Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 237 The dagger was called Skyvault. It was an ancient weapon, said to carry its own chilling power. Selena couldn't resist testing it. With a swift flick of her wrist, a stone not far off split sharply at the comer, as if cleaved by the blade itself. That was solid rock! And she hadn't even used her inner energy. So, the legend that Skyvault possessed its own inner energy was true. "What-" Nathaniel saw through her thoughts in an instant and snorted. " Once a blade has been given, there is no reason to take it back.

If you don't wish to keep it, just throw it away." He stepped forward, taking the lead this time. Selena was both startled and delighted. Though a bit uneasy, the dagger was simply too tempting! "Your Highness, there's a chilling aura ahead. Be careful," she warned from behind. Nathaniel smiled faintly. "Were you to call me by name, | might be more cautious." ---- Selena ignored him. But why was there such a chilling presence in the hunting grounds? A rotting, ominous scent hung in the air. Where could it possibly be coming from?

It was past noon, with less than two hours remaining until Wilfred was to personally review the hunting results. Having caught a chill the previous night, he seemed somewhat tired today. Andrew stood by his side and suggested gently, "Your Majesty, this year's assessment is no easy task. The teams may not return so quickly. Why don't you go in and rest for a while?" Based on past experience, some teams should have been trickling back at this hour, which explained the king's early arrival. But currently, the hunting grounds lay calm and empty, with not a single team in sight.

Clearly, this year's challenge was proving exceptionally difficult. Adelaide observed Wilfred's slightly pale face and added, "Your Majesty, perhaps it would be wise to heed Mr. Smith's advice and rest a moment?" On the other hand, Ruth's eyes remained fixated on the entrance to the hunting grounds, her gaze darting anxiously as if waiting ---- for someone to appear. A flicker of curiosity passed through Adelaide's gaze. "Lady Ruth, why so anxious? Are you worried for Frederick's safety?" Ruth's eyes darkened immediately. "Fred is unmatched in skill. Who in the capital could challenge him?

| am not concerned. | merely wish to see which team will return first. Your Majesty, perhaps you should-" "Your Majesty, | think | see something!" Andrew suddenly called out. Though his voice was soft, it still made everyone tense up in an instant. They all waited, breaths held. Even Sally and Yuvan's faces were tense with anticipation. There really was a team returning! The sound of hooves grew clearer by the second. Their pace was astonishingly swift, yet remarkably orderly. Such speed, maintained with such discipline, could only belong to a team of exceptional skill.

Who would emerge first? Everyone couldn't help but stand, craning their necks in anticipation. Finally, through a cloud of dust, someone came speeding toward them at breathtaking speed! "It's Lady Campbell! It's her!" Sally cried, nearly leaping in ---- excitement. She saw Selena leading the charge, a black bear of moderate size strapped to the back of her mount. Yuvan's eyes prickled, a sour ache settling in his chest. Behind Selena were Sebastian and the three ladies. The others' clothes were comparatively clean, with not much dust clinging to them, but Selena was covered in grime.

Her hair was disheveled, and streaks of blood marred her attire. Sally frantically tried to rush forward, but Yuvan held her back firmly. "Don't panic. Our lady is moving with such precision. It doesn't look like she's seriously injured!"