Lahat ng Kabanata ng Provoking a Graceful Bloom: Kabanata 321 - Kabanata 330

"Why start capturing them now?" Liam asked, genuinely puzzled.Eric and the Royal Army had not yet arrived. Weren't they supposed to wait for them before making a move?"If there are truly two hundred men inside, the twenty or so of us could never take them, not unless we kill them all. I didn't ask for General Warren to bring men for a full-scale assault," Selena explained.The place was filled with explosives. A siege would be suicide."Don't question me. We will speak after we catch them. That young man over there—""My name is Seth Nolan, Lady Campbell," the youth interjected quickly."Very well, Seth. When General Warren's men arrive, you must tell him that no one is to act without my signal. Liam, take ten men and follow me," Selena instructed.She moved first, stepping onto the sheer cliffside and making her way across with steady precision. Her mastery of Lightfoot Skill was remarkable.Liam glanced back at the man behind him. "Select the nine with the finest Lightfoot

Several black-robed men lay on the ground, sprawled in disarray. It was obvious they had been knocked unconscious by the figure standing in front of them."Your Highness!" Liam exclaimed, hurrying forward. "These men...""They are merely gunpowder craftsmen, brought here to work. Take them away for questioning. There is no need to harm them," Nathaniel said calmly.His gaze swept briefly over Selena's face before he stepped out. Turning to Ronan, he said in a low voice, "This is the only place with explosives. Send in our men and bring everyone back."In other words, guarding this area was enough to ensure safety. The rest could be apprehended by force if necessary.Ronan saluted sharply. "Understood!"He turned and charged out immediately. Not long after, he returned with their men in tow. The bandits who had been resting in the cave were completely caught off guard, and were swiftly rounded up by the Obsidian Estate troops and the Royal Army.Selena's heart was still pounding,

"I... I am simply too shocked," Nathaniel admitted.Curiosity was natural in any person, especially when the matter at hand was of such grave importance. Yet, Selena truly wouldn't investigate. Nathaniel trusted her completely. If she said she wouldn't pursue it, then she wouldn't. And that, in itself, was almost inconceivable. Most people couldn't act so resolutely."Would you ever harm the kingdom or its people?" Selena asked suddenly.Nathaniel shook his head. Sweat had begun to form at his temples, and his face was paling. The medicine was taking effect. His body burned with a feverish heat, as if he were a living flame. But he endured it, clutching Selena's hand with a grip that wouldn't loosen, his gaze fixed entirely on her."Since you wouldn't harm the people, then I shall not pry. I will give you time to resolve this matter yourself," Selena said, holding his large hand in hers and smiling. "I should have let you eat a few bites of stew first. Now, I fear you will likely d

"I have come to see my prince—""What nonsense is this, Mr. York? If you wish to see your prince, you should return to Obsidian Estate. There is no such person here," Sally interrupted him, winking. "If you are thirsty, why not rest for a moment in the side hall? I shall have someone brew tea for you."Cloud scratched his head, looking helpless. "Ah... very well, my thanks, Ms. Mauve. His Highness only tasked me with passing a few words to Lady Campbell. It is of no great importance, and it will do just as well if you relay them.""Very well. Please come in, Mr. York."In the side hall, Sally prepared a pot of tea for Cloud. He took the cup but didn't drink immediately.He studied his surroundings carefully before asking, "Ms. Mauve, may I speak freely now?""By all means," she said, now that they were safely inside Moonview Pavilion. Outside, she would never have dared to utter a word without caution."Is Blackmoor Estate... not truly safe either?" Cloud asked cautiously.He k

Selena had never encountered such a shameless man before; he was supposed to be a strong, steadfast general.Sally soon brought some warm broth and a few slices of bread, but Nathaniel merely gazed at Selena, claiming he had no strength to eat. Selena sighed and dismissed Sally, then lifted the bowl herself, feeding him spoonful by spoonful."Do you still feel unwell?" she asked."You feeding me makes it bearable," he murmured hoarsely, the strain evident in his voice.It was no wonder. Not only had he been poisoned, he also had it purged so swiftly and forced to awaken. Most men would have been overwhelmed.Selena kept carefully feeding him spoonfuls of the broth. His lips were cracked and bleeding in places, a clear sign of severe dehydration. He had already been given water, but the symptoms wouldn't vanish immediately. Her chest tightened with worry."I've sent for my brother. Perhaps you shouldn't return yet and wait for Mr. Yarrow to come to Blackmoor Estate instead.""Are