Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 198 Sebastian said nothing and simply looked at Selena. Whatever decision she made, he would follow without question. Even if it meant the four of them competing, he would have no regrets as long as it was her choice. Selena met Frederick's gaze, a faint smile playing on her lips. " My brother and | hold little influence. How could we ever dare defy you, Your Highness? But our household's entries have already been submitted, and the whole kingdom knows we intend to compete. To back down now would be a public humiliation." Her smile deepened.

"Your Highness, we also have our pride." Frederick's face darkened. Standing behind him without any expression on her face, Mira said, "Women are always eager to show off in front of men. But without true skill, it's nothing but a clownish farce. Lady Campbell, your talent and grace already set you apart from the rest. You're extraordinary in any man's eyes, so why stoop to such a cheap display?" Hearing that, Frederick glanced at Selena and softened slightly. " Lena, to make a public fool of yourself would surely harm your reputation. You need not risk it.

Truly, you already-" ---- Her tone sharp, Selena interrupted, "Do you believe that every woman at the Autumn Hunt competes only to show off for men? What of you, then? Are you not a woman?" "I'm not like the rest of you," Mira said, her voice grave and resolute. "| have never considered myself a woman." "Then, in your eyes, is a woman worthless? Only a man possesses value?" "Your Highness, if there is nothing further, my brother and | will take our leave." Selena turned and strode away, leaving no room for argument. Sebastian gave Mira a brief glance before he followed his sister.

As they departed, their murmured conversation drifted back. "She's a woman, yet she looks down on that very identity as if it were beneath her. Without women, where would men even be?" "It's just showing off, nothing more. Seb, don't waste your temper on her. She's nothing but a pretentious fool." A soft chuckle followed. Though their voices were low, they hadn't bothered to restrain them, so every word carried clearly to those nearby. ---- Frederick's expression darkened, then he glanced at Mira. "Pay them no mind. Focus on the competition." Mira's expression didn't change.

"It's nothing more than petty drama between women. I've never cared for such things." But within her sleeve, her palm clenched tight, though no one could see it. Frederick felt a subtle stir in his chest. Her words sounded oddly familiar, but when he looked again, Mira was already studying the field ahead with intense focus, analyzing every detail. Whatever small disturbance had just occurred seemed nonexistent to her. She was different from Freya, who cared only about showing herself as exceptional. Mira genuinely didn't care at all.

By now, Frederick had seen through Freya's two-faced nature all too clearly. But Mira truly felt like a breath of fresh air to him. What he didn't realize was that while he turned back to study the archery grounds with the same intensity as her, Mira's gaze had already shifted and settled on him instead Fool. Such a fool of a man. So easy to deceive that it was. practically effortless. Suddenly, a figure caught her eye. ---- In her sight, the man sat tall atop his horse, holding something in his hand, yet not touching the reins.

The horse, obviously wild and untamed by nature, was inexplicably obedient beneath him, docile as a lamb. The man's tall form caught the early sunlight, and beneath his cold, impassive mask, his narrowed eyes gleamed with a sharp, predatory light.