Chapter 48 Chapter 48 "Alright," Joshua replied. 45% He had suspected that Margaery was scheming, but hearing her make another request actually put him at ease. "As long as you marry Dominic properly, not just these few days, but even after you become Dominic's wife, you can still go see Craig whenever you want." In truth, Craig was not only a master physician but also a top-notch martial artist. Having someone like him on their side would bring nothing but benefits to the Chancellor's estate. Joshua sized up Margaery, thinking to himself, 'If I could use her to get Craig to serve the Chancellor's estate and Prince Marcus, that would be the best outcome possible. With that in mind, he added, "I'll go apologize to Craig on Avery's behalf for the prescription thing. When are you planning to see him next? Take me with you. And what does he like? I'll prepare something for him." Margaery replied, "He doesn't really have any preferences. If you want to go, Joshua, I can go this afternoon. "Just because I've forgiven Avery doesn't mean Craig has. Joshua should be prepared for that." "Alright," Joshua nodded. I'll get some proper gifts, like I'm visiting a respected elder," he added. Margaery didn't say anything, just kept her eyes on the fireplace. The room went quiet. Joshua rubbed his fingers together, thought for a moment, and then said, "By the way, Tessa's lost her virginity. She was the one who suffered today, so she'll be marrying into the family with you... but you'll still have the final say there...." "I don't mind," Margaery cut in. "Honestly, she took the fall for me today. I owe her my thanks." Joshua nodded repeatedly. "It's good that you see it that way." As he spoke, he reached out, wanting to pat her on the head. "Margaery, you know, Father and your brothers have always kept you in our hearts..." "I know, Margaery replied, not looking up. She knew exactly what he meant; that the way they'd mistreated her before was all because she was supposedly too naive. Just hearing that made her sick, and she didn't want to listen to any of it. In the end, Joshua didn't dare touch her head. The hairpin was a trophy from the previous king's campaigns, forged from a rare piece of fiery gem mined in Emberfall. There was only one such stone in the entire world. Though it was later gilded to protect it from damage, it was still not something just anyone could lay their hands on. Especially since that war had cost Lady Serena's father. The previous king, devastated by the loss of his sworn brother, bestowed the hairpin upon Lady Serena, arranged her marriage to the current king, and even issued an imperial edict: no matter what happened, Lady Serena's position as the imperial consort would remain unshakable. The hairpin carried a story. 1/3 11:05 Thu, 21 Aug G Ca Chapter 48 And it carried real weight. With it resting on Margaery's head, it was like an imperial token of immunity. So, Joshua couldn't help but say, "Margaery, what's happening with Avery isn't just his problem. It concerns the entire Chancellor's estate. Our fates are tied together. We share in each other's fortunes and losses. 45% +38) "Father sent you to explain things to the King not because he doesn't understand your grievances, but because there's simply no other way. Only you can save the Chancellor's estate. We must have someone in the Royal Medical Hall, or we'll be completely in the dark within the palace. "Margaery, with the hairpin bestowed by the previous king on your head, even if you go to the King to explain, he will not hold it against you." Margaery looked up at him. 'He really has no shame at all,' Margaery thought. When Raul forced her to take the blame for Avery, she didn't even have the hairpin yet. If it weren't for this hairpin, she'd have been thrown into the cellar ages ago, and who would know if she'd even still be alive? And now he actually has the guts to mention it?' she scoffed inwardly. Margaery gripped her teeth, itching to give him a piece of her mind. Finally, she said, "Let's just put Avery's issue on hold for now. After all, he tried to drug me and set me up today-even if he failed. I'm not made of stone. I do have a temper." "I'm not over it yet," she added. After saying that, she dropped her gaze and didn't bother with him anymore. Joshua nodded. "I get it. Let's just give it some time. When you're not so upset anymore, we can talk about it again." Honestly, that just made her seem all the more real. Joshua stood up, making one last attempt. "Tonight, Father's bringing in a seamstress to take your measurements. It's time to start preparing your dowry." "Alright," she didn't refuse. She needed time. Cutting ties with the powerful Chancellor's estate and Hadley's estate without causing too much damage required the right timing, the right place, and the right people. But it wouldn't be long. Joshua had no idea what was going on in her head. "Alright, I'll go prepare some gifts for Craig. I'll go with you this afternoon. After all the chaos this morning, you should get some rest. "Take care on your way, Joshua," Margaery said. She looked up at him for a moment. He really thinks everything is settled now, she thought to herself. Joshua felt relieved and turned to leave, going off to find Raul. Amber closed the door and stared at her in shock. "My lady, are you really going to marry Dominic? You can't! Why don't we just make a scene and break off the engagement right now?" "I'm not marrying him," Margaery said flatly. 2/3 11:05 Thu, 21 Aug Chapter 48 ས དྭཱི, 45% She looked at Amber and gave her some peace of mind. "When the time is right, I'll call off the engagement. But not yet." "That's a relief. Gosh, you really scared me," Amber said, patting her chest. "Those people are like man-eating wolves. The farther you stay away from them, the better." 38 "You're right, but for now, keep it to yourself. We don't want to alert anyone," Margaery nodded. "Go get us something to eat. We have to go out this afternoon." "I'm on it," Amber said cheerfully. She headed off to the small kitchen. Margaery took her medicine and went over the acupoint chart Craig had given her one more time. After a few days, she'd already memorized all the major acupoints on the body. As for the trickier, more subtle details-she'd have to listen to Craig explain in person. Meanwhile, Joshua returned to Raul's study, brushing the snow off his clothes. "Father, things are really fine with Margaery now. At least she's not against the marriage anymore, and she's even agreed to let Tessa marry in with her." As he spoke, he glanced at Avery. "It's just Avery's issue that'll probably take a bit more time. She's still upset about what happened at Pero Cela today, but she looks pretty calm now. Give her a little time, and I think she'll come around." Raul nodded, finally feeling completely at ease. "That's good. That's good. I'll go check on Tessa in a bit. Her maid just told me she's having another stomachache," he said. Then he looked over at Dominic. "What happened at Pero Cela today was just an accident. Tessa's health isn't great, so after you marry her, make sure you really look after her. Don't let anything happen to her." Dominic nodded. "Of course, Mr. Wallen. You can count on me." Avery was the only one who looked truly miserable. Raul looked at him and said, "No one expected Quinn to show up today. For now, just take a break and lay low until things blow over." Avery nodded, but his face was still ashen. He'd stolen Margaery's prescription and refused to help her, then tried to drug her with an aphrodisiac-either one of those was enough to make him a laughingstock for life if word ever got out. Right at that moment, he just wanted to die. Finally, he even said, "Father, until Margaery agrees to go to the King on my behalf, can I go to Lakeburgh first?" Raul nodded. "Lakeburgh is a good place. We can have Clyde come back and try to persuade Margaery." "Cly Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!