Lahat ng Kabanata ng Provoking a Graceful Bloom: Kabanata 331 - Kabanata 340

Perhaps even Selena herself didn't expect that she, who had long resolved to avoid any involvement with royal princes, would end up like this with Nathaniel.It was confusing, almost paradoxical. She had no idea how it happened, and yet it already had. But she possessed a quality others lacked—once something had occurred, there was no need to dwell on right or wrong. What mattered now was the path forward."Yuvan says Mr. Yarrow will likely call on us soon. Seb, you must stall him. Tell him that last night, His Highness helped you capture the culprits. After celebrating with a few drinks, he rested in your courtyard and has not yet awakened," Selena instructed calmly.Sebastian hesitated, unease flickering across his face. "But Prince Elias was attacked in the palace. The matter carries grave responsibility. Now that Prince Nathaniel's maternal uncle has been captured, the connection is unusual. Should His Highness not show the deputy chief justice some courtesy?"Selena smiled. "C

"Lord Sebastian, Princess Lilia has woken up, but she's in bad condition. She insists on seeing you," Yuvan hurriedly said.The person he had led in was Damon, who he quickly approached Sebastian. He saluted respectfully, face full of anxiety. "General Campbell, our princess is in very bad shape. She keeps insisting that it was you who saved her, and wants to see you! Please... please help!""Seb, go with them to the palace and see how Princess Lilia is," Selena urged.After being overcome by smoke from the fire, Lilia had remained unconscious for three days. Today, she had finally awakened, but looking at Damon's expression, it was clear that her condition was still worrying.If Selena didn't have pressing matters to attend to, she would have gone along to see what exactly had happened. Damon clearly didn't wish to speak openly, which suggested the situation was probably worse than expected.Sebastian looked at Selena, caught between concern and duty.Nathaniel said, "General Ca

Selena didn't bother responding to Nathaniel. When she left, Cloud escorted her to the front courtyard and couldn't resist explaining on the prince's behalf along the way."Since going to the Northern Frontier, His Highness has hardly had a night of proper sleep. That he can rest so soundly here with you is the truth from his heart, Lady Campbell," he said.Selena shot him an incredulous look. "So, you're saying it's proper for an unmarried girl like me to let a man stay the night?"Cloud quickly bowed his head, saying no more. The explanation was sound, and the prince had spoken from the heart.When Selena reached the hall, Harvey was still waiting quietly. However, as the sky was already dimming, a flicker of hesitation crossed his face."Lady Campbell, shall I have someone come for you tomorrow instead?" he asked.Selena waved him off. "No need. In this capacity, I am the deputy commander of the Dragon Sentinels, not just a noble lady. Visiting the Court of Justice at night is

Pursuit!Jonathan paused for a moment, then looked at Selena with a trace of surprise. This young lady and her choice of words were quite clever!"Last night..." Jonathan glanced at Harvey and smiled. "I received an anonymous letter reporting that some people were secretly making Thundershells. I tracked them to Highcrest Peak and later encountered Nate, who was investigating the matter as well."Leaning back in his chair, Jonathan smiled wider and added, "Mr. Yarrow, I've already shown you that anonymous letter. Whether it's true or false, you can verify it yourself. As for how long you wish to keep me here, I don't mind. Do as you please."He lifted his teacup and sipped leisurely, exuding an air of complete ease. However, Harvey looked at Selena, his expression dark and hard to read.She smiled lightly. "Is there anything else you need to ask, Mr. Yarrow?"She had recounted everything truthfully, holding nothing back. From the attacks on Elias and Lilia, to her asking Qiana to

Harvey finally realized why he felt that vague sense of loss. He had been afraid that Selena might lose herself in her loyalty toward Nathaniel. But now he understood that she would never do that. She would never abandon her own beliefs for anyone, because her heart belonged to the people.A kingdom's foundation was its people. Aurensia could fall into anyone's hands—Fredrick, the Obsidian Monarch, even Zachary, Theodore, or others—and Selena wouldn't care. What mattered to her was whether the one who became king could truly benefit the people. That was genuine neutrality.On the other hand, Harvey claimed he was loyal to Wilfred. Wasn't that also taking sides? He suddenly felt that the past twenty-something years of his life had been lived in vain. He was a man in his twenties, and yet his thinking wasn't even as clear as that of a young lady."Thoroughly investigate who wrote this anonymous letter!" he instructed.Harvey could refuse to align with any faction, but under his watch