Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight! novel Chapter 476

Chapter 476: ’Scarlett Vs. Florian’

"Forgive me for asking, but it seems the two of you are quite close, though I was under the impression this is the first time you’ve met." Scarlett’s voice was light, but her fan was pointed directly toward Hendrix’s hand, still brushing against Florian’s cheek.

’I swear, Scarlett...’ Florian thought sharply. ’This is her payback for teasing her earlier with Athena.’

Athena’s curious gaze shifted between them. "Come to think of it, Your Highness, you two do seem like you’re familiar." Her tone was gentle, but there was a note of genuine interest.

Florian’s mind raced. He could lie—of course, he could—but no matter what he said, anyone with eyes could see that strangers didn’t casually touch each other’s faces like this.

’This is all Hendrix’s fault!’ His pulse spiked. ’Why is he being so touchy—especially in front of Scarlett and Athena?’

Hendrix’s chuckle was low and warm. "Oh well, it seems I was being too obvious." Florian turned toward him instantly.

That cheeky smile was back—the one that made Florian feel like he was the only one Hendrix was truly looking at.

"I’ve actually met this little prince on my first day here," Hendrix continued smoothly. "We bumped into each other. Or... well, he bumped into me."

"Oh? That’s interesting," Scarlett said, her grin curling like a cat’s tail.

"It’s not that interesting," Florian replied with a forced laugh that felt painfully brittle in his throat.

"I think it’s very interesting," Hendrix countered, his voice dipping into a teasing lilt. "I had already heard of the beautiful prince in the king’s harem, but seeing him up close is..." His eyes narrowed playfully. "...breathtaking."

Florian froze, the air catching in his lungs. ’This shameless...!’

Heat surged to his cheeks before he could stop it, and his gaze flicked instinctively toward Scarlett—only to see her grin widening like she’d just been handed ammunition.

’You’re worse than Heinz!’

"Oh, well, he does have that effect on people, doesn’t he?" Scarlett asked, turning to Athena.

"Prince Florian is rather beautiful," Athena agreed without hesitation. "When I first saw him, I was in awe. I couldn’t believe he was a man."

"Too much flattery will get to my head." Florian tried smiling, but the look on Scarlett’s face made him feel immense dread.

’What is she planning now...?’ Florian’s suspicion barely had time to settle before Scarlett gave a dramatic sigh, pressing the back of her hand to her forehead as if beset by sudden tragedy.

"But alas, as much as many men and women alike find this prince of ours so very handsome and beautiful," she lamented, "he would be very hard to reach."

"Oh? And why is that?" Hendrix asked, tilting his head with feigned innocence.

Scarlett lowered her fan slightly, her eyes locking on him. "Why, of course, it’s because he is His Majesty’s favorite."

Florian’s eyes widened—and then he choked. Not a small, polite cough, but a sudden fit, sputtering so hard it drew every gaze in the room.

"Y-Your Highness... are you alright?" Athena’s tone was laced with concern.

Hendrix leaned forward, patting his back gently. "Why so suddenly... are you okay?"

"Yes, Prince Florian, what’s wrong? You began coughing all of a sudden," Scarlett added, her faux concern so thick it almost dripped from her words.

Through the burning in his throat, Florian could barely stop himself from glaring at her.

’She’s enjoying this way too much.’

Once Florian finally stopped coughing and managed to compose himself, he forced another polite smile, though his throat still burned faintly.

"I-I hardly think of myself as the king’s favorite. I doubt His Majesty even has favorites."

"My, don’t be so humble now," Scarlett drawled, her voice dripping with faux sweetness. "The king is hosting a grand ball just for your highness’ birthday. And, oh—" she touched her cheek with both hands as though the memory made her swoon, "—everyone knows that when you were kidnapped, His Majesty scoured the entire capital of Concordia searching for you. It’s positively romantic."

Florian’s eye twitched. "I’m sure he would have done the same if any of you had been kidnapped."

Scarlett tilted her head, feigning thoughtfulness. "But... His Majesty hasn’t visited any of us in quite some time. And as far as I recall, you reside in the royal wing of the palace now, don’t you?"

’Scarlett, I swear to God...’ Florian thought grimly, aware of Athena and Hendrix watching the exchange like spectators at a play.

He wanted to retort—oh, he had many comebacks—but none that wouldn’t hint too much at Scarlett’s own feelings.

’Damn it, she’s impossible to counter without collateral damage.’

Florian gave Athena a mental thumbs up. ’Nice save.’

’Come on, Scarlett... for someone so proud, at least take the initiative. You two are painfully obvious.’

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