Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 238 Selena had indeed been injured, though only slightly. When she swung down from her mount and hoisted the black bear onto her shoulders, the men around her froze in disbelief. The young lady looked delicate and fragile, yet her movements were agile and powerful "Your Majesty, the Duke of Blackmoor's household has completed the task. The beast you designated has been brought back!" Selena announced as she dropped to one knee. There was no trace of feminine delicacy in her posture or movements. Every gesture carried the air of a seasoned commander.

Wilfred couldn't conceal his astonishment, and Andrew's emotions were equally complex. After a brief moment of surprise, Adelaide immediately smiled and said, "Excellent! Truly excellent! You're indeed a heroine among women, Lena! The Duke of Blackmoor's household has no weak women. Lara Smith's daughter is certainly a remarkable woman of strength and courage!" Wilfred paused, then smiled at last. "Very well. Andrew, go confirm whether that is the designated black bear." ---- "Yes, Your Majesty," Andrew replied, moving quickly but cautiously toward the beast.

Sebastian and Qiana hurried over and turned the black bear on its side. "This is the one! Your Majesty, it is indeed the correct black bear! " Andrew exclaimed. Wilfred nodded in approval "Today's hunting contest has been won by the team from the Duke of Blackmoor's household!" Andrew announced loudly. Around them, besides the people of the Duke of Blackmoor's household and Adelaide, no one else dared to applaud. However, the deathly silence lasted only a moment. Then, regardless of their personal feelings, everyone began clapping and cheering.

No one could believe that it was the Duke of Blackmoor's household who had won the Autumn Hunt. This was their first time competing under their own banner, and they had performed so brilliantly. Some were incredulous, others unwilling to accept it, and still others begrudgingly impressed. A mix of awe, disbelief, and admiration swept through the onlookers. ---- "Your Majesty, Prince Nathaniel has returned as well." Before long, the observers saw Nathaniel's team members emerge, several black bears secured on their mounts. Of course, none were the black bear Wilfred had designated.

Aside from Nathaniel, who was likewise dust-streaked and bloodied, the others emerged relatively unscathed. "Nate, are you hurt?" Adelaide asked immediately. Nathaniel approached and inclined his head respectfully toward Wilfred and Ruth, then replied, "Only minor scratches. Nothing of consequence, Your Majesty. Please don't worry." Adelaide nodded, then turned to the king with a smile. "Look at Nate's build. He's so strong and commanding. He truly has the bearing of a general, just as you did in your prime." Wilfred also smiled, looking at his son with evident pride in his eyes.

But when his gaze fell upon the mask covering his face, he couldn't help but let out a silent, faint sigh. He waved his hand, dismissing Nathaniel and his team so they could go and rest. One by one, the remaining teams began to return. Ruth grew increasingly anxious. Why hadn't Frederick's team appeared yet? Even if they hadn't secured the designated prey, they should have returned by now. Delaying the schedule was far more serious than failing to catch the prey. ---- "Your Majesty, could there be danger in the hunting grounds?

What if Fred-" "Please rest assured, Lady Ruth," Adelaide said with a light smile. "Though there are black bears and other wild beasts in the hunting grounds, they are all solitary creatures. Frederick is such a formidable expert, so there's absolutely no threat to him. Most likely, he is lingering inside in frustration because he hasn't captured the designated prey, not realizing that Lena has already brought it back." Ruth's face darkened immediately. "What do you mean, Your Majesty? Are you implying that Fred is inferior to a mere girl?"