Semua Bab Provoking a Graceful Bloom: Bab 41 - Bab 50

"The day General Campbell asked to break off his sister's engagement, he had not only earned merit in battle, but was also badly injured. I was moved and agreed," Wilfred said.Later, he regretted it. After all, having Selena marry into the royal family was all gain and no harm for them.The real danger was the Campbell Regiment being left outside the capital. If the king tried to forcefully reclaim the troops, it would be nothing less than theft.The Duke of Blackmoor's family was known for their loyalty and valor. Those hundred thousand soldiers were won with the blood and honor of the Duke of Blackmoor and his three sons, who had all died young. To take that away would be cruel and unjust.If Sebastian remained in good health, the Duke of Blackmoor's family could continue to serve the court faithfully, so there would be little need to reclaim the military power for now. But the truth was, Sebastian was no longer capable of that.Seeing that Wilfred was visibly moved, Ruth lower

This time, Freya's wounds ran deep—not on her body, but in her heart.Though she had taken fifty lashes the other day, the man wielding the rod was smart and had been careful not to use his full strength.When Frederick chose not to have Freya punished after she struck him at the banquet, it became clear to all that she now held his favor. Had she truly been beaten to death, her executioners wouldn't have lived to see the next morning.If not for that, the strokes she received on Ruby's command earlier and at the banquet, eighty in total, would have left her either dead or crippled. And yet, here she was, walking about with nothing more than a few scrapes and bruises.Still, her pride lay in ruins, battered from the inside out.While she lay in bed recovering for days, Frederick came daily. Each time, she sent him away with a sharp remark and a glare.Today, the fourth day, it was Ruth who came instead. Freya had once held a natural hostility toward the older woman, but ever sinc

After leaving Freya's chambers, Anna couldn't help but speak up. "That young woman has always been wild and untamed. Do you really think she'll listen to you, my lady?"Since Freya didn't respond to the so-called wager Ruth had proposed, Anna had no idea what was on her mind.Ruth snorted dismissively. "You think she's truly so noble? It's all an act—a show to set herself apart."Always thinking she was different, always needing to prove in front of everyone that she was unlike ordinary women and looking down on them all."If she were truly capable, that might be one thing. But I fear she has too high ambitions without the support to back it up. She thinks the world revolves around her, but in the end, she's nothing at all," Ruth added.Freya looked down on women who depended on men, yet never stopped to consider just who she was relying on herself.Anna smiled. "Still, such a young woman is special in the prince's life. No wonder he's fond of her.""That's only because Fred doe

As they left, they could see the signboard above Frederick's courtyard gate from a distance.Moonchase Pavilion.Selena's name meant moon, which was why Frederick had named the pavilion that. It was clear just how deeply he had once cared for her.But now, Freya had completely blinded him. Charmed by something new and exciting, he had forgotten the affection he once lavished on Selena. Yet, such passions rarely lasted beyond their first bloom."If Prince Frederick realizes that Lady Campbell is still the one he truly loves, then it will be far more difficult for you to deal with her," Anna said with concern.Ruth snorted coldly. "I would never give her that chance. Selena specifically demanded that Freya attend the banquet. That much is true. If he bothers to ask around, it won't be hard to find out. There's no reason for him not to believe it."Sometimes, all it took was one truth to cast doubt on someone trustworthy. And once that crack appeared, everything else would be viewed

True heroes respected one another. Sebastian was eager to try going up against the prince.However, Selena grabbed his sleeve and gave him a warning look. "You've been suffering from fever these past two days and aren't fully recovered yet. You shouldn't overexert yourself.""Don't worry, I won't tire him out."No sooner had Nathaniel finished speaking than a flash of silver shot from his hand. Without hesitation, Sebastian raised his hand and caught it instantly. The spear felt cool in his grasp, but the moment he swung it, he could sense its fierce power."A fine weapon," Sebastian commented.Something of a martial fanatic himself, he immediately knew the silver spear wasn't an ordinary weapon as soon as he gripped it. He raised his arm and swung. With a sharp clang, the spear cut through the ground, leaving a chilling groove behind.Selena blinked, and suddenly, a tall figure stepped between her and her brother's display.Liam? Was he worried the spear might harm her? The Obs