Lahat ng Kabanata ng Provoking a Graceful Bloom: Kabanata 471 - Kabanata 480

As night fell, guests began arriving one by one. Everyone had received their invitations at the last minute. Many had other plans, yet here they were, all making their way to Blackmore Estate.There were several reasons for this. First, though Sebastian had only been granted the title of marquis, the king had personally elevated him to a full second rank. That carried more weight than some first-rank officials and made him a favorite in Wilfred's eyes.A young noble of such rank and talent promised a future of limitless potential. And the Campbell siblings were already well-known at court. After the Autumn Hunt, everyone knew their names. Sebastian now held multiple positions, firmly establishing himself as a rising star.The second reason was that Nathaniel had been chasing after Selena quite boldly, and today, had even come in person to help out. After all, he was a royal prince. No one knew if he might become the next king.Even if he didn't succeed Wilfred, the Northern Frontie

"I heard Prince Theodore forced his way into Lord Lewis' daughter's room last night and... ruined her.""I heard the same. Word is, Lord Lewis caught him in the act. He took his daughter to the palace at dawn to demand justice.""I thought it was gossip, but it seems to be true. In that case, the other rumor must be real too.""What rumor?""I heard the reason General Campbell was made a marquis wasn't just because the Campbell siblings earned His Majesty's favor. The king also needed to give him a grand enough title to match the princess of Dawnmere.""Then, the match between the new Marquis of Northwatch and Princess Lilia is real?""Everything points to it. Prince Theodore can't bear that the marquis took the princess he wanted, so now he's lashing out at the Duke of Blackmoor's household.""Well, he picked the wrong target. Prince Nathaniel is backing them. Prince Theodore just kicked a stone wall, if you ask me."Those people weren't speaking loudly, but to someone with sh

Nathaniel's gaze fell on Frederick's leg as well. His expression was calm, betraying no hint of emotion. It seemed that he couldn't care less whether his brother's leg had healed or not. To him, it meant nothing.Selena studied Frederick for a moment, then shook her head. "His leg isn't really healed. Someone forced him to take medicine that lets him walk almost normally, but the pain he has to endure is something most people couldn't even imagine."Sally's heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively glanced at Frederick's face. From this distance, it was hard to catch his subtle expressions, but his complexion did appear slightly pale.Could he really be enduring the pain? If so, it was enough to make one feel a touch of pity."My lady, shall we go over and greet him?" Sally suggested.Selena glanced at the man beside her. The Demon Lord only gave a cold hum and turned toward where the people from his household were seated. Selena let out a helpless sigh.The Demon Lord was wond

Cloud's gaze lingered on Sally a little too intently, making her feel strangely uneasy."Is... there something on my face?" she asked.It was only then that Cloud realized how long he'd been staring.He quickly looked away, forcing a dry laugh. "N-no, nothing. I just saw you drinking so quickly, and was worried you might... pass out.""How could I possibly let myself get drunk?" Sally said with a laugh.Cloud returned her smile, using it to mask his own embarrassment. "Oh, I almost forgot. I have something for you."He pulled a small pouch from his coat and placed it gently in her hands.Sally furrowed her brow slightly, a sudden mix of emotions stirring in her. "What is it?""It's a phoenix. Take a look and see if you like it," Cloud said, his eyes bright with excitement, barely able to hide his eagerness.Sally pressed her lips together and opened the pouch. Inside was a carved phoenix, so lifelike it seemed ready to spread its wings. Painted with delicate colors, it was exq

"You don't want to propose? So, you just wanted to toy with her feelings?" Ronan said with a scowl.Though Cloud wasn't under his command, Ronan saw him no differently from any of the Yelwyn Cavalry. A brother in arms should never do anything to wrong a young lady. What a scoundrel!"Which young lady is it, exactly? Tomorrow, I'll go to His Highness and ask him to allow you to propose!" Ronan declared.If Cloud stirred trouble, he had to take responsibility. If he didn't, even his own comrades wouldn't let him off."What? Propose tomorrow?" Cloud repeated, nearly toppling from his chair.He had never even considered such a thing!Liam had been quietly eating and drinking without a word. Finally, he slowly set down his cutlery and glanced at Cloud.He snorted. "It's just one-sided. He wants to be friends with the girl, that's all. She doesn't have feelings for him at all.""Exactly! I only wanted to be her friend, but... why doesn't she like me?"Cloud could never hide his feel