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