Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight! novel Chapter 143

Chapter 143: ’Awestruck Knight’

Florian blinked at Lucius, momentarily caught off guard by the raw intensity in his gaze. The space between them felt too small, the air thick with something unspoken. Lucius’ fingers, warm and steady against his skin, lingered as if reluctant to let go. There was a quiet possessiveness in the way he held him, his touch gentle but firm, like he had every right to be this close.

’Why does he always do this? I swear.’

The moment stretched too long, heat creeping up Florian’s neck. He swallowed, then raised a hand, gently pushing Lucius’ away.

"You’re going to ruin Cashew’s hard work," he murmured, keeping his tone light, teasing, as if that could smother the strange warmth curling in his chest.

Lucius’ lips twitched, amusement flickering in his eyes. But he allowed the distance to return, though not without a hint of reluctance. Instead of looking embarrassed, he looked—pleased. As if he had gotten exactly the reaction he wanted.

"I suppose I can’t have that," Lucius murmured, his voice dipping lower, smoother. "Though I can’t say I regret touching you."

Florian stiffened, a sharp inhale betraying him.

’Shameless!’

Lucius chuckled under his breath, but before Florian could muster a retort, he inclined his head with a touch too much grace. "My apologies, Your Highness."

Florian huffed, smoothing out his sleeve more aggressively than necessary. He refused to meet Lucius’ gaze, pretending the moment had already passed—even though his pulse hadn’t quite settled.

"What brings you here, Lucius?" he asked, forcing normalcy back into his tone.

Lucius straightened, slipping back into his composed demeanor with frustrating ease. "The ball is about to begin. I came to remind you that you’ll need to enter alongside the rest of the harem."

Florian’s fingers twitched. ’I already knew that. You’re just here because you wanted to see me.’

Lucius continued, undeterred by Florian’s visible reluctance. "I’ll be busy greeting guests, so I won’t be able to escort you." He tilted his head, a sly glint in his eyes. "Unfortunately."

Florian narrowed his eyes at him, heat creeping up his ears. "Not unfortunate at all," he muttered, but Lucius only smirked, as if entertained by his reaction.

Before Florian could stew in his irritation, Lucius added, "Even Cashew has been assigned to serve food and drinks to the nobles."

Florian’s attention flickered to Cashew, who stood a little off to the side, fidgeting nervously. His usual purple uniform had been replaced with a neatly fitted black-and-gold servant’s suit. Though he looked presentable, the way he kept tugging at his cuffs made it clear that he was uncomfortable.

Cashew noticed Florian looking and gave a shy, uncertain smile. "I-I’ve never served at an event this big before..."

’That makes all of us.’

"You’ll do great," Florian assured him, his voice gentler now. He offered a small but sincere smile. "Besides, I’m nervous too. Nobles can be unpredictable, and I’ll have to deal with them all night."

Cashew nodded, brows knitting slightly. "And you have to watch over the princesses too, right?"

Florian sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah. That could be either very bothersome or surprisingly easy. I’ll have to see which."

Lucius, satisfied that he had delivered his message, gave a small nod. "Then, I’ll take my leave."

But just as he turned to go, he paused for the briefest moment. Then, with effortless ease, he leaned in ever so slightly, his voice a quiet murmur meant only for Florian.

"Don’t miss me too much, Your Highness."

Florian froze. His breath caught, and his face burned hotter than before.

’This...he really is just becoming more and more shameless!’

But before he could splutter out a response, Lucius was already walking away, disappearing down the corridor, his posture all too smug.

Florian clenched his jaw, glaring at the spot where he had been.

"...Good luck, Lucius," he muttered under his breath, flustered beyond reason.

Florian and Cashew followed shortly after, making their way toward the entrance where the harem members were gathered. As they walked, Cashew hesitated, his hands nervously wringing the fabric of his sleeves before finally speaking.

’I’m sure if he’s friends with the maids and other servants... they’ll help him out.’

’I knew he was good-looking, but it was always hard to see him the way I first saw Lucius. But wow... is he sure he wants to keep being a knight? His face is too smooth for it. It’d be a shame if he got a scar.’