Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight! novel Chapter 312

Chapter 312: ’Elara Skyshroud’

"This is it."

Florian exhaled slowly, straightening his posture. At long last, the final duke had arrived, and with that, they could all finally return to the cool, shaded halls of Diamond Palace—away from the blinding sun and the growing weight of ceremony.

Out of all the carriages that had passed through the palace gates, this one stood apart—sleek, immaculate, and adorned with silver accents that gleamed beneath the light. The sigil of the Skyshroud family, an elegant depiction of a crescent moon cradled in clouds, sat proudly atop the roof like a crown.

It was the most ornate of them all.

Florian’s chest rose with anticipation as he stared at the approaching carriage. He had been looking forward to this meeting—not out of duty, but out of genuine curiosity. This duke was different. Unique.

’Not like the others. Not like the ones who leered or stared too long.’

As the carriage came to a gentle stop in front of them, Florian automatically pulled his expression into a soft, welcoming smile—the kind that was polite without being stiff, warm without being too familiar.

Two butlers, clad in deep navy and silver, descended gracefully from the driver’s perch. With practiced synchrony, they moved to the side and opened the carriage door with a soft click.

This duke was different because...

"Presenting the Duke of Skyshroud, Duke Elara Skyshroud... accompanied by Lord Eleonor Skyshroud!"

She was a woman.

"Oh, this is quite a welcome," came a voice smooth like velvet, laced with a calm, mature confidence.

Duke Elara descended with the poise of someone used to walking into rooms full of men and commanding the air with nothing but her presence. Her gown was an artful blend of elegance and formality—structured like a tailored suit, yet flowing with the grace of nobility. She had light blue hair coiled into a braided crown, and eyes as black and deep as obsidian.

Behind her followed a striking young man—Lord Eleonor—her son, clearly. He looked like a mirrored echo of his mother: same hair, same dark eyes, though his carried a softness that Elara’s did not.

Florian stepped forward, his role clear. Heinz had given him the subtle nod of approval to greet her first.

"Duke Elara, welcome to Diamond Palace," Florian said, bowing slightly with practiced elegance. "We’re honored you could join us. I hope your journey was comfortable."

Elara’s lips curved into a warm smile as she stepped fully onto the cobbled path. "You must be Prince Florian," she said, tone rich with familiarity and charm. "Thank you for such a lovely welcome, and of course..."

She and Eleonor turned toward Heinz, their eyes respectful, their bodies lowering into a dignified bow. "Your Majesty, King Heinz. Thank you for hosting this Summit. Truth be told, I never imagined you would actually host one."

Heinz let out a low chuckle—a sound Florian immediately recognized as false. Not mocking, not cruel. Just... empty.

"Well, better late than never," Heinz replied, his tone even. "It’s good to see you again."

Elara’s gaze softened. "Day by day, you look more and more like your mother."

Florian felt the shift. It was subtle—a twitch in the king’s jaw, the faintest tension in his shoulders. But to someone who spent this much time beside Heinz, it was unmistakable.

Right. Heinz hated the mention of his mother.

’Anastasia...’ Florian remembered the name well. Elara had once been her friend—that was what Heinz had told him, albeit reluctantly. It was the only thing about Elara that made his presence here... complicated.

"Is that right?" Heinz said, a touch of frost creeping into his voice. "I was always told I resembled my predecessor."

’His predecessor... so, his father.’ Florian glanced at him sideways. ’Another ghost Heinz would rather leave buried.’

The air between them grew heavier, and Florian, sensing it, smoothly stepped in again—diverting the tension like a hand brushing dust off silk.

"And this must be your son, Lord Eleonor," he said, turning to the young man. "It’s good to finally meet you."

Eleonor smiled, bowing his head. "It’s good to meet you as well, Prince Florian. It’s not every day one meets a foreign prince. I’d love to hear more about your kingdom—perhaps over tea, if time permits."

"Of course," Florian replied, matching his warm tone.

’So far, so good...’ he thought, shoulders easing just a bit.

"I’m also highly interested in you, Prince Florian," Elara said, her eyes glinting with interest. "If I may be so bold, your reputation precedes you. I would love to know the details—your feats so far have been most impressive. Becoming King Heinz’s representative is no small thing."

’Poor Scarlett and Camilla... none of the dukes they were assigned to even accepted their bouquets.’