Chapter 43 Chapter 43 45 % Raul still had doubts gnawing at him . He hurried after Simon and caught his arm . High Priest , there's still something I can't figure out . For the sake of all the years we've served together , could you give me a hint ? " Simon paused and turned to look at him . Raul quickly said , Tm talking about what happened nine years ago . You sent word to me about the rebels hideout . Was that really … Simon studied him for a long moment before finally saying , Lond Chancellor , you really think that was all your own doing ? Did it ever cross your mind why I would entrust something so important to Margaery , and have a seven - year - old child deliver that message to you ? Once Raul's suspicions were confirmed , a wave of bitterness washed over his face . Back then , he thought Simon had recognized his talent and wanted to promote him , giving him such a tremendous favor . He'd even been smug about it for a long time . But it turned out Simon had only done it for the sake of Margaery - a favor to a seven - year - old girl , nothing more . If he'd known the truth , he never would have treated Margaery like she didn't matter . But it was already too late for regrets . A flood of emotions surged through Raul , and for a moment , he was at a complete loss for words . Simon looked at him , his tone laced with irony . " Even if Tessa is your own flesh and blood , the fact that she ended up lost is on you . If you feel so guilty , you could get down on your knees and apologize to her - no one would say a word against you . " But instead , you turn around and dump all your mistakes on Margaery . What , are you trying to tell everyone that Margaery isn't your daughter ? Or are you saying she was the one who caused Tessa's disappearance ? " Don't forget that they're twins . " When Tessa went missing , Margaery had barely just come into this world . " The life she's lived in the Chancellor's estate is rightfully hers . It was never something she stole from Tessa ! " Simon grew angrier as he spoke . " You said it yourself . We've been colleagues for years , and you've climbed to the top . But today , I honestly think you don't deserve that position . From now on , don't go around telling people you know me . " And you'd better be careful . Make sure you don't end up in my hands again . " With that , he turned and left without another word . Raul watched him leave , his nerves stretched to the limit . The last thing he ever expected was for Simon to actually take Margaery's side . What shocked him even more was that the crippled Prince Dashnell had enough pull to get Simon , Bernard , and Quinn to all step in and protect Margaery so forcefully . All his calculations had fallen apart . And then , things were spiraling out of control . 1/3 11:03 Thu , 21 Aug 6 -70 O Chapter 43 45 % He looked at Margaery , not knowing how to face his daughter , and this was hardly the right place for such a conversation . So , he turned to Joshua . " Go and see Prince Nathaniel and Princess Estelle out . " " Prince Nathaniel , Princess Estelle , this way please , " Joshua said hurriedly . Nathaniel snorted , clearly displeased . Estelle's face turned even uglier . Ignoring Joshua , she looked at Bernard with a complicated expression . " Lord Bernard , would you like to have dinner with me later ? " " No time ," Bernard replied flatly , rejecting her without hesitation . Estelle's face twisted in bitterness , and she turned her anger on Joshua , shooting him a fierce glare . Joshua broke out in a cold sweat and quickly apologized . " Your Highness , I didn't expect … " " Shut up ! " Estelle cut him off , then turned and gave Margaery a long , searching look . Margaery met her eyes without flinching , her expression calm and unwavering . There was no doubt about it . She'd made herself another enemy today . But there was nothing she could do . Estelle had grown up with Lady Alicia and was always part of Joshua's camp . If Margaery wanted to cut off all family ties , distance herself from the Chancellor's estate , and tear up her engagement with . Dominic , offending Estelle was inevitable . She'd seen it coming , so it barely ruffled her mood . Estelle stared at her for a while , more convinced than ever that Margaery was totally out of control and didn't give her the slightest respect . In the end , she left , practically seething with anger . Once Nathaniel and Estelle left , their entourages quickly followed , slinking away like whipped dogs . Only the Wallen family , Dominic , Quinn , and Bernard were left in the hallway . Only then did Raul turn to Quinn . " Lord Thornton , this is really just a misunderstanding . " He then shot a glance at Avery . " My son , lacking in ability as he is , can barely manage his duties as a royal physician . How could he possibly be the infamous assassin , Titan Wheeler ? The grievances between these siblings are , after all , a private matter of the Chancellor's estate . We'll handle it at home . I hope you can understand and allow us this courtesy . " Quinn glanced at Margaery and said , " This is both a family matter and not , Lord Chancellor . You should know what Star of Fortune really means . " That's all I have to say . Farewell ." With that , Quinn turned and walked away . When Raul heard Star of Fortune , he could have strangled Simon right then and there . But there was nothing he could do about it . He had to pick up the pieces fast , before he became the butt of everyone's jokes . Finally , he turned to Bernard and asked , testing the waters , " Lord Bernard , did Prince Dashnell send you here ? " Bernard gave a snort of laughter and yanked Margaery over to his side . " I like Margaery . Do I need anyone's permission for that ? You're making a scene in my place and picking on the woman I like , and you think I'm just going to stand by and say nothing ? " Raul's brow furrowed deeply . " Lord Bernard , Margaery is already engaged . " 2/3 11:03 Thu , 21 Aug O G ca Chapter 43 Margaery looked at Bernard in surprise . " Lord Bernard , you're going to make people get the wrong idea … Honestly , the only thing between her and Bernard was that , years ago , when he was being hunted , he hid out in her bedroom for a night ! But at that time , she was just a little girl . She was as innocent as they came ! After that , they never even saw each other up close again . Since when did she suddenly become the girl he liked ? But Bernard saw it differently . " Me liking you is my own business . It's got nothing to do with you . " +38 ) With that , he jabbed a finger at Dominic . " Seriously , Lord Chancellor , you still want to marry your daughter off to this piece of trash ? Just look at him . Does he look like someone any sane person would trust with their whole future ? What respectable family would ever let their daughter end up with a loser like this ? " Dominic was left utterly shredded by his words , not even a scrap of dignity left . He was heir to Hadley's estate, always swaggering around like he was the gold standard for all the young men in Sinderin City . But today , he'd made such a fool of himself that he honestly wished he could just disappear . His face darkened . " My business is none of your concern , Lord Bernard ." And yet , he shamelessly used Margaery's words from last night to talk back to Bernard . " Besides , in a few days , it's my grandmother's birthday . Margaery will be there with a generous gift . We grew up together - childhood sweethearts . Something this small isn't going to break us apart ." He turned to Margaery as he said . " Right , Margaery ? " Margaery looked at him and couldn't help but want to laugh . ' Where did he get that kind of confidence from ? " But in ten days , at the banquet of Hadley's estate , she did have something to announce . So after giving him a quick glance , she turned away and invited Bernard , " Lord Bernard , thanks for speaking up for me today . Let me treat you to some coffee later , okay ? " Bernard arched his brow with a playful grin . " Sure ." He shot Dominic a mocking glance , then turned and walked off with Margaery at his side . AD Comment Send gift