Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight! novel Chapter 119

Chapter 119: ’She’s Lying’

"I must admit, they really do seem like the perfect fit," Lucius remarked, his tone cool and deliberate as his gaze remained fixed on the pair seated across the garden, their lighthearted conversation punctuated by soft laughter.

"Is there any way we can figure out what they’re actually talking about? I’m supposed to judge how well they fit together, but just watching them isn’t enough," Florian said, crossing his arms tightly against his chest in frustration. "It’s been about thirty minutes of us standing here doing nothing."

"I-I can tell you what they’re saying, Your Highness," Cashew offered, his voice timid but earnest. Florian turned to him, raising an eyebrow.

"How?"

Cashew fidgeted, wringing his hands nervously. "I can read their lips... It’s, uh, something I learned back at the orphanage. Whenever someone came to adopt us, we weren’t allowed to speak to them right away, but I’d watch them—uh, their mouths—to figure out what they were saying. It’s... it’s creepy, isn’t it?" His voice trailed off, and his face flushed with embarrassment.

Florian blinked at him, then smiled gently. He reached out and placed a reassuring hand on Cashew’s head. "It’s not creepy at all. That’s actually an incredible skill. Can you tell me what they’re saying now? Or at least what they’ve been talking about?"

Cashew’s eyes widened, his mood visibly brightening at the praise. He nodded eagerly, turning his attention to Heinz and Alexandria, who were still chatting over tea and biscuits.

"Princess Alexandria has been talking about her kingdom. His Majesty keeps asking her questions about it," Cashew began, his voice gaining a little more confidence.

"Taking an interest in something she loves," Florian mused, jotting it down in the notebook he carried. "That’s... surprisingly charming of him."

Cashew continued, his focus unwavering. "Now he’s asking about her parents—if she misses them."

Florian nodded slowly. ’He’s making an effort. That’s good, right? It’s not just about finding someone who fits the role on paper. It’d be better if Heinz actually likes who he marries. It’ll save both of them the pain later.’

"That’s actually very impressive, Cashew," Lucius chimed in, a hint of approval in his usually detached tone. "You should have told us about this skill earlier—it could be useful in many situations."

Cashew flushed deeper, his voice barely above a whisper. "T-Thank you, Sir Lucius."

Florian glanced at Lucius and nodded in agreement. Lip-reading wasn’t just a useful skill; it required remarkable attention to detail and mental agility. He couldn’t help but admire Cashew’s resourcefulness.

Turning back toward the pair in question, Florian squinted slightly. He had been too focused on taking notes to notice before, but now Heinz seemed to say something that caused Alexandria’s bright smile to falter for just a moment. Her shoulders stiffened briefly before she recovered.

’She seems... hesitant?’

"What did His Majesty just say?" Lucius asked, his sharp eyes not missing the subtle shift in Alexandria’s demeanor.

Cashew frowned, his brow furrowing in concentration before turning to Florian. "His Majesty asked the princess if she’s ever hated him, even a little, for taking her away from her family and kingdom."

Both Florian and Lucius froze, caught off guard by the weight of that question.

"Why would Heinz ask something like that?" Florian said, his voice low and filled with confusion.

Lucius adjusted his glasses, his expression thoughtful but tinged with unease. "Perhaps... to ensure there are no hidden grievances? Let’s be honest. Most of the princesses—and even you, Your Highness—had lives before coming here. It hasn’t been long since you all started living under the king’s roof, and while they may seem content now, who’s to say that will last in the long run?"

Florian sighed, his thoughts spiraling. ’He has a point. How many of these princesses secretly bear grudges against Heinz for taking them away from their homes? Their families? Someone they might have loved? And how many of them are just adapting to their situation because it’s expected of them?’

Florian’s eyes widened. ’Oh damn.’

Florian couldn’t help but be a little impressed. ’Way to go, Alexandria. I didn’t think you had it in you, but good for you.’ He was half tempted to cheer her on in his head, though he wisely kept it to himself.

’Then?’ Florian thought, his heartbeat quickening.