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