Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 230 Selena didn't know how long it took her to calm herself completely. When she finally looked down, Nathaniel's mask lay on the floor, quiet and still. She picked it up, turning it over in her hands, studying it carefully. Her gaze gradually darkened What of the disfigurement he had supposedly suffered? His face was utterly flawless; there wasn't a single mark on it. So, what about the story of him being trapped at the Northern Frontier and having his face ruined? How had such a tale even spread?

For years, that rumor had shaped her feelings toward the Obsidian Monarch-fear mingled with guilt. And yet, not only had his face not been marred, it was far more striking than she had ever imagined. Yes, it was striking... and terrifyingly perfect Who could compare to a face like that in all of Aurensia? It was more flawless than any woman's. But all these years, he had hidden it behind a mask and claimed his face was ruined. What did the Demon Lord intend with all this?

Now that she had glimpsed his true face, would he turn around and use it as an excuse to make her answer for what had ---- happened? Instinctively, Selena's gaze dropped to her chest, where her clothing was still hopelessly disheveled. Her face flushed crimson in an instant, a rush of heat she couldn't quite control. Outrageous! In all seventeen years of her life, she had never been so reckless! How could she have allowed herself to be so captivated by a man's beauty? To see his face, to smell his scent, and have her mind go utterly hazy? When had she grown so lustful?

That night, Selena finally slept soundly, and rose early the next morning. The annual Autumn Hunt was underway, and the rules for the second competition differed from the first. Wilfred was set to announce the new rules today. After all, the matter concerned the Dragon Sentinels' emblem, making the assessments particularly significant. Ten teams had advanced to this state. Besides Nathaniel and Frederick's teams, Selena, Theodore, and Zachary's teams were also present. Even Elias' team had made it. This year was different. Last year, neither Selena's nor Elias' team had competed.

Also, there was a new contender this year- Edward's team. ---- Sally had been waiting outside Selena's tent since early morning. When she emerged, Sally's face flushed, and she instinctively lowered her gaze. Selena's own cheeks warmed at the sight. "You-" "| saw nothing, and | heard nothing! |... | just happened to see him leave in a rather... disheveled state!" Sally stammered, her face deepening in color. "And did you see his...?" "| did!" Sally admitted, cheeks flushing even further, though this time it was unmistakably from embarrassment. A heavy weight settled in Selena's chest.

That wretched man! Did he not know better than to expose himself so recklessly? Though Sally had grown up alongside her and they were as close as sisters, Selena couldn't help but feel a flare of irritation that she had seen him in such a state. "Lreally can't believe it," Sally murmured, a mixture of curiosity and unease in her voice. "My lady, why would he do that? Why has he become like this?" Selena's eyes darkened. "You have the nerve to ask? How shameless of you." "I-I'm not shameless! He was the one who took off his mask!" ---- Selena blinked, then turned to look at Sally.

"When you say you saw it, did you mean his face?" Not the other more... indiscreet part of his body?