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Chapter 149: ’Speech?’

Chapter 149: ’Speech?’

’Hah. What am I even going to say?’

Florian ascended the grand staircase, his footsteps light but his heart heavy. Just ahead, Heinz and Scarlett stood together. Scarlett stubbornly avoided his gaze, while Heinz, for a fleeting moment, seemed caught off guard, his expression unreadable.

Florian knew why. Heinz hadn’t expected him to be wearing makeup.

A pang of self-consciousness hit Florian. Lately, he had been making deliberate efforts to appear more masculine—choosing structured outfits, adjusting his posture, even controlling the way he moved. Yet, no matter what he did, his face remained undeniably delicate, the one trait that stubbornly tethered him to the past.

’He’s probably getting flashbacks of the real Florian.’

Suppressing the unease creeping up his spine, Florian turned toward the gathered guests. Nobles—men and women alike—watched him with thinly veiled curiosity. From the crowd, Alexandria and Athena waved, their bright smiles offering a sliver of reassurance.

’Here we go, I guess.’

Drawing in a steady breath, Florian straightened his shoulders and began.

"Hello, everyone. I know many of you have already seen me, and yes... I realize this must be quite a surprise." His voice rang clear over the expectant hush of the ballroom. "First, I’d like to thank His Majesty—" he gestured toward Heinz, who remained behind him, expression unreadable—"for hosting this ball, and in my honor no less. It is the first of its kind, and I am truly grateful."

His gaze drifted over the crowd until he spotted Lucius, who seemed mildly startled to be acknowledged.

"I also extend my gratitude to Lord Lucius for preparing this event... and to all of you, for attending tonight."

Pausing, Florian glanced toward the princesses, their eyes fixed on him.

"I don’t believe I deserve any grand recognition," he admitted. "I simply did what I had to do—as the sole male in this harem—to protect the princesses. After all, I have a sister—oh, sisters," he corrected himself with a small chuckle. "I come from a land where women are cherished and revered."

A warm smile graced his lips, and the princesses, save for Carmilla—who huffed and turned away—returned it.

"I know some of you may assume we don’t get along, that we are merely rivals in His Majesty’s court. But that couldn’t be further from the truth." He let his gaze sweep across the hall, meeting the eyes of those who still regarded him with skepticism. "Thanks to His Majesty, we have found something greater than mere duty—" his fingers curled at his sides, but his voice remained steady—"we have found family here in Concordia."

His words settled over the ballroom like the final note of a melody. Then, as if remembering something, his eyes flickered through the guests until they landed on a familiar figure.

"And of course, I cannot forget Sir Lancelot."

At the mention of his name, Lancelot visibly stiffened. Florian pointed at him, drawing the attention of the entire ballroom. Lancelot’s discomfort was almost comical, but Florian pressed on.

"He, along with the knights under his command, saved my life. Without them, I might not be standing here today. For that, I am endlessly grateful."

Lancelot, despite his apparent horror at being put in the spotlight, gave a curt nod of acknowledgment.

"But!" Florian clapped his hands lightly. "I won’t make this speech any longer. I know how these things can drag on."

A ripple of laughter spread through the crowd, and Florian allowed himself a moment of satisfaction.

"So, please—enjoy the evening. And now... let’s dance!"

With a flourish, he gestured toward the musicians stationed at the side of the ballroom. A heartbeat later, the sound of elegant classical music filled the air. Cheers and applause erupted, filling the hall with renewed energy. Even the Marquis who had insulted Florian earlier looked taken aback, his daughter wearing a similar expression of shock. But soon, nobles began pairing off, swirling into graceful movements as the dance floor came to life.

"Good job."

A voice murmured from behind him, and Florian flinched.

He turned to find Heinz standing close, his gaze unreadable. Florian bowed his head, quickly regaining composure.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I’m glad you think—"

"But I had more to say," Heinz interrupted, his voice deceptively calm. "Yet you already encouraged everyone to dance."

Florian felt the color drain from his face.

"Oh."

Oh, indeed.

Scarlett, who had been watching the exchange, shifted uneasily. Then, as if making a split-second decision, she placed a hand on Heinz’s shoulder.

"Y-Your Majesty," she said, drawing his attention. "I would like to dance now, too. Since we’re partners, wouldn’t it be proper for us to open the floor?"

Heinz studied her for a bit before giving a small nod.

"Mhm. It is the first ball, after all."

"Y-Yes!"

Florian blinked.

’Did Scarlett just... help me?’

He watched as she gracefully guided Heinz down the stairs, toward the center of the dance floor.

’I mean... she didn’t have to. Heinz probably wouldn’t have been that mad, compared to before, but still...’

His thoughts trailed off as Heinz glanced at him meaningfully. Florian didn’t need words to understand—it was a silent order.

’Look after the princesses.’

But he barely acknowledged it, his mind still reeling from Scarlett’s unexpected intervention.

’Something’s going on with her...’

A flicker of unease settled in his chest, but before he could dwell on it, another thought surfaced.

’Also... I never got the chance to tell Heinz about that strange man from earlier.’

He exhaled slowly.

’I should tell Lucius. Or Lancelot.’

With that decision made, Florian turned his gaze back to the swirling crowd, the music swelling around him.

Florian slipped through the throng of nobles, his every step measured, his expression carefully composed. The heavy scent of perfume and wine clung to the air, mingling with the distant melody of violins.

"Your Highness, a word, if I may—"

"Prince Florian, that was a a great speech. Might I request a dance?"

"Your Highness, I must say, your speech was truly—"

Florian offered each of them a cordial nod, murmuring polite refusals as he moved past.

’Not now. I need to find Lancelot.’

His sharp gaze scanned the sea of opulent gowns and gilded masks, searching for the familiar glint of armor amidst the swirling grandeur. But before he could spot him, a collective gasp rippled through the crowd, drawing his attention.

A hush fell over the ballroom, punctuated only by the rustling of silk and the hurried flutter of fans.

"Oh my," a noblewoman breathed, her jeweled fingers pressing lightly to her lips.

"They look... divine together," another murmured, eyes alight with admiration.

Florian already knew who they were speaking of.

Still, against his better judgment, he turned.

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