Chapter 33 Christina shot that girl a sharp look. "Shut your mouth." The girl didn't dare say another word, but her eyes were still fixed on Margaery, watching her like she was waiting for a joke to play out. Slowly, Margaery stood up and said, "The suffering of this world comes down to nothing more than love, hatred, greed, anger, obsession, arrogance, and doubt. These are what drive people to the edge of life and death. I used to be trapped by these things myself, falling into a pit of torment, unable to rise above it." Norman nodded. "You understand the principle. And now?" "Now," Margaery answered, her tone calm and steady, "I'm learning not to argue with reality, not to expect anything from others, not to control anyone, and not to control myself. "Whatever happens, happens. There's no such thing as what should or shouldn't be. When I stop hoping for special treatment, there's no room for disappointment. When I stop trying to force things to go my way, I won't feel frustrated. And when I stop molding myself into someone else's expectations, I finally free myself. I get to live how I want." "Holy crap." The same girl from before couldn't help but scoff. "Margaery, you sure you weren't locked in a temple instead of a lumber room these past few days?" But Norman's face had grown serious. Stroking his beard, he nodded repeatedly. Finally, he looked at Margaery and said, "Margaery, would you be willing to become my student?" The entire class gasped. "No way. Norman wouldn't even accept Princess Estelle, and now he's asking to take Margaery?" The Norman Stonier teaching them about self-cultivation was a hermit scholar, personally invited by the King himself after three attempts. He was a direct disciple of Chapel of Wisdom and typically lectured the royal princes. He only came to Inkwell Academy once every half a month, and sometimes even the King would attend his lectures. Over the years, aside from Dashnell, Norman had never formally accepted any other students. Even Estelle had begged him several times to take her as a disciple, but he had politely refused. Despite her status, she was left with no choice but to give up. No one expected Norman to be moved by just a few words from Margaery and offer to take her in himself. Instantly, the room fell into utter silence. Margaery had long since made up her mind to leave the Chancellor's estate. She knew that once she left, she would be left with no support, and would constantly have to watch her back. So, building connections was absolutely necessary for her. Without hesitation, Margaery knelt on the spot. "Disciple Margaery is willing to study under you, Mr. Stonier, to learn the ways of self-cultivation and the virtues of a true gentleman." "Good, good, very good!" Norman was overjoyed. He stepped forward, personally helped her up, and took off the rosary beads from his wrist to give to her. "You have found enlightenment through great tribulation. "You have a connection with God. May God bless you with peace, health, and a smooth path ahead." "Thank you, Mr. Stonier, Margaery said. Margaery looked at the rosary beads on her wrist and felt a rare sense of comfort and relief. It felt so much better than the bracelet Avery had given her. 1/3 46% 11 Chapter 22 Russell had actually been waiting outside for quite a while. After class ended, seeing Margaery walk out wearing the rosary beads, he couldn't hold back his sour tone. Russell asked. "Margaery, looks like once you get a nice gift from someone else, you couldn't care less about the things me, Ryder, and Andrew gave you, huh? Sure, the hairpin he gave had a protective charm, but that was all talk The one Dashnell sent yesterday was the real deal. That hairpin was a gift from the late King himself to Serena. As long as Margaery wore it, who would dare lay a finger on her? Touching her would be considered treason. And now, Norman had gifted her his personal prayer beads, replacing the bracelet Avery had given her before. In terms of status and value, these gifts completely overshadowed what the three of them had given. Russell couldn't help but feel bitter about it. So when Margaery turned to look at him, Russell couldn't stop himself from blurting, "So what now? Looks like I'm not even good enough to call you my sister anymore, huh?" Russell's tone was sharp and full of resentment "Exactly, you're not good enough anymore" Christina walked out, immediately snapping back at him. Look at yourself, then look at Margaery. "You didn't have any proof, yet you went around slandering your own sister, dragging her name through the mud all over Sinderin City. A charm? Please. You're more of a walking disaster. "You talk big about shielding her from storms, but you and your brothers are the storm" "Do you even know how to talk to people? Russell was fuming, glaring at her. "Christina, say that again if you dare." "I just did, so what?" Christina was utterly unfazed, "Go tell your father to stop dreaming about tying the Chancellor's estate to the Marquis of Longridge. I'd rather die than marry someone like you" With that, Christina let out a proud huff and walked off, leaving Russell so mad he kicked a nearby flowerpot, sending soil everywhere. Margaery smiled faintly and asked, "Russell, are you coming or not?" "You did this on purpose." Russell turned to her, his anger far from gone. "What did you say to Christina?" Russell had feelings for Christina, and their father had been planning to strengthen ties with the Marquis of Longridge. A few days ago, Russell had gone over to sound things out, and lately, they had been thinking of sending a matchmaker. But now, in front of so many people, Christina had outright declared she'd rather die than marry him. Russell had been stewing in frustration all morning, and now, seeing Margaery, he couldn't help but lash out. Margaery looked at him for a moment and asked, "Did you see anything? Or hear anything? 1-"Russell choked. Truth be told, he hadn't seen or heard anything. But Margaery spoke calmly. "Still, I did tell Christina that Marc seems more like a gentleman than you do." With that, Margaery turned and walked toward the gate. Russell, furious, chased after her, shouting, "So I wasn't wrong, was 1? You're just bad news!" "Exactly," Margaery turned her head slightly, a cold smile on her lips. "So, Russell, you don't need to bother getting that 2/3 10 59 Thu, 21 Aug O 670 Chapter 33 hairpin back for me. I can't wear two, and I'm not worthy of using your things." 46% "You're right, you're not worthy." Russell was shaking with anger, the words tumbling out of his mouth. "Margaery, if I ever care about you again, may pigs learn to fly." With that, Russell stormed off, leaving Margaery behind. "You really have become much calmer and stronger than before." Norman's voice came from behind her. Margaery turned to him. "I've let you down, Mr. Stonier." "You're still young. Some things take time. There's no need to rush." Norman didn't blame her. Instead, he said, "If you want to put worldly matters to rest, you must first walk the path of the world. As long as your heart stays free of attachment, you will find peace." Margaery nodded. "I will remember that, Mr. Stonier." "Go on now." Norman glanced into the distance. "The Chancellor's estate's carriage is waiting for you over there." "Alright," Margaery said. "I'll take my leave then." The person waiting in the carriage was Avery. When he saw Russell stomping over in a foul mood, Avery couldn't help but ask, "Where are you headed? Get in, we're heading to Pero Cela later." Russell snapped back, "Head to what? I'm not going. Apologize my ass, let them find someone else." Fuming, Russell kicked the snow as he stomped away alone. Avery shook his head. Watching Margaery walk toward him, he sighed. "You really don't know how to behave. "Russell went out of his way to find you this morning, and you still managed to piss him off like that. Can't you be a little more sensible?" 3/3 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!