Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 222 Cloud and Liam immediately scurried in, plopping down on the low stools. They grabbed the meat Qiana handed them, mumbled a quick "thanks", and began chomping away without another word of courtesy. Sebastian nearly fainted on the spot. If Yuvan hadn't steadied him ona stool, he probably would have collapsed face-first. His helpless gaze finally landed on his sister. "Lena..." What was this even supposed to be? A social gathering between the Duke of Blackmoor's household and Nathaniel's? Just eating and drinking together? Selena looked utterly exasperated.

"They just won't leave me alone. What do you want me to do?" When she moved to sit beside Qiana, Nathaniel quickly called out, "Lena, come sit with me. Let's talk." Selena didn't even glance at him and sat down by her aunt instead. Qiana laughed heartily. "Lena, Natie wants you to go over. You young people are far more lively together. You don't need to sit with me." ---- "Aunt Qiana, he's the same age as you. Why are you calling him that, like he's a little child? He's not," Selena replied He was tall, broad, and strong like a bull.

Nathaniel immediately protested, "I'm still the younger one here!" Qiana waved a hand. "Exactly. Being the younger one means he's still a little thing, just like you." Selena snorted and said nothing. She poured wine for her three relatives, only to have an empty glass placed in front of her. She glared. "Can't you use your own hands?" Nathaniel smiled faintly. "| want the wine you pour." Selena almost rolled her eyes.

"I'm not bothering with you." Cloud hurriedly shoved more meat into his mouth, wiped his hands, picked up another wine bottle, and mumbled, "Y-your Highness, I'll-" "Oh, don't talk while you eat! You'll get the food dirty!" Sally said in mock disgust. "Mm! S-sorry!" The whole family seemed perfectly at ease together. However, could this really be called a family? But they were so lively, ---- relaxed, and completely at ease with each other. How could they not look like a family? Selena's aunts and cousin-in-law were ridiculously friendly to Nathaniel!

Frederick suddenly realized that he was the odd one out. So many people were here, sitting together, eating and drinking, while he... was still standing. Finally, someone remembered there was one more person present. Sebastian nearly choked on the roast meat in his mouth as he said, "Prince Frederick, you haven't gone back yet?" Sebastian hadn't even noticed Frederick. He was stunned when he saw the Obsidian Monarch walk in, casually eating as he went. Then, he watched Nathaniel sit and eat together with everyone else.

His eyes were glued to that Demon Lord, paying no attention to anyone else. It took him a while to remember there was another person present. But honestly, Sebastian was the only one. Nobody else even wanted to glance at Frederick. Aurora, Yvette, and Qiana couldn't stand him. Everyone knew about him and Freya. He had abandoned Selena for a reckless bandit's daughter. Just looking at him was disgusting. And yet he had the audacity to expect them to offer him their roasted meat? What nerve!

---- If it weren't for his royal status bringing potential trouble, Qiana probably would have picked up a broom and swept him straight out. It seemed that besides Sebastian, there really was no one welcoming Frederick here. In fact, Sebastian wasn't exactly welcoming himself either. Still, he was at least mindful of social graces. Even if he didn't want to, he could only grit his teeth and say, " Prince Frederick, would you like to join us?"