CHAPTER 473: ’JUST AS GREAT.’

Florian felt... strange.

That memory he had with Hendrix—it left something heavy lodged in his chest, something that didn’t fade even after waking.

Now, Florian was not new to memories.

Especially memories of the original Florian having intercourse. He had seen it before—with Lucius, with Lancelot, and, surprisingly, even with Heinz.

But this one... this one was different.

The emotions were sharper, cutting in ways the others hadn’t.

With Lucius and Lancelot, there had been doubt and uncertainty.

With Heinz, it had been heartbreak.

And with Hendrix... guilt.

Guilt?

The original Florian had felt a massive, overwhelming wave of it.

Even more guilt than what he’d felt from practically leading on Lucius and Lancelot—who were, after all, the main love interests originally.

But Hendrix... Hendrix had simply been there.

Well... maybe it was because Hendrix died for associating with the original Florian.

Technically, he would’ve survived if he had never crossed paths with him.

Hendrix had been willing to leave, even though part of him still wanted to help Monica—his mother—save her kingdom.

Perhaps, the guilt wasn’t just the original Florian’s.

Perhaps, it was also his own.

Because Hendrix... thinks he’s the original Florian.

Hendrix wants to save the original Florian. He could have used his regression to make sure Heinz never kills him again, to avoid execution altogether...

But he’s using it to save him.

Who wouldn’t feel guilty after seeing such a dream?

Hendrix’s feelings—as much as Florian wanted to doubt them—seemed genuine. He looked at him like someone who had truly, unshakably fallen for—

"Your Highness? What do you think?"

The soft voice cut through his thoughts like a ripple breaking the surface of still water. Florian jolted slightly, snapping his gaze toward Athena.

She was holding a stack of papers, each sheet a different color, her curious eyes fixed on him.

Right.

He’d been so caught up in his thoughts, he’d nearly forgotten where he was—sitting in the gardens again with Athena and Scarlett, their chosen meeting spot for discussing the preparations for the upcoming ball in honor of his birthday.

"O-Oh, sorry... I was spacing out. What was that?" he said quickly, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

Scarlett arched an eyebrow, the corners of her mouth twitching as if she suspected more than he was letting on.

And of course, she did.

"We were asking which accents you’d like for the invitations. Since we’re going for a Floramatria theme, these are all different combinations and shades of purple and green."

Florian’s gaze fell to the sheets Athena held—lavender paired with emerald, lilac with sage, amethyst with pale mint. His eyes scanned over them, but his mind still lagged behind.

"They all look good," he murmured, almost absently.

Athena nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, I’m having a hard time deciding as well. Scarlett has such a good eye for colors—it feels like every combination she put together would look absolutely stunning."

Florian noticed the faint blush dusting Scarlett’s cheeks, a color that only deepened as Athena spoke. It made him smile, just a little.

’Really, once I’m not so busy, I should really get these two together.’ He glanced at Scarlett with quiet amusement, but she caught the look almost instantly.

When she did, her eyes narrowed in warning—sharp enough to carry the silent message:

"Don’t even."

But Florian was tired, stressed... and in that state, teasing became almost irresistible.

"Scarlett really is amazing, isn’t she, Athena?" His voice carried a light, admiring lilt. "I know Lady Camilla is the one from the kingdom known as the fashion capital, but it seems Scarlett has quite the talent herself."

Scarlett’s glare intensified, though her voice remained polite. "I am flattered, Your Highness. But I don’t think I could ever match Camilla’s eye for such things."

"Are you kidding?" Athena turned to her suddenly, leaning in close—so close their faces were only inches apart. The abrupt boldness caught Scarlett completely off guard. "You’re just as amazing!"

The quiet, reserved Athena was gone, replaced by a rare spark of determination. Florian, watching from the side, couldn’t help but be impressed; even with Alexandria, Athena was never quite this forward.

Scarlett’s face burned brighter, nearly matching her vivid hair. She turned away, fumbling for composure. "Y-You’re just saying that because you haven’t seen Camilla in her element."

"Ah... well, I truly think you’re just as great, Scarlett," Athena replied without missing a beat.

Scarlett began fanning herself, her movements a little too quick, as if to disperse more than just heat. "You really flatter me too much, Athena."

Athena smiled softly. "I’m only telling the truth."

Florian was delighted. Thoroughly, genuinely delighted.

It wasn’t often he got to witness romance budding—especially when he wasn’t involved in it.

The way they danced around each other was endearing, almost like watching the first tentative steps of a story that might turn into something beautiful.

He almost wanted to scheme a way to make them partners for the ball—

Oh. Wait.

"Oh, Scarlett, Athena—speaking of the ball and the invitations, I believe I haven’t told you the news."

Scarlett, still half-hidden behind her fan, tilted her head. "News?"

Athena also turned toward him, curiosity flickering in her gaze.

Florian nodded. "Remember when I told you I’d ask His Majesty if we could invite your families to the ball?"

Both young women’s eyes widened.

"Y-Yes?" Athena asked cautiously, unsure whether to hope too much.

Florian’s smile widened. "He said yes."

"Really?!" Scarlett lowered her fan in surprise.

He nodded again, warmth in his voice. "Not only that, but we’ve... discussed the possibility of you returning to your respective kingdoms, if you wish—"

"Good morning, Your Highnesses." The familiar voice cut him off mid-sentence. "I hate to disturb you, but Prince Florian, I have a question."

Florian turned toward the source. "Oh, hello, Lucius."

Lucius offered a polite smile, his tone smooth as ever. "Prince Florian, it’s nice to see you looking well. You as well, princesses." His words were courteous, but Florian noticed the subtle way Lucius kept his gaze just shy of meeting the princesses’ eyes.

"Good morning, Lord Lucius," Scarlett and Athena greeted in unison, their voices polite but cautious.

Florian tilted his head slightly, curiosity piqued. "What’s your question, Lucius?" It wasn’t often that Lucius interrupted when Florian was with the princesses. In fact, it was rare enough to make the air between them shift ever so slightly.

"Do you happen to know where his majesty is?" Lucius asked.

Florian froze mid-breath, a flicker of unease tightening in his chest. His eyes blinked once. Twice.

Oh.