Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 87 Elias wanted to challenge someone else? Who did he intend to face? Whispers rippled through the audience. Nathaniel's eyes gleamed from behind his mask, dark and piercing as they fixed on Elias. That damn fool! How dare he act so recklessly? However, Elias deliberately avoided looking at Nathaniel Instead, his gaze settled on where the people of the Duke of Blackmoor's household sat, a calm, confident smile playing on his lips. "General Campbell is known for his exceptional skill. From what | observed just now, he truly lives up to his reputation.

| would like to request a lesson or two. Might the general be so kind as to oblige?" Yet, in that brief moment, his eyes flickered and locked onto Selena. Earlier, Nathaniel had pinned her to the ground, distracting Frederick and securing his defeat. But the young woman may not realize that in all his years, Nathaniel had never allowed any woman to come near him. ---- She was the first and only one. It was interesting indeed.

There was a provocative edge in Elias' eyes as he looked at Selena, as if conveying a silent message 'Wouldn't it be fun to beat your brother with a single move?' Achill ran through Selena's heart. When had they offended Dawnmere's third prince? Why was he set on humiliating them like this? Sebastian was about to rise, but Selena suddenly grasped his wrist, her fingers tightening slightly. Judging by his current state, Sebastian might hold his own against Elias for a single exchange, perhaps even two. But he wouldn't last beyond three moves.

Elias had held back just now, so Selena hadn't seen his full strength. It was completely possible for him to send her brother tumbling from the stage with a single move. Sebastian was the eldest son of the Duke of Blackmoor's household and commander of the Campbell Regiment. If he were defeated in a single move, all the respect and recognition he had just barely regained would be gone in an instant Why was Elias so intent on picking on them? Sebastian frowned. "Lena? Prince Elias is waiting-" ---- "You've already fought one round, Seb. Youre tired.

I'll take this one," Selena said, rising to her feet. Sally's face went pale with alarm. "My lady-" "It's alright. | can handle it," Selena said firmly. She stepped onto the stage. Everyone froze, including Wilfred, Adelaide, Ruth, and Frederick. Selena knew nothing of combat. Why was she going up there at all? Nathaniel's eyes lingered on her slender figure. The fitted training outfit traced every line of her body, revealing curves that were graceful and firm. From every angle, she was a rare beauty, the sort of woman who couldn't be ignored.

Elias looked at her with an amused glint in his eyes. "Lady Campbell, | don't strike helpless young women. Why not let General Campbell take the stage? Are you underestimating me?" "| wouldn't dare. But my brother has already fought once and is weary. | have also trained in our family's spear techniques, and would like to learn a few things from you, Your Highness," Selena replied. She nodded politely and smiled. "Or do you refuse because you ---- underestimate a lady from Aurensia?" Elias' eyes flickered. The young woman had the nerve to challenge him with his own words.

She was certainly clever, though not enough to sway him. He wasn't Nathaniel; he wouldn't fall for her act. "Very well. If you insist so earnestly, then | shall accept your challenge, Lady Campbell." Lilia grew anxious and called out, "Elias! Lena doesn't know martial arts! You're not allowed to bully her!" She then looked at Selena and shouted, "Lena, come down! My brother's skills are terrifying. This is no joke!" Selena glanced at her, surprised that the headstrong princess actually cared for her at such a critical moment. Lilia really did consider her a friend.

She smiled at the princess and gave a small nod before turning back to Elias. "I have trained in the Campbell family's spear techniques, and wish to use them to spar with you today. Do you dare accept my challenge, Your Highness?"