure it out, Your Highness."

Florian’s eye twitched.

’Now that sounds like someone I know.’

"Are you teasing me, sir?" he asked, tone dry.

The man smirked. "I may or may not be. Do you enjoy being teased?"

Florian blinked.

Then, his mind simply stopped.

’What the fuck? What the fuck? WHAT THE FUCK?!’

He stared at the man, utterly thrown off, unsure whether he had just imagined those words. Had this stranger—whom he did not even recognize—just flirted with him?

’Did I hear that correctly? Is this actually happening?’

And worse—why does his voice sound so familiar?

Florian coughed slightly, quickly regaining his composure. "That’s... quite the question."

The stranger laughed again, clearly entertained by his reaction.

Florian narrowed his eyes, mind working rapidly.

’I know I’ve heard that laugh before.’

Whoever this man was, he wasn’t just here to enjoy the ball. He had a reason for approaching Florian—and Florian intended to find out exactly what it was.

Before Florian could open his mouth to say anything else, a loud horn echoed through the grand ballroom. The deep, commanding sound silenced the murmur of conversations as all heads turned toward the grand staircase at the entrance.

At the top of the stairs, the royal herald stepped forward, his voice carrying across the silent hall.

"His Majesty, the King, is about to make his entrance!"

A ripple of anticipation swept through the crowd. Whispers broke out, nobles straightening their postures, adjusting their attire, and ensuring they were in proper form.

’Oh...he’s here...’

Florian’s thoughts barely had time to settle before he turned back—

The stranger was gone.

Florian stiffened, his eyes scanning the space where the man had just stood. Nothing. It was as if he had vanished into thin air.

’What the—? He was right here. There’s no way he could’ve just slipped away that fast!’

His gaze darted around the room, searching for any sign of the man’s distinct figure, but no one in the immediate vicinity resembled him.

A cold prickle ran down Florian’s spine.

’Who the hell was that?’

But before he could dwell on it further, the grand doors at the top of the staircase began to open. The room fell into a deeper hush, all attention shifting toward the impending arrival of the king.