Lahat ng Kabanata ng Provoking a Graceful Bloom: Kabanata 171 - Kabanata 180

In all of Aurensia, there had never been a precedent for an unmarried woman to become a general. In fact, Selena's mother had not been the kingdom's only female general. But almost all of them had been wives first, following their husbands to the battlefield. Only after fighting alongside their husbands and earning distinction together did they gain recognition as generals themselves.Even then, society addressed them by their married name, not by their rank. Only among the soldiers would the women be called "General".However, Selena was different. As an unmarried woman, she sought to be a general in her own right, not by association or marriage, but as a title and rank she could claim for herself."Lena, do you understand what this entails? Once you become a general, you will be required to go to battles. Otherwise, the title will be hollow, a dishonor to the crown," Wilfred said, his expression darkening."Lady Campbell, you must consider this most carefully. Generals are seld

"Yes, I did it on purpose. The more people talk about me riding a thousand miles to save my beloved, the more Prince Frederick's image will crumble," Selena said.She gave her brother a playful wink, mischief sparkling in her eyes. "A Warbringer, commanding over ten thousand soldiers to quell an uprising, yet unable to handle a mere few thousand bandits without a woman coming to his rescue. Do you think he still has the nerve to call himself Aurensia's Warbringer?"Sebastian paused, and for the first time, felt a flash of astonishment at the cleverness behind her plan."For now, everyone is still in awe of your daring rescue. In a few days, once they've calmed down and realized the truth, they'll see their Warbringer isn't quite what he claims to be," he said.Sally suddenly clapped her hands and jumped up, practically bouncing with excitement. "The more exaggerated the tale becomes, the more Prince Frederick's reputation suffers. And when you make it clear that you want nothing to

Nathaniel didn't react at all. He simply lowered his gaze, studying the fire in her eyes.Selena's face flushed red in anger. "Even if you are a prince of the highest rank, you have no right—""Do you truly care for him so much?" he cut in suddenly, out of nowhere.Selena furrowed her brows, caught off guard. "Care for whom?""The entire city has been set aflame by your daring rescue. They say that your devotion to Prince Frederick could move heaven and earth."He sounded angry, his words cold and cutting as ice.Selena paused, weighing her options. If she didn't admit it, the Demon Lord might continue to pester her. But if she pretended to confess, would he take the hint and back off?No, she didn't know him well enough to rely on that. If she confessed, he would erupt in a fury beyond control, or perhaps even act recklessly."I don't love him, Your Highness," Selena said calmly. "I went to save him for my own sake."Nathaniel's eyes remained locked on her, glinting with an u

As Nathaniel's body shifted downward, the pressure pressed against Selena became all too real, and her face flushed hot with fury."You scoundrel! If you don't rise at once, I won't hold back!" she snapped.From above came Nathaniel's sigh, equal parts exasperation and restraint. At last, he released her. Selena scrambled away, retreating a good distance before she spun around to glare at him."Your Highness, you may be a prince, but the women of my family are not yours to trifle with. If you dare again—""I didn't mean to trifle with you," Nathaniel cut in, unexpectedly earnest. "I merely lost control for a moment. Forgive me."Selena opened her mouth to scold him further, but his apology seemed sincere enough. Besides, what good would berating him do? Still, she was angry."Lena, let us marry," Nathaniel said abruptly.The fury that had filled her moments before instantly turned to shock."Do you even know what you're saying? Is this some jest to amuse yourself at my expense?

"Whether your household competes in the Autumn Hunt is your concern alone, not mine nor my family's!" Selena said.She pressed herself against the door, wary that he might change his mind and come closer at any moment. Nathaniel cast her a glance, his eyes heavy with an unreadable complexity. He said nothing further and pushed the window open.Just as he prepared to climb out, Selena spoke again, "Each year, the team that wins the laurel at the Autumn Hunt is awarded the Dragon Sentinels' emblem, provided its captain is a prince or a noble."She paused, then continued, her voice steady but grave, "The Dragon Sentinels may not be large in number, but they play a critical role in defending the capital. Whoever holds their emblem commands at least a third of the city's military strength."Apart from the Dragon Sentinels, there were also the Imperial Guards and the Royal Army. Both the latter answered directly to Wilfred, while the Dragon Sentinels were vital to the city's protection a