'I can't believe this is happening.'
It was the start of another day—Florian's third day in a different world, trapped in a different body—and his initial plan to avoid one of the male leads had been completely thrown out the window. By choice, no less.
Why?
Because right now, Lucius was helping him come up with a plan to gather information about the princesses.
"Cashew wasn't able to get any information from the maids because they see him as a child. I highly doubt they'll tell me anything either, and I certainly have no intention of lowering myself to gossip. I still have a reputation to uphold," Lucius said as he adjusted his glasses with practiced precision.
'Bullshit. You just hate dealing with women, don't you?'
"I'm sorry I couldn't be of help, Your Highness," Cashew mumbled, his face falling in disappointment.
Florian, seeing the boy's distress, offered him a reassuring smile. "It's not your fault, Cashew."
"That is correct," Lucius interjected, his tone clinical as ever. "At the end of the day, you are Prince Florian's personal servant. The maids here are like phoenixes—they flock together, sharing their secrets only with one another. And, as I've mentioned, you are merely a child."
Cashew's expression didn't brighten in the slightest, and Florian couldn't help but feel bad for him.
Lucius, unfazed, continued, "I believe we have only one viable course of action, Your Highness." He paused, giving Florian a pointed look that made his stomach sink. "Well, two options. But to ensure better results and provide His Majesty with the reports he requested... you must do both."
Florian groaned internally. "Are they really the only way?"
Lucius nodded solemnly and handed Florian six sheets of parchment, each detailing a princess's schedule for the day.
"You need to befriend the princesses," Lucius explained, "and gain their trust so they'll share details about their lives with you. Additionally, you'll have to dedicate time to observing them directly—discreetly, of course."
"And what about my schedule?" Florian asked, dreading the memory of the chaotic, hellish workload he had endured just yesterday.
Lucius arched an eyebrow. "Need I remind you that, unlike the princesses, most of your schedule—aside from your etiquette classes—is of your own making? Those extra lessons you've been taking were at your insistence, Your Highness."
'Ah. Right. The original Florian piled those lessons on himself to impress Heinz.'
"So, you're saying I can cancel those extra lessons?"
"If you wish it so," Lucius said with a small shrug.
"Then please do. I'll focus on completing these reports instead," Florian replied, glancing at the schedules in his hands. 'The last thing I need is to infuriate Heinz again.' He shivered at the memory of yesterday's near-death experience, the weight of the invisible chains, and the cold steel of Heinz's sword against his throat.
"I will speak to His Majesty and inform the royal tutors of the changes," Lucius said with a nod. "Now, with everything that has transpired, how do you plan to befriend the princesses? Your attempts yesterday with Princess Athena and Princess Alexandria were, to put it bluntly, unproductive."
"I feel like, with them, I just need more time," Florian admitted. "I'm more worried about the other four—especially Scarlett."
He frowned, thinking about the disaster that was his relationship with Princess Scarlett. Not only was their dynamic already hostile, but now Camilla, Scarlett's best friend, was also involved. To make matters worse, Scarlett had gotten in trouble because of him, something Florian hadn't anticipated.
'And on top of everything, I still need to think of a proper plan for the village visit. Not to mention figuring out what's triggering Florian's memories, because so far, it hasn't happened again since it did with Heinz.'
The sheer weight of all the tasks he had to juggle made Florian feel like screaming. 'How did my life turn into this mess? I don't even get a breather. I was better off as a corporate slave.'
Lucius, apparently oblivious to Florian's mounting frustration, continued speaking. "As for Princess Scarlett, you'll need to tread carefully. Winning her trust will take more effort than the others. She seems to hold grudges."
'Yeah, no kidding,' Florian thought bitterly as he stared at the schedules. The intricate detailing of each princess's day only reminded him how impossible his mission felt. It was as though the universe—or perhaps this novel—was conspiring to break him.
Florian sighed, closing his eyes for a moment. 'I just need to survive this day. Then maybe... just maybe, I'll figure it all out.'
"In regard to stalking them... won't it be impossible to follow all of them in one day?" Florian asked, frowning as he glanced at the six schedules laid before him. "Other than their joint lessons, each of the princesses has personal lessons and activities. Some of these overlap with each other."
Lucius hummed thoughtfully, his fingers adjusting his glasses as his sharp gaze scanned the schedules. "That is true," he admitted. "What do you suggest? We need to cover as much of their day as possible. His Majesty will undoubtedly insist on thorough reports."
Florian opened his mouth to reply, but a timid voice interrupted.
"U-Uhm... may I suggest something, Your Highness?"
Both Florian and Lucius turned in unison, startled by the sudden interjection. Cashew, who had been standing quietly to the side, now had his hand half-raised, his cheeks tinged with pink as his gaze flickered nervously between them.
Florian smiled, surprised but pleased. 'Wow. He's actually taking the initiative.'
"Go ahead, Cashew," Florian encouraged gently, his tone soft to ease the boy's nerves.
Cashew shifted on his feet, his blush deepening under the attention. "Well... uhm... I-I was thinking..." He fidgeted slightly, but when Florian nodded encouragingly, he straightened a little and continued. "Maybe I can help? A-And Sir Lucius too? As a servant, and Sir Lucius being the head butler, it wouldn't be too suspicious if we were seen near the princesses during their activities." He hesitated before adding, "We could check which lessons or events are easier to observe and figure out where we might be without drawing attention to ourselves."
Lucius's eyebrows lifted slightly, clearly impressed. "That's..."
'That's actually a solid idea.' Florian thought, glancing at the schedules once more.
"That's not bad," Florian said aloud, nodding in agreement. "Honestly, one of my biggest concerns is how to observe them discreetly. The castle is crawling with maids, knights, and staff. It's not like I can just show up wherever they go without raising suspicion. And joining their joint classes? That would make them uncomfortable—or worse, defensive."
He looked up from the schedules, locking eyes with Lucius as he continued. "If we decide ahead of time who follows which princess each day, it'll be easier to avoid looking suspicious. Afterward, we can regroup here and compile what we've learned."
Lucius tapped a finger against his chin, his expression thoughtful. "That is indeed a sensible approach. However, as Cashew pointed out, it's easier for us to maneuver through the castle. For you, however..." He trailed off, his gaze shifting toward Florian with a pointed look.
Florian sighed inwardly. 'Of course. Because I barely leave my room unless it's for lessons—or to annoy Heinz.' He glanced at the schedules again, his thoughts racing. It was true; unlike Cashew and Lucius, he couldn't simply wander around the castle without a valid excuse. The staff would talk, the knights would notice, and the princesses themselves might start to suspect his intentions.
"Unless..."
Lucius's voice broke through his thoughts. Florian tilted his head, looking at the butler curiously. "Unless what?"
Lucius's lips curled into a small, knowing smile, one that sent a shiver of unease down Florian's spine.
"Unless you position yourself as someone who has a reason to be around them," Lucius said, his tone as sharp as the glint in his eyes.
'I don't like where this is going.'