All Chapters of Provoking a Graceful Bloom: Chapter 271 - Chapter 280

Nathaniel replied, "I won't cooperate with her. For one, her strength does not match her arrogance. And two..."Of course, the second reason was the more important one. The way that woman looked at him was with the certainty of someone determined to have what she wanted. Nathaniel would only allow Selena to look at him in that manner.He didn't bother explaining further, and Liam didn't press. If Nathaniel said Mira lacked the strength, then she did. His sharp eyes were enough to judge that, as they were far keener than any other man's.Seeing the prince change into his usual deep-black attire, Liam hurried after him. "Your Highness, where are you going?"Nathaniel had already vaulted onto his horse, ready to ride out.At that moment, Cloud arrived in haste, announcing, "Your Highness, Prince Elias departs for home tomorrow. He wishes to meet with you today before leaving."Nathaniel ignored him. "It's not like he'll die tomorrow, so why should we meet? Just let him be."Cloud w

Lilia's eyes lit up. "I remember now. She was the only woman among Prince Frederick's group at the Autumn Hunt. She was the one who stood on horseback during the drill and shot arrows while flipping herself over."At the time, you even remarked how impressive she was! But later, Lena's performance was so astonishing that you completely forgot about that other woman."Hearing that, Elias' memory snapped into place."Ah, that girl," he murmured.At first, he had been struck by Mira's skill in mounted archery and couldn't help but watch. But after Selena's demonstration, only she seemed unforgettable. Indeed, she had been so dazzling that even the Obsidian Monarch himself had to admit he admired her.Yet...Elias frowned. "She holds the command emblem for the six clans?"So, Henry had already unified the Seven Desert Clans before he died?Elias hummed. "Henry was just a clan head. How could he become the leader of the Seven Desert Clans? The other six clans, not including his own

Long, long ago?"But I've no memory of him from back then," Selena murmured. "He was constantly away leading campaigns in those days, and I later followed my brother to the battlefield. We hardly ever had the chance to meet."So, he'd liked her since long ago? But from where could such affection have arisen?After listening to Selena, Lilia found the situation strange. However, she trusted her instincts completely. Nathaniel's feelings for Selena hadn't just appeared overnight. He must have liked her for a long time."Have you perhaps forgotten something, Lena?" Lilia pressed gently. "Think carefully. Nate must have liked you for many years. He never allows any woman to sit near him, yet he sat next to you willingly."In truth, Lilia was heartbroken. Years ago, she had fallen for Nathaniel at first sight when he rescued her and Elias from danger. The image of that young hero had been etched deeply into her heart ever since.She had loved him for so many years, but wasn't even all

Elias felt as if his last hour had come. Now they were even discussing the betrothal gift. Was this not a sure way to have the Obsidian Monarch strike him down on the spot?He began, "Your Majesties, surely matters of marriage must be formally presented to my king upon our return, before—""That's certainly true," Adelaide interrupted him once more, a faint smile on her lips. "But both parties are present today. His Majesty can draft a formal note to your king clarifying the situation. And with Lena here, you mustn't let go of such an opportunity."Elias' face bore a strained smile, but his heart wept in despair. Had Adelaide resolved to force this so-called 'happy union' to fruition today? Meanwhile, Selena remained silent, her gaze fixed on him with the calm detachment of someone watching a performance. Was she truly not anxious?The Dawnmerian prince's panic only deepened. He tried desperately to send her pleading glances, but she merely smiled faintly, even throwing him a teasi

Lilia's words from earlier clung to Selena's mind, circling endlessly."Nate must have liked you before, a long, long time ago!"A long time ago?She had never lost her memory, but if there was something she might not quite remember, it was only one thing—the fire nine years ago. After she was rescued, she had been sick for a long time. They said she had been in a daze for nearly half a month.Nathaniel was looking at her now, his gaze sharp and unwavering. For a moment, it was as if she could see the Obsidian Monarch from that night, looking so pitiful as he had said, "Lena, I feel wronged."His expression was genuine, brimming with injustice. However, it was meant only for her eyes. When his gaze met Wilfred's again, Nathaniel's eyes were calm, showing no hint of emotion."Nine years ago, Lord Gideon accompanied you on the trip to Rivensouth. All of us princes were there, as was Lena," he said evenly.Nine years ago!Everyone finally began to recall something.During that tr