Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight!
Chapter 52: ’Time For The Visit’

Chapter 52: ’Time For The Visit’

"Well, this is... unexpected."

Florian stepped out of the Diamond Palace, his breath hitching as his gaze swept over the scene before him. A procession of grand, ornately designed carriages lined the circular driveway, their polished surfaces catching the morning sun in a dazzling display of wealth and craftsmanship. Each one was a masterpiece—far more extravagant than anything he had ever seen in his previous world. But that wasn’t what made him pause.

It was the sheer number of knights.

Dozens of them stood at attention, clad in gleaming armor, their weapons gleaming at their sides. They formed an unyielding wall of steel around the carriages, their disciplined silence only adding to the weight of their presence. And at the very front of them all, standing like an immovable force, was Lancelot.

’Lancelot? Here?’ Florian’s heart skipped a beat. That wasn’t right.

In the novel, Lancelot had been delayed. He was supposed to accompany Heinz’s carriage, which had left later than the princesses’. Yet here he was, already stationed at the forefront of security.

Lucius stepped up beside him, his composed expression unchanged. "It’s quite a sight. Originally, each carriage was to have only three knights assigned to it. And the commander was supposed to remain with His Majesty. However, His Majesty insisted that, since the princesses are now official queen candidates, security must be heightened."

Florian blinked. ’This... this is good. This is really good.’

Things were falling into place without him having to lift a finger. More knights meant better protection, and with Lancelot—the strongest knight in the kingdom—present, the risk of an ambush had significantly diminished.

’So I don’t have to do anything after all. Wow.’

His relief was short-lived. The palace doors swung open, and the princesses began to make their way down the steps, their maids trailing dutifully behind them. Most of them ignored him completely—except for two.

Scarlett and Camilla.

Before he could react, they were standing in front of him, their gazes sharp and unyielding.

"What did you talk to King Heinz about?" Camilla demanded, her voice edged with suspicion. "And why are you even coming with us? You’re not a candidate for His Majesty’s bride."

Florian resisted the urge to sigh. He had neither the patience nor the inclination to deal with them. After days of dreading a potential kidnapping, he finally had peace of mind, and he wasn’t about to waste it on pointless bickering.

Instead, he turned to Cashew, who had been standing quietly by his side.

"Cashew, did you bring everything for the trip? Are you feeling alright?"

The shy servant perked up at being addressed, his nervousness momentarily forgotten. "Y-yes, Your Highness. I packed everything as you requested."

Lucius, ever the tactful lifesaver, smoothly intervened. "Your Highness, we should proceed to your carriage."

Florian didn’t need to be told twice. Without sparing Scarlett or Camilla another glance, he followed Lucius toward the last carriage in the line, ignoring the indignant huffs behind him.

As they walked, he took a moment to admire the craftsmanship of the carriages. Each one reflected its owner’s tastes—lavish designs, floral engravings, embroidered curtains. Every detail spoke of refinement and wealth.

And then there was his.

A deep shade of purple, adorned with delicate vines and silver-threaded flowers curling along its edges. It was elegant, understated, yet undeniably regal.

Florian found himself oddly pleased.

’So this is what it feels like to ride in a carriage like this...’

A small smile tugged at his lips as he stepped inside. For the first time since arriving in this world, he felt a flicker of genuine excitement.

This trip might not be so bad after all.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Florian rested his chin against his hand, his gaze fixed on the ever-changing scenery outside the carriage window. They had been traveling for three hours now, yet he still couldn’t tear his eyes away from the breathtaking sights of Concordia.

The capital had been the first to astound him. As they departed from the Diamond Palace, the streets had been overflowing with people—citizens gathered in droves, eager to catch a glimpse of the famed harem, the princesses, and the royal entourage. Their cheers had been deafening, voices overlapping as they called out names and waved frantically.

Florian had frowned at the spectacle, leaning slightly toward the window.

’How did they even know about this?’

"Cashew," he had asked, glancing at his servant, "why are there so many people here? How did they know we were leaving today?"

Cashew, seated primly across from him, fidgeted with the hem of his sleeve. "U-um... there’s always news, Your Highness..." he mumbled, voice barely above a whisper. "People talk... about His Majesty, the nobles... even the harem."

Florian raised a brow. ’I never knew that. Just how much do they actually know?’

Cashew hesitated before offering a small shrug. "I-I... I don’t really know, Your Highness... I only hear some things... from the maids..."

That was... concerning. Florian hadn’t realized just how closely the people followed royal affairs. It made him wonder what kind of rumors had already circulated about him. He didn’t even want to imagine.

But as they left the bustling capital behind, the atmosphere shifted. The lively energy of the city gave way to quiet villages and rolling countryside. Florian continued watching as they passed through smaller settlements, his excitement gradually giving way to curiosity. Not everyone they encountered was cheering. In fact, some villagers merely stared as the carriages rolled past, their expressions unreadable—some neutral, some almost resentful.

’They don’t seem happy at all...’

He furrowed his brows, wondering what the cause could be. Political unrest? A growing divide between the nobility and the common folk? Or was it simply the reality of a kingdom that wasn’t as prosperous as it seemed?

Florian pondered for a moment, but before he could dwell on it further, something else caught his attention—something that made his breath hitch.

Creatures.

Not just humans, but creatures of all kinds. Beings he had only read about in fantasy novels back in his world. He spotted towering beastmen with sharp, feline eyes, elves with elegantly pointed ears and flowing silver hair, and even winged individuals soaring through the sky, their feathered wings casting shadows over the carriages. There were people using magic openly—small flames flickering in their palms, water swirling around their fingertips, illusions dancing in the air for entertainment.

’If only Kaz could see this...’

A pang of longing settled in his chest. His sister, Kaz, would have adored this world. She had always been the one obsessed with fantasy—dragons, elves, magic, all of it. If she were here, she’d be talking his ear off about every single detail, probably asking a hundred questions a second.

He exhaled slowly, shaking off the nostalgia.

Even now, three hours into the journey, he still wasn’t tired of the view. His eyes roamed over the vast landscapes stretching endlessly before him. It was nothing like the world he had come from.

"Cashew," he finally asked, still staring outside, "how long until we reach the Village of Forgotten Waters?"

Cashew, who had been quietly sitting with his hands folded on his lap, perked up at being addressed. "Five h-hours in total, Your Highness..." he said softly, fingers nervously twisting the fabric of his tunic. "We’ve... u-um... been traveling for three, so... it’s not too far now..."

Florian hummed in response, leaning back against the plush seat. "I see. I’m starting to feel a little sleepy. I think I’ll shut my eyes for a bit." He shifted into a more comfortable position before adding, "Wake me if we’re there... or if anything happens."

Cashew nodded quickly. "Yes, Your Highness! I will!"

Florian allowed his eyes to close, his body sinking into the gentle sway of the carriage. Just before sleep claimed him, a final thought crossed his mind—one of relief.

’For once, I didn’t have to do anything, and things actually worked out.’

He had spent days dreading the potential kidnapping attempt, worrying about how to handle it. But now, with the added security, with Lancelot himself present, the chances of an attack had been drastically reduced.

’Heinz really came through, huh?’

Florian sighed, a small smile tugging at his lips as he drifted off.

For once, things were in his favor.

And for now, that was enough.

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