Chapter 29 Chapter 29 46% Amber was completely lost, but seeing how calm and composed Margaery looked, she couldn't help feeling happy. Amber said, "Even though I don't understand a word you're saying. Lady Margaery, I think you're doing way better than before." 'Compared to the timid girl who used to let everyone walk all over her, this is a huge improvement. I liked it, Amber thought, her face lit up with a smile. "Go get some sleep," Margaery said, gently patting Amber's head. Margaery thought, 'Amber has just turned thirteen today. From now on, she'll be like a little sister to me. I'll protect her. Over in Westview Street, Craig had just returned home when he saw Dashnell's carriage parked at his door. He froze on the spot. "Prince Dashnell, why are you here so late? "If something's up, you could've just told Adam. Why are you coming here yourself?" "There's something." Dashnell replied as he got off the carriage, pushing his wheelchair straight into the courtyard. "You've seen Raul, haven't you?" It sounded like a question, but his tone left no room for denial. Craig blinked and tilted his head. "Nothing gets past you, does it? You never even leave the house, yet you know everything. What, you got an all-seeing eye or something?" Hearing this, Dashnell fell silent for a moment. He didn't have an all-seeing eye. Everything he knew now had been paid for with the lives of two people. The night shadows concealed the redness at the corners of his eyes. His voice turned hoarse. "I'm here tonight for two things. "First, from now on, if anyone asks who you are, you just say you're Prince Dashnell's master, and Margaery is his junior sister. Second, when I'm not around, protect her for me." Craig paused, halfway through lighting the lamp. He turned his head to look at the man sitting under the eaves, his expression growing complicated and his tone heavy. "So let me get this straight. First, you've fallen for my disciple. Second, she's in danger now?" Dashnell said nothing. His silence was agreement. Craig lit the lamp, placed a kettle of water on the brazier, and then asked, "Now this, I don't get. Since when did you start having feelings for her?" "Probably in a past life," Dashnell replied, wheeling himself into the room. "Pfft, if you don't wanna tell me, just say so. What's with the reincarnation nonsense? You think I'd buy that?" Craig shot him a glance, then chuckled. "Still, you've got good taste, picking my disciple. "I'll bet you anything, as long as that girl cuts ties with the Wallen family, she'll soar to the top. Never seen anyone with a memory and comprehension as sharp as hers." "Finally, my skills won't die with me," Craig said, his face filled with joy. Dashnell nodded and handed him a token. "Take this. You might need it. I've got other things to handle tonight, so I'm 1/3 10:58 Thu, 21 Aug Chapter 29 leaving." With that, he turned his wheelchair and headed out. 46% 38) "Hey, the water's not even boiling yet." Craig called after him. "In such a hurry-what, you going back to prepare a betrothal gift?" "The Chancellor's estate doesn't deserve it." Dashnell's back was to him as he tossed those five words over his shoulder. Craig was stunned, scratching his head. "Can't argue with that." Then Craig tucked the token into his chest pocket and let out a sigh. "Storm's coming again. This time, it better not end up in a mess." Muttering to himself, Craig added, "That old bastard Raul actually went to Hall of Divinity just to scheme against his own daughter. Must've been dropped on his head as a kid." With that, Craig shut the door and went to bed. On the carriage ride back to Prince Dashnell's estate, Adam couldn't hold back anymore. "Prince Dashnell, why not ask the King to issue a decree for your marriage?" "This time, I'll handle it myself." Dashnell turned him down, the pain in his heart cutting deep. In his previous life, Dashnell had asked his father to bestow a marriage decree, only for it to be given to Tessa instead. With no other choice, Dashnell had to spread rumors of himself being a violent, bloodthirsty man who abused his servants, forcing the Wallen family to send Margaery to Tessa's place. Dashnell had thought that night would be the moment he finally met the girl of his dreams, able to protect her openly from then on. But when Dashnell found her, she had already mutilated-her limbs severed, her tongue cut out, her body poisoned and thrown into an icy pond. Tears of blood welled up in his eyes. Dashnell thought, 'This time, I won't repeat the same mistakes. 'I'll strike first, shielding her before anything could happen, and drag those heartless hypocrites down to hell one by one. The Wallen family? They don't even deserve his betrothal gift.' A cold laugh, laced with murderous intent, echoed in the carriage. At the same time, Raul had just returned from Hall of Divinity. Sitting alone in his study, Raul wore a deep frown as he waited for news from the Hadley family. Yet, no matter how hard he tried, Simon's words from earlier kept replaying in his mind. Joshua stepped inside and asked, "Father, what did the High Priest say?" "This is going to be troublesome." Raul rubbed his temples, his voice heavy. "He cast a divination and said Margaery isn't possessed by a vengeful spirit. "Instead, she's been blessed by a lucky star, and her presence will benefit the nation's fortune. He's already reported this to the King. In a few days, there'll be movement from the palace." 2/3 10 58 Thu 21 Aug Chapter 29 "How could this happen?" Joshua's eyes widened in shock. Once he gathered his thoughts, Joshua quickly asked, "What do we do now? Does this mean we can't use the possession excuse to clear Avery's name? Worse yet, we have to cozy up to her now?" " Joshua felt sorry for Margaery too. He didn't want her sent to Laundry Bureau or Labor Division, much less tortured by Clan Court. But there was no choice. Avery's position as head of the Royal Medical Hall was far more important to the Chancellor's estate and Lady Alicia. They couldn't sacrifice the entire Wallen family over Margaery. Not to mention, they couldn't ruin a plan that had been carefully crafted for years. If anyone was to blame, it was Margaery herself for not knowing her place and causing a scene at the Royal Medical Hall. Joshua's chest was tight with frustration. After thinking through every angle, he realized the situation had spiraled out of control. Dashnell's involvement and Margaery's sudden change had completely upended their carefully laid plans. The road they had just paved was now blocked once more. "What exactly does the High Priest mean by this?" Joshua calmed himself and looked at Raul. Raul's face was more serious than Joshua had ever seen. He replied, "I always thought I had a good relationship with Simon. "But tonight, it became clear he's not on our side. He told me that nine years ago, he gave me a chance, and I didn't take it. So, there's no next time." The weight of his words left Joshua's mind reeling. He asked, "What does he mean by that? Why was he bringing up something nine years ago? Which incident is he talking about?" Raul rubbed his temples again, pondering deeply before answering, "I think it's about the rebellion from the previous dynasty. That tip-off came from Margaery. "She said it was a message from the High Priest. I didn't think much of it back then, thought Simon was just doing me a favor. But now, it seems..." Raul trailed off, but Joshua caught the implication and frowned. "You're saying that favor wasn't for you-it was for Margaery?" Joshua couldn't believe his ears. "But she was only seven at the time. What does he mean by that?" 3/3 ୦ Discover our latest featured short drama reel. 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