Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 85 "Who does Lady Ruth have in mind as Prince Frederick's bride?" Sebastian's heart tightened with unease. "Lena, it can't be... could Lady Ruth still be targeting you?" Suddenly, realization struck him. Ruth had never given up on trying to gain control of the Campbell Regiment. No matter what had happened in the past, once Wilfred granted the marriage, all old misunderstandings would be water under the bridge. But Selena and Frederick were already deeply at odds. How could they possibly wed? With Selena's nature, she would never find peace in her life if she married Frederick.

"W-what are we going to do, my lady?" Sally whispered. Frederick couldn't be allowed to win! If he won, he could use Wilfred's earlier promise of a marriage edict to demand to marry Selena. If he did, the king wouldn't be able to refuse. And then Selena would be bound to Frederick, whether she wished it or not. It seemed that Ruth and Frederick would stop at nothing to seize the Campbell Regiment. ---- What could they do? If Frederick truly won, both Selena and the Duke of Blackmoor's household would be lost forever. Meanwhile, the two men on stage remained evenly matched.

There was no doubt that Elias was formidable, but Frederick's title as Warbringer was well-earned. Over the years, he had often received what seemed like "accidental guidance" from Selena while training, so his martial arts skills were far from ordinary. Selena knew just how powerful he truly was! When masters clashed, victory was never easy to claim. If the fight continued like this, it would come down to whoever made the first mistake. But what if the one who slipped up was Elias? Selena suddenly stood, causing Sebastian and Sally to look at her in surprise.

"Lena..." "Seb, you haven't properly thanked the Obsidian Monarch for the duskgold spear he gave you earlier." Pouring two glasses of wine, Selena gave her brother a pointed look. "You owe much of your victory to the Obsidian Monarch. If you don't thank him now, it will seem insincere later." With that, she took her glass and moved toward where Nathaniel was seated. ---- Sebastian was already on edge from watching the duel. Was this really the time to offer thanks? But Selena had already set off, and there was no way he could let her approach Nathaniel alone. It would look improper.

People might start spreading rumors, claiming she was trying to seduce the fourth prince. After a moment of hesitation, Sebastian quickly took up his own glass and followed. By the time he caught up to his sister, she was already standing in front of Nathaniel, glass in hand. "Your generosity in gifting us such a formidable weapon has aided the Duke of Blackmoor's household greatly. This toast from me is in your honor, Your Highness," she said. Nathaniel regarded the glass in her hand, amusement flickering in his eyes. "So, you've truly decided?

This may very well be your last chance to marry him." Selena froze, a wave of shock washing through her. This formidable man had seen straight into her thoughts. His mind was terrifyingly sharp. For a fleeting moment, she wondered if seeking him out had been a mistake. Then, Nathaniel smiled knowingly. "Remember this, Lena. If you use me now, | will expect repayment in the future." Meanwhile, Sebastian had no idea what they were talking about. ---- Every word made sense on its own, yet strung together, were utterly incomprehensible. No one paid him any attention.

At this moment, Sebastian might as well have been a piece of furniture Nathaniel smiled faintly and lifted his glass, then stepped forward to clink it with Sebastian's. But perhaps because he had too much to drink earlier, his foot caught and he stumbled. His tall frame pitched forward, colliding with Selena.