Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 171 In all of Aurensia, there had never been a precedent for an unmarried woman to become a general. In fact, Selena's mother had not been the kingdom's only female general. But almost all of them had been wives first, following their husbands to the battlefield. Only after fighting alongside their husbands and earning distinction together did they gain recognition as generals themselves. Even then, society addressed them by their married name, not by their rank. Only among the soldiers would the women be called "General'. However, Selena was different.

As an unmarried woman, she sought to be a general in her own right, not by association or marriage, but as a title and rank she could claim for herself. "Lena, do you understand what this entails? Once you become a general, you will be required to go to battles. Otherwise, the title will be hollow, a dishonor to the crown," Wilfred said, his expression darkening. "Lady Campbell, you must consider this most carefully. Generals are seldom at home. Marriage and children are not easily accommodated in such a life," Andrew added gravely. ---- Who would willingly marry a female general?

Even if they did, she would rarely be home, so the matter of children would hardly be possible. "If your aim is to defend the kingdom as your mother once did, you could wait until marriage and then go to war alongside your husband. With husband and wife united, nothing would be impossible. Wouldn't that be even better?" Wilfred suggested. Selena lifted her chin, her gaze steady. "Your Majesty, since the annulment of my engagement to Prince Frederick, | resolved to put aside thoughts of love and marriage. My courage and determination were shown clearly in the battle at Mount Iron.

"If that's still not enough, then I'm willing to wait. One day, I'll prove to you that I'm no less capable than any man, and that | can become a true general without relying on a husband." Wilfred and Andrew exchanged glances. They both understood the sharpness of her mind and the depth of her strategic skills. Frederick had once been invincible, but in this recent campaign, it was clear that his failure stemmed from the absence of Selena's guidance. The whispers throughout Aurensia that his victories were all due to her contributions could no longer be dismissed.

Wilfred sat in silence for a long while, his brow furrowed in ---- thought. Selena waited just as long, patient and composed. Outside, night had already descended. At the palace gates, Sally lingered anxiously, waiting and hoping. Only after what seemed an eternity did she see her mistress emerge at last, her steps measured and slow. Sally hurried forward to greet her, "My lady." Selena merely shook her head, and Sally wisely held her tongue. They entered the carriage and departed from the palace. Neither spoke a word throughout the journey.

It was not until they arrived at Blackmoor Estate, when the carriage halted before Moonview Pavilion, that Sally could no longer contain herself. "My lady, what did His Majesty say to you?" "Do you dare ask about the king's words? Have you no care for your life?" Selena replied with a faint smile as she walked toward the courtyard. "But you used to tell me," Sally persisted softly, following close behind. "At least, what was not too secret.

You never kept everything from me." Knowing her brother would be waiting, Selena did not intend to withhold her thoughts, only to delay them so she wouldn't have to explain twice. As expected, she found Sebastian sitting in the ---- side parlor when she entered, clearly restless with impatience. "Lena, what did His Majesty say to you?" he asked, his expression betraying deep concern. Her solitary venture into the stone forest, riding across such a distance to rescue Frederick, had already become the subject of fervent rumor. Wilfred would assuredly have heard much of it. "Did he ask...

about you and Prince Frederick?" Sebastian's voice faltered. He had long wanted to know, but had restrained himself, fearing to wound her feelings. Yet now, the moment allowed for no more silence. "Lena, be honest and tell me, what is truly in your heart? When you wanted me to volunteer to go to Hartshire, was it truly for Prince Frederick's sake? Do you... still love him?" he asked.