Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 271 Nathaniel remained silent. Mira opened her mouth to speak again, but Liam cut in, "Ms. Talmar, His Highness will consider this matter in due course. If there is nothing else, | suggest you leave for now." Mira's brow furrowed sharply. "Your Highness, we have not finished our discussion." Liam, who could see the impatience in Nathaniel's posture, added, "Ms. Talmar, the six clans across the five continents pose no immediate threat, so long as they do not rebel." "That is incorrect, Mr. Jensen," Mira replied firmly.

She had come with a purpose today, and wouldn't leave without Nathaniel's commitment. To do so would render the journey pointless. She was a busy woman, after all. If it weren't for the fact that the man before her was the Obsidian Monarch, she wouldn't have wasted so much time. "Since my father fell in battle, the six clans have descended into chaos. No true leader has emerged," she continued, her voice steady. "If someone of strength were to consolidate them now, it would be far easier than at any later date." This was the best moment, and perhaps the only moment.

---- "The six clans were loyal to my father, but such loyalty fades over time. Your Highness-" Nathaniel shot her a cold look. "In this world, loyalty born without shared battle is no loyalty at all." He leaned forward slightly, expression unreadable. "The six clans only worked with your father out of shared interest. Their so-called loyalty existed because it served them. In the future, whether they remain loyal or turn elsewhere, it will always be for the same reason, which is self-interest." Just moments ago, he'd thought this woman was different. He even thought she was refreshing.

Now, it seemed she was merely overconfident, another arrogant fool who thought too highly of herself. Her words might have sounded clever at first, but the more he listened, the more they felt like phrases copied straight out of a book. The logic was sound, but the one preaching it clearly didn't understand it. Nathaniel rose abruptly. "See her out." He turned and left through the rear of the hall, leaving Mira staring after him, bewildered. She couldn't understand. Her argument was well-reasoned, logical, and clear. Every other person would have nodded in agreement.

Yet, he remained ---- unconvinced Why couldn't she sway him? "Your Highness!" Mira sprang to her feet, her eyes fixed on Nathaniel's retreating form. Her voice was urgent, almost desperate. "If you join forces with me, | will be your greatest asset. But if you refuse and | fall into the hands of another, | will be the gravest threat you have ever faced in your life." Liam's heart skipped a beat. This woman really was unbelievably full of herself. Nathaniel was already gone. He hadn't bothered to stay to hear another word. Mira moved to follow after him.

"Your Highness, | refuse to work with anyone else because I've fallen for you. I" But he was already gone. Liam stepped forward and intercepted her. "Ms. Talmar, His Highness requires rest. Please leave." Mira squeezed her eyes shut, a mixture of frustration and indignation flooding her. She couldn't believe that even the Obsidian Monarch could be so stubborn and foolish. "You should advise your prince. | hold the command emblem of the six clans. Should he refuse to cooperate, he will regret it. I'll ---- give him three days," she said.

Then, with the grace of a woman entirely in control, she walked away. Nathaniel would soon learn that she was unlike any other woman. Once she left, she wouldn't return to grovel at his feet. Three days was an allowance, granted only because of his strength, excellence, and the extra regard she had afforded him. After that, he wouldn't have a chance to gain the command emblem at all! After Mira left, Liam rapped lightly on Nathaniel's door. "Your Highness, | must admit that Ms. Talmar may have a point.

If the command emblem were to fall into the hands of another prince, it could indeed pose a threat to you."