Lahat ng Kabanata ng Provoking a Graceful Bloom: Kabanata 401 - Kabanata 410

From a distance, Selena noticed the medicine jar in Sally's hands and quickly said, "Seb, put me down at once. You'll frighten Sally."Sebastian stood stunned for a moment before finally setting her back on the ground. His excitement still surged through him, too fierce to contain."I ought to think carefully about how to tell Grandpa this news. I— No, I should go to him now. If it pleases him, perhaps his health will improve," he said."Wait." Selena gestured for Sally to come over.Sally hurried to them.Selena reached into the jar and took out a small pill. "Take your medicine first.""I still... need to?" he asked.The reminder struck Sebastian like a bucket of cold water poured straight over his head, immediately draining most of his joy. Even so, he obeyed. He took the pill from his sister, tossed it into his mouth, and swallowed it. After that, he didn't dare look at Selena or Sally.With his head lowered, he softly said, "I'll... I'll go see Grandpa.""Very well," Sele

That night, Sally made her way to Lustre Pavilion.Sebastian was still in Lilia's chambers. The princess had been calmer of late. She seemed to have regained some of her composure, though she still called for him at night. She never needed anything in particular but simply wanted him nearby.So, Sebastian would quietly read in her room. It didn't matter what he read, military strategy or idle stories, as long as he remained at her side.By now, the whole capital knew that he spent every night in the princess' chambers. Word had reached Wilfred as well. For the moment, life at Blackmoor Estate remained peaceful, but who could say when the next storm would rise? Sebastian certainly didn't know.At this point, there was no stopping it or undoing the rumors, and worrying served no purpose. He had resigned himself to letting matters run their course."Your Highness, it's getting late. You should retire for the night," he said to the princess.This was his nightly ritual. Two hours pas

The suffocating weight of Lilia's hold was no joke. Even she could clearly hear how hoarse Sebastian's voice was."Am I really hurting you?" she asked, startled, loosening her hold slightly.She didn't let go completely, instead intertwining her fingers to grip tightly. "I'm holding on with all my strength. If you try to pry me off, you'll break my fingers! I'm using my inner energy. You know I can fight."Her earnestness was so absolute that Sebastian couldn't help but feel a mixture of amusement and disbelief. His chest felt heavy with a complexity of emotion he couldn't name.Finally calming himself, he looked at the princess still perched on his lap, her arms locked around his neck, and sighed. "Your Highness, I know you want to help me. I also know the one you care for is Prince Nathaniel. There's no need for this, Your Highness. Can't we just talk?""I do care for Nate, but I know there's no chance for us. His heart belongs to Lena, and he sees no one but her. You've known h

Sebastian stayed in Lilia's room far longer than he intended.In the end, they reached an understanding. If he could fully restore his health within three months, they would get married. In turn, Lilia agreed to his condition that starting tomorrow, she would diligently undergo treatment and do everything in her power to restore her sight.After she reluctantly made the promise, she finally released him. Sebastian nearly fled from her chamber, racing down the corridor as if he were escaping. He had no idea that Sally had been waiting in the courtyard for nearly an hour.When he saw her, he quickened his pace. "Sally? Did Lena ask to see me?""No, I came to see you," Sally said, her gaze drifting past him to the tightly closed door of Lilia's room. "Is Princess Lilia resting?"Sebastian's sharp features flushed at once. He knew Sally had been waiting, and had watched him emerge from the princess' room.A young man and woman, alone together in the dead of night, were bound to invit

"From the moment Princess Lilia insisted on staying at Blackmoor Estate… No, from the moment she first clung to you after her ordeal, she had already made up her mind to give you everything she could."You saved her life. She has long since stopped hoping for much of a future for herself, but before she gives up entirely, she wants to do everything in her power for you," said Sally.Still kneeling, she edged a few steps closer, keeping her eyes on Sebastian. "My lord, a lady like Princess Lilia is one in a hundred. You have to cherish her, and must treat her well in the future."Sebastian said nothing.Sally continued, "If you cooperate, you'll have every chance to recover. Grandsage Sinclair is a miracle healer, capable of what no one else can do. If she says you can get well, then you truly can, as long as you follow her instructions."She edged forward again and caught hold of his sleeve. Sebastian instinctively wanted to pull away, but when he saw how pale and shaky her hand w