Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 180 Two days passed. Tomorrow was the day of the Autumn Hunt, and a tense air hung over every estate. The news William delivered cast an even colder shadow over the already somber Hawthome Estate. "Are you certain the Duke of Blackmoor's household intends to compete independently?" Frederick asked The prince's complexion had improved somewhat after a few days of rest. This morning, he had risen early to attend to his affairs and had even prepared gifts with William, intending to personally deliver them to Blackmoor Estate as a token of thanks.

Of course, he also had another motive. He still hoped to win Sebastian over. After all, Freya had been nothing but a disappointment to him lately. However, William's information put him in a dilemma. "When did this happen?" Frederick asked, his fingers tightening slightly around his pen. "The petition was submitted the night before last. Yesterday, Mr. Smith presented it to His Majesty. After considerable deliberation, he has consented." William paused, as though weighing each word carefully.

"Your Highness, what shall we do ---- if the Duke of Blackmoor's household does indeed compete under its own banner?" "Prepare the gifts. | shall head over to the estate myself," Frederick said firmly. An hour later, he arrived at the grand hall of Blackmoor Estate. Sebastian received him personally, but Selena was absent. "Where's Lena?" Frederick inquired. Today, Sebastian could tell at once that the prince's tone was unusually gentle when he spoke of Selena.

He had expected Frederick to be outraged upon hearing that the Duke of Blackmoor's household intended to enter the Autumn Hunt on its own, but there was not a hint of anger in him "Lena has gone to Greymoor Estate," Sebastian replied softly. "Why has she gone there? Those people will hardly treat her kindly," Frederick said with a frown, a note of worry creasing his brow. Sebastian frowned too, though not from worry. Rather, he wondered why the prince's attitude toward Selena seemed to have returned to what it had once been He kept his expression neutral.

"May | ask if there is a particular matter that brings you here today, Your Highness?" ---- Most likely, it concerned the Autumn Hunt tomorrow. However, Sebastian had long resolved that their household would compete under its own banner, and no words from Frederick would alter that decision. Moreover, this was Selena's choice, so it wasn't his to overturn. Unexpectedly, Frederick smiled. "Nothing important. Seeing that my health has improved somewhat, | thought to come by to thank you and Lena in person." "There is no need to trouble yourself, Your Highness.

Lena and | were merely following orders," Sebastian replied. Frederick merely smiled and took a slow sip of his tea, as if intending to continue their conversation at a measured pace. Sebastian glanced at Yuvan before saying, "Go to Greymoor Estate and fetch Lena. Tell her that His Highness awaits her." He had never approved of Selena visiting Greymoor Estate, especially since she hadn't even taken Yuvan with her. Sebastian couldn't rest easy until she returned safely. Frederick seemed to have considered this, glancing at William.

To show my sincerity toward Lena, you will go with Yuvan." "Yes, Your Highness," William replied with a respectful nod, then followed Yuvan out of the room. ---- Sebastian's lips pressed into a thin line, though he gave no outward sign of displeasure. "Your Highness, this is a family matter-" Frederick interrupted, "General Campbell, I've known you for many years, so | don't wish to mince words with you." He let out a faint sigh before continuing, a mixture of melancholy and clarity in his tone, "The fault was mine in the past.

Lena's actions this time truly moved me, and there are things | wish to make clear to her. Whatever decision she ultimately makes, | have sincerely felt the depth of her feelings toward me."