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