Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 110 Lilia had dropped by Blackmoor Estate, and by the most unfortunate coincidence, she ran straight into Sebastian as he was about to depart. For the princess, seeing her enemy in such proximity was enough to ignite her fury. Without saying a single word, she lashed her whip straight at him. By the time Selena arrived, the two had already come to blows. Yet, it was clear that only Lilia was striking, while Sebastian was entirely on the defensive, not returning a single move.

Selena hurried forward to intervene, pleading, "Your Highness, let us talk this through." Today, Lilia wielded an ordinary whip. Though it looked costly, it paled in comparison to her previous fiery weapon. Just as she raised the whip for another strike, she caught sight of Selena running toward them Startled, the princess recoiled, fearing the whip's momentum might harm Selena. Yet, the hatred in her eyes for Sebastian remained unabated. "There will be no peace between me and this man. There is nothing to discuss! Move aside, Lena. | don't wish to harm you!" ---- she spat.

"Your Highness, my brother-" His tone steady, Sebastian interjected, "It's true that | destroyed your whip, Your Highness. Since you remain unsatisfied, let us have an honest duel. | shall give you the opportunity to avenge your ruined weapon." He was anxious to depart and had no wish to become further entangled with Lilia. Glancing at his sister, he added, "Lena, step aside." "No, Seb!" Selena frowned deeply as she shook her head. Sebastian's skill far exceeded Lilia's. The destruction of her previous whip was already enough for the princess to bear a grudge for months.

Should he defeat her again, there was no telling how deeply she would loathe the Duke of Blackmoor's family. With their family teetering on the brink of turmoil, Selena couldn't bear to provoke further strife. "Not to worry, it's merely a sparring match," Sebastian said over his shoulder, glancing briefly at Yuvan. Yuvan heaved a sigh of resignation and handed over his long sword with both hands. ---- Selena cast her brother a look, and suddenly, it seemed as though a realization dawned upon her. "Seb..." Sebastian merely smiled and said nothing.

Selena let out a quiet sigh and turned to Sally, lowering her voice as she instructed, "Quickly, fetch the little green vial from my bedside cabinet." "Don't worry, my lady. Lord Sebastian won't truly harm Princess Lilia," Sally whispered. Her understanding of Sebastian was deep enough for her to be certain. Her lord would never mistreat a young woman whose skill was far inferior to his own. Selena only shook her head and sighed again. "Go." Seeing there was nothing more she could do, Sally could only sigh and head off to fetch the vial. Meanwhile, Lilia could barely contain herself.

Previously, she had been defeated through her own carelessness, but this time, she would show no mercy. "General Campbell, prepare yourself!" she cried, flicking her jet- black whip. ---- Its tip cut through the air, a biting chill trailing along it as it lashed toward Sebastian. Selena closed her eyes as a sharp crack sounded. Lilia's whip struck Sebastian squarely across the chest, with part of the tip clipping his neck. The icy sting grazed his face, leaving a stark, crimson streak across his handsome features. Lilia froze in horror, while Yuvan was equally dumbfounded.

Only Sebastian and Selena remained composed, their expressions entirely serene. "W-what? How could this happen?' Lilia stammered, unable to recover her senses. When Sally returned, panting and carrying the medicine, she screamed in shock and exclaimed, "My lord, your face!" Heavens! Their lord, the very picture of striking elegance, now bore a crimson gash across his face, blood dripping down his jaw. Sally's heart clenched so fiercely she nearly wept. Yet, Sebastian treated it as nothing. He approached Lilia calmly and said, "Your Highness, does this settle the matter of your ruined whip?

If you remain unsatisfied, | will gladly grant you another bout or two to put the matter right."