Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 72 When they boarded the carriage , Sebastian's expression was indeed grave . Selena smiled and sought to reassure him , saying , " Seb , you need not worry . The technique Mr. Jensen taught you seems quite effective to me . Don't you think so ? " Sebastian looked down at his right hand and shook his head with a sigh . " The technique is sound and should be able to counter Mr. Walsh . But I saw him the other night - he is a giant of a man , with strength to rival ten . I fear that a single blow from him might send my spear flying . " " But Mr.

Jensen's technique ensures your spear will never meet Mr. Walsh's head - on . That way, he won't have a chance to knock it from your grasp , " Selena pointed out . " You understand the intricacies of the technique that well ? " Sebastian asked , astonished . Selena smiled . " I have studied the moves of every school and guild , and can recite volumes on martial arts forms by heart . I can read the essence of a technique at a glance . " Sebastian was genuinely amazed . His sister was a marvel ; there was nothing she couldn't do .

If she trained in combat , she would surely be among the finest of warriors . Unfortunately , she was delicate and frail . She looked like a strong breeze might topple her , and hardly seemed suited for the martial arts path . Sebastian blamed himself . As her older brother , and now with his own strength diminished , he could no longer protect her as he once had . " Lena , don't worry . I'll protect you , even if it costs me my life . " " I've never worried , Seb . And you don't have to risk your life for me . I can protect myself .

" Even though she said that , Sebastian still looked disheartened . " When I saw you wielding the Demon Lord's spear that day- " Sebastian looked at her in surprise . " The Demon Lord ? " Selena blinked , then quickly corrected herself , " I mean the Obsidian Monarch . That day , when you wielded his spear , your strikes were fierce and sure . It didn't seem likely the weapon could slip from your grasp . Are the spears at Obsidian Estate lighter than our own at home ? If so , I could have our spears filed down at once to reduce their weight . Would that help ?

" " It isn't a matter of weight . Prince Nathaniel's spear ... " Sebastian hesitated , searching for the right words . There was something almost uncanny about that weapon . The moment it was in his hand , it felt as though it had become part of him , with no fear of it slipping away . Nathaniel's residence was filled with weapons of legend , yet the duskgold and silver spear stood apart from them all . Whether it was truly forged from the elusive duskgold or pure silver , Sebastian couldn't say .

At first , it gleamed with a bright , silvery shine , only to deepen into a rich , black luster as the light shifted . In sunlight , it seemed to hold several hues at once . Sebastian had never beheld such a remarkable weapon . Even now , there was a spark in his eyes when he spoke of it . As Sebastian drew a deep breath , the weary air about him seemed to lift . " Enough of this . I shall make certain to keep my grip firm and not let the spear fly from my hands again . " 1/2 Chapter 72 +25 BONUS He even managed to reassure his sister , adding , " Lena , don't worry and trust me .

I'll defeat Mr. Walsh . " Selena didn't call out the pretense of his brave front . She only smiled and said nothing more . The martial arts tournament was being held within the palace grounds , at Grand Harmony Square . By the time Selena and Sebastian arrived , the vast expanse was already crowded with royal princes , noblemen , and their families . Men and women alike had come from every great household , filling the square with a tide of people . Sally couldn't keep from marveling , " I've been to the palace many times , but have never seen such a grand spectacle .

" In the past , foreign envoys and honored guests had been received with ceremony , but never on a scale such as this . The king had invited not only high - ranking ministers and nobility , but also representatives from the most prominent families in the capital . Looking at the sea of faces stretching as far as the eye could see , Selena's heart grew heavy . If Sebastian were to lose this battle in front of so many people , the rumors of his ruined body would be confirmed . Then , he would no longer have the standing to command the Campbell Regiment . Was that the king's intention ?