Lahat ng Kabanata ng Provoking a Graceful Bloom: Kabanata 101 - Kabanata 110

That day at the lodge, Selena had clearly seen that Elias and Nathaniel were old friends. Their conversation bore no restraint, and they moved with the ease of men who had known each other for many years.But now, Nathaniel couldn't even summon a smile when talking about the other man.She tended to his wound, using strong spirits as a disinfectant. When the alcohol-soaked cloth pressed against the cut, it felt as though a knife was carving deeper into the wound."So, even you feel pain, Your Highness," Selena remarked, glancing at him.Though her words sounded reproachful, her hands moved with deliberate gentleness."I'm not a corpse," he said, frowning, yet not a sound of complaint escaped him. "Tell me, is that concern I see in your eyes?"Selena couldn't deny that she felt some worry for him. After all, this was far from the only wound he bore. His body was marred with scars of every size and depth. There were cuts from blades, slices from swords, and even wounds from arrows.

Sally stood frozen for a long moment.Of course she knew who the Demon Lord was, but did Selena truly want to marry him? Setting aside the fact that the Obsidian Monarch's masked visage could be frightening, he did seem to treat Selena rather well. During the martial arts exhibition, Sally had seen with her own eyes how he genuinely helped Selena.And yet..."My lady, the Obsidian Monarch... is far too complicated. He may not be suitable for you," Sally ventured carefully.What she really wished to say was that royal affairs were far too tangled, and that it would be best for Selena to avoid entanglements with any of the royal men if possible.Moreover, the recent matter with Frederick had made one thing clear—marrying a prince or nobleman meant Selena would never be the only woman in the man's household. In time, she would have to share her husband with other women.And Sally was sure such a fate would be utterly intolerable for her mistress."When you were very young, you and

Though Selena's words were harsh, Sebastian could no longer afford to remain so naive. The Duke of Blackmoor's family now stood in a precarious position. One misstep, and all would be lost.As expected, Sebastian fell silent, his expression dark and troubled. A cunning woman, Ruth was indeed using the schemes of the harem against him."Lena, I can't marry. Once I do, I—"He couldn't finish the sentence.At the martial arts exhibition, Selena's careful arrangements had secured a brilliant victory for the Duke of Blackmoor's household. Even the doubts voiced by outsiders about Sebastian had diminished considerably.But if he got married, the secret of his body would be immediately exposed. Ruth would surely seize upon it and turn it into a scandal, with the ultimate goal of claiming the Campbell Regiment."Don't fret, Seb. I'll find a way. In the meantime, if you prefer not to leave the estate, study the current situation at the Southern Frontier," Selena said with a gentle smile.

"I wish for you to wed Fred in a grand union," Ruth began, her voice measured and calm. "As for General Campbell, the bride I arrange for him shall naturally be accomplished, wise, and entirely devoted to supporting him as a virtuous wife."Before Selena could respond, Ruth continued, "Of course, should you refuse to reconcile with Fred, then General Campbell's bride may very well be arrogant and overbearing. One can't say what havoc she might wreak, or whether she might expose his secrets for all to know."And though your family enjoys peace now, should this new bride make a scene, even the most formidable dukes may find themselves unable to restrain her. Lena, I speak only hypothetically."Ruth smiled, seeming kind and gentle as she added, "Lena, what do we women truly seek in this life? Is it not a husband of power, a man capable of bringing us honor, wealth, and a life of comfort?"Fred may have erred, but you and I both know he is merely misled for the moment. He once adored y

Lilia had dropped by Blackmoor Estate, and by the most unfortunate coincidence, she ran straight into Sebastian as he was about to depart. For the princess, seeing her enemy in such proximity was enough to ignite her fury.Without saying a single word, she lashed her whip straight at him.By the time Selena arrived, the two had already come to blows. Yet, it was clear that only Lilia was striking, while Sebastian was entirely on the defensive, not returning a single move.Selena hurried forward to intervene, pleading, "Your Highness, let us talk this through."Today, Lilia wielded an ordinary whip. Though it looked costly, it paled in comparison to her previous fiery weapon. Just as she raised the whip for another strike, she caught sight of Selena running toward them.Startled, the princess recoiled, fearing the whip's momentum might harm Selena. Yet, the hatred in her eyes for Sebastian remained unabated."There will be no peace between me and this man. There is nothing to disc