Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 215 "How childish of her!" Frederick muttered. Despite his words, he didn't notice the slight upward curve of his lips as he spoke. He truly hadn't expected Selena to be so headstrong and domineering at times. "So, it seems that the Marquis of Arden's household will gain nothing today," he mused. "That's not all, Your Highness. They've been nearly driven mad as well," William replied, pointing toward the Murray siblings nearby. Chloe still sat on the ground, crying pitifully, while Colin stumbled toward Sebastian.

"General Campbell, this morning's incident was merely a childish outburst. Please spare us. Continuing like this benefits neither your household nor mine," he pleaded, his voice hoarse with desperation. Colin was close to losing his mind. Before the hunt started, he had boasted to his father that their household would claim a top- three spot in the Autumn Hunt. Confidence had once filled him, but now he wasn't even sure they would survive today's contest.

For years, the households of the Marquis of Arden and the ---- Marquis of Fenwick had competed both openly and in secret, each trying to be Wilfred's most favored subject. Should Colin fail to even secure a place in the next round, he would have no standing before his father, nor the ability to hold his head high. "General Campbell, | beg you to consider the greater picture!" Colin implored, his tone desperate. Sebastian scratched the back of his head, a faint smile of helplessness on his lips. "Lord Murray, you must understand that | can't dictate matters in our household.

And truly, there is no" greater picture' to speak of. My sister has declared we shall advance tomorrow." "She is but a woman. What does she understand? Your team has yet to claim a single beast. How can you hope to compete tomorrow?" Colin ground his teeth in frustration. "You're a grown. man. Can't you control the women in your household?" Sebastian broke out in a cold sweat at the words. "You misunderstand, Lord Murray. The ladies of my family run the household. I hold no such authority myself." Laughter erupted immediately from the onlookers.

Qiana and Selena continued munching on their small treats, utterly unbothered. However, Aurora and Yvette were not so indulgent. They merely watched with cold, piercing eyes, their expressions dripping with scorn and quiet ridicule. ---- Colin was truly enraged. Desperation had pushed him to the brink, and he felt as if he could strike anyone in sight "Sebastian, if you continue to press us so relentlessly, don't blame us for getting rough!" Qiana rolled up her sleeves, eager for a brawl. "Want to fight?" Colin braced himself, ready to go all out.

"You think I don't dare?" "Very well," Aurora said, leaping gracefully from her horse. Her gaze was sharp, yet composed. "| shall grant you three strikes After you, my lord!" "How dare you!" Colin vaulted from his horse as well, seizing a longsword from a nearby attendant with a swift motion. With a hiss, he pointed the blade toward Aurora. "You dare overstep! Prepare yourself!" Fights weren't anything new, but a scuffle breaking out on the hunting grounds was certainly unusual. After all, everyone was supposed to be busy hunting.

By the look of the sky, there were about two hours left before sunset. The Marquis of Arden's household had caught nothing, leaving Chloe in tears and Colin nearly frantic. The other team ---- members, hoping to seize the chance to hunt something, were constantly blocked by Selena and Yvette. Every arrow they loosed was expertly knocked aside. Most eyes were on Colin and Aurora as they sparred, but some couldn't look away from Selena. That woman was truly arrogant to the extreme today.