Provoking a Graceful Bloom のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 441 - チャプター 450

Kiera rode hard, holding nothing back. Her speed surpassed anything she had shown earlier. But she had barely cleared the area and had yet to break free of the trees when her horse let out a sharp cry. Its pace faltered, then slowed further."Go!"She struck her heels against its flanks, but the horse didn't surge forward. It grew slower still, until it came to a full stop. Someone had tampered with the animal as well!Kiera vaulted off its back, landing lightly on the branch of a nearby tree. She glanced behind her. The woods were silent now, the cries from the courtyard long faded. And Selena was nowhere to be seen.This time, Kiera didn't dare underestimate her. She no longer believed Selena had failed to keep up. In truth, she suspected the woman was already circling close by.Drawing a steadying breath, Kiera continued on foot. Behind her, there was still no sound at all. She walked for quite some time, leaving the small forest behind to return to the main street, and from th

In truth, Selena had no desire to fight and would avoid it if possible. After all, things had been hectic enough lately. But judging by Frederick's attitude, it was clear he was firmly protecting Mira, whose expression had already turned triumphant."Selena, Fred is here. Do you really think you can still do as you please?" Mira taunted.Ignoring her completely, Selena's gaze stayed coldly fixed on Frederick. "Your Highness, are you certain you want to involve yourself? Once you're tied to rebels, clearing your name won't be so simple."Frederick gave a short, scornful laugh. "You don't decide who's a rebel. If I say she's mine, then she isn't a rebel. Guards, take her and—""Then, don't say I didn't warn you!"Selena suddenly flicked her hand. With a swift motion, she drew a long weapon from her waist—it was a whip sword!With a single sweep, William and the two guards flanking her were forced back several paces. William's chest was pierced through his clothing, while the two gu

Selena truly didn't dare injure Frederick in front of so many people. After all, he was still a prince. The difference in their stations was a constant nuisance, and it stung more than she cared to admit. Why must she be the one who always yielded?Just as she was about to dodge, a sudden chill swept over her from behind. Selena smirked and stopped moving, planting herself firmly while fixing her cold gaze on the whip in Frederick's hand.A sharp crack split the air, and the whip shattered into several pieces beneath a single strike.The force of it drove Frederick back several steps. A moment ago, he seemed perfectly fine where he stood. But as he staggered backward, the limp in his ruined leg became painfully clear for all to see.Frederick trembled with fury, his eyes bloodshot as he glared at the figure now standing protectively in front of Selena. Hatred burned in every line of his face.Nathaniel didn't look much better. A murderous chill clung to him, so sharp that no one d

Selena knew perfectly well that Nathaniel wasn't truly injured. Still, as the Demon Lord had reminded her, if they were going to put on a show, they had to perform it properly.So, she said nothing and helped him onto the horse. Or rather, she tried. He was pretending to be so weak that he couldn't even get on by himself. She had to climb up first and lift him onto the saddle.His fragility was absurd! He was obviously pretending!Everyone from Frederick's group knew it, but none of them could expose him. No one would believe them anyway. Who would ever think the Northern Frontier's monarch could stoop so low?Selena rode off with Nathaniel seated behind her, while Mira was taken away by the Dragon Sentinels.When Mira turned her head toward Frederick, the pleading expression she'd worn moments ago had vanished. Her voice was cold as she said, "You can't even protect your own people. What sort of man does that make you?"Frederick didn't answer. His hand only clenched tighter.M

Some people were simply like that. Their emotions weren't especially deep, and they took life as it came, accepting whoever happened to be by their side. Not everyone was lucky enough to fall in love at first sight. Some feelings only grew with time, slowly taking shape as two people learned to live alongside each other."I think he does care about her, but nothing big will ever happen between them, and their feelings will never grow very deep. My brother is the kind of man who will take responsibility once he makes up his mind. If they marry, he will treat her well for the rest of her life and never let her down."Selena's words made Nathaniel fall silent, lost in thought.She tilted her head and blinked at him. "Your Highness, do you have an opinion on the matter? You might as well speak freely."Nathaniel raised an eyebrow, his expression sharp with displeasure. "Are you back to calling me that?"She snorted softly, murmuring, "It's only a title. Why make such a fuss?"After a