Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight!
Chapter 148: ’The Great King, Heinz Obsidian and...?’

Chapter 148: ’The Great King, Heinz Obsidian and...?’

The herald’s voice rang through the ballroom, clear and authoritative.

"Introducing the arrival of the great King of Concordia Kingdom—"

Florian barely registered the words. His focus was elsewhere, scanning the room, searching for any sign of the stranger who had disappeared just moments before. A strange unease curled in his stomach, an instinctive feeling that something was off.

’I have to find Lucius or Lancelot... or maybe talk to Heinz.’

Before he could act, the guests began moving forward to greet the king, and Florian was swept along with them.

The herald continued, his voice ringing through the grand hall.

"...King Heinz Obsidian. Accompanying him is the lovely Princess Scarlett Opulenti from the Prospera Dominion!"

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, followed by murmurs of intrigue. As the massive double doors swung open, Heinz and Scarlett stepped into view.

’Oh, wow.’

Heinz looked almost unrecognizable. Gone was his usual black armor, replaced with an opulent ensemble of black and deep crimson, embroidered with golden accents. His long hair had been tied into a neat ponytail, giving him a regal—almost untouchable—air. But despite the change in attire, his ever-present sword remained strapped at his side, a reminder of the warrior beneath the polished exterior.

Scarlett, walking beside him, was dressed in a striking red gown that shimmered under the ballroom’s golden light. Her wild, scarlet curls had been carefully styled, cascading elegantly over her shoulders. But despite her usual confidence, there was a subtle stiffness to her posture, a nervous energy hidden behind her practiced poise.

Whispers erupted around them.

"He’s grown so much since we last saw him."

"So that’s Princess Scarlett?"

"Now that is a princess. She’s from one of the most influential kingdoms."

"The king... he looks so intimidating."

"They look like quite a pair."

Florian turned slightly at the last comment and found Bridget standing beside him, arms crossed.

’I didn’t even notice she was there.’

"Are you displeased?" Florian asked, his tone mildly amused.

Bridget shrugged. "A little. But... this is only the first of many tests. If she was better than me this time, I won’t let it happen again."

Florian glanced at her, noting the determination burning behind her sharp gaze. ’So, she’s just annoyed that Scarlett outperformed her, huh? Not like Alexandria, who actually seems to like Heinz.’

His lips twitched in amusement before turning back toward the center of the room.

Heinz stopped midway down the staircase, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room before he finally spoke.

"Good evening, everyone." His voice was smooth, steady—commanding. "For quite some time, I have kept the doors of the Diamond Palace closed. And yet, despite that, you all graciously accepted this invitation."

A murmur of acknowledgment spread through the crowd.

Florian tilted his head slightly, watching the king with newfound curiosity.

’Who the hell is this man? Since when did Heinz sound so... proper?’

Was this really the same tyrant from the novel? The one feared across the continent for his ruthlessness? Then again, Heinz had been trying to change his image lately. If his goal was to secure his throne and flush out the traitor working against him, then it made sense.

Still, from Florian’s perspective, Heinz might have been strong, but he didn’t seem like a good leader. If he really wanted to protect his rule, he should start by helping the ones who actually needed it.

Not that Florian could voice that thought aloud.

"She looks nervous," a soft voice murmured beside him.

Florian turned slightly to find Alexandria watching Scarlett closely.

"That’s surprising," she continued. "She always seems so confident."

Florian studied Scarlett again. Despite her striking appearance, her face was a shade too pale, her emerald eyes flickering warily across the room.

’It must be because of what she told me earlier... but still, she does look uneasy.’

The murmurs in the room continued, growing louder.

"Why is His Majesty only accompanying one person from his harem?"

"I heard he’s actually considering marrying one of them and making her queen."

"Why is she his partner for tonight?"

"Apparently, she passed some sort of test."

"Oh my, that sounds interesting."

’It hardly is,’ Florian thought dryly, exhaling through his nose.

Heinz, unfazed by the whispers, continued. "Tonight, I want you all to enjoy yourselves, especially as this is my harem’s first ball that we are hosting. I am sure most of you have already become acquainted with them by now."

Then, to Florian’s surprise, Heinz turned his gaze directly to him.

Florian blinked.

’Oh? Is he about to address me?’

"And, of course," Heinz continued, "let us remind ourselves why we are here. Tonight is in honor and celebration of Prince Florian’s bravery and courage."

Florian froze.

’I have a bad feeling about this.’

"For those who may not be aware," Heinz continued smoothly, "Prince Florian risked his life during an attempted kidnapping of the princesses."

A stunned silence followed his words. Then—

"What? I knew this event was for him, but he risked his life for the princesses?"

"My, who in their right mind would attempt to kidnap the king’s harem?"

"I thought he was just for decoration, but he’s actually brave..."

Beside him, Bridget leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. "I heard from our tutor that most of the kingdom wasn’t even aware this event was about you saving us. They only knew it was in your honor."

Florian’s lips parted slightly as he took in the many stunned expressions directed at him. ’So that’s why so many people look surprised... they didn’t even know the details.’

A round of applause broke out. Florian remained still, letting his eyes roam across the room. His gaze landed on the Marquis he had clashed with earlier. The man was clapping—albeit begrudgingly—his expression sour as he narrowed his eyes at Florian.

Florian, of course, only smirked at him in return.

Then—

"Perhaps the man of honor could say a few words as well?" Heinz suggested, looking entirely too amused for Florian’s liking.

The applause quieted, and suddenly, every eye in the ballroom was on him.

Florian’s smile stiffened.

’This guy...’

He had half a mind to strangle Heinz later, but for now—he had to speak.

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