Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 144

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**TITLE: Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale**
**Chapter 144**

Marcus seethed with rage, contemplating the idea of wrapping his hands around the vagrant’s throat and squeezing until he could no longer breathe. The audacity of the man infuriated him beyond measure. Yet, as he rose to his feet, he pointed a finger at the vagabond outside with an icy glare, commanding, “Guards, seize this slanderous wretch and execute him immediately.”

In Marcus’s mind, the elimination of the vagrant would restore order to the chaos that had invaded his life.

But the truth was far more complicated. Callum had orchestrated this entire scene, and the vagrant was not an easy target. He was a pawn in a game far beyond Marcus’s immediate understanding.

Every utterance, every accusation had been meticulously rehearsed, as if scripted by a playwright aiming for the grandest of tragedies.

The vagrant, startled back into awareness, stiffened his posture defensively and locked eyes with Marcus, feigning terror as he retorted, “How can you be so certain that I am lying? She was with me on that day! Even in your princely position, you cannot disregard the value of a human life! Is there truly no law that governs us all?”

With a boldness that shocked everyone present, he glanced at Margaery and proclaimed, “By rights, since she and I have consummated our marriage, she ought to be with me. Clearly, Marcus is bullying me, attempting to steal my woman away!”

Margaery’s expression twisted into one of utter revulsion at the vagrant’s words.

Around them, the crowd wore expressions of deep concern and disbelief. “If Lady Margaery’s reputation is tarnished by such a scoundrel today, her future will be utterly bleak,” one whispered, shaking his head in dismay.

“I never imagined today would descend into such bloodshed and turmoil,” another murmured, casting wary glances around the room.

None of those gathered were naive. A beggar had audaciously intruded upon the Minister’s estate, defiantly confronting Marcus and slandering Lady Margaery from the Chancellor’s household. Such an act could not have been executed without someone pulling the strings from behind the curtain.

The astute among them exchanged knowing glances, their eyes inevitably darting toward Callum.

It was evident that among those present, no one else had the motive or the means to target Marcus in such a brazen manner.

Yet, the absence of tangible evidence loomed large over the proceedings.

Without proof, reckless judgments could not be made.

What remained unspoken was as good as nonexistent.

Thus, Callum wore a mask of indifference, unperturbed by the eyes that scrutinized him. Even if a thorough investigation were to take place, it was Halle from Raul’s faction who had brought the vagrant here. What connection did that have to Callum?

With a chuckle that dripped with mockery, Callum turned to Marcus and said, “Indeed, Marcus. You cannot disregard human life either. Whatever actions are taken, evidence must be presented. Otherwise, the people will believe the royal family lacks justice and preys upon the weak.”

His tone was laced with amusement, as if he reveled in Marcus’s growing frustration.

Marcus found himself cornered, the urge to slap Callum overwhelming.

Yet, Callum’s words were mere bluster, harmless in their lack of evidence. To engage further in this argument would only serve to deepen the chaos and futility of the situation.

The focus shifted back to Margaery, and Marcus knew that as long as he kept her under control today, Callum’s scheme would falter.

Narrowing his eyes, he finally turned his gaze to Margaery and explained to all, “The reason I know he speaks nonsense is that after Margaery took the medicine that day, I was the one who stayed by her side.”

Who had not besmirched Margaery’s name?

It would be no challenge to expose the vagrant’s lies. He could do it himself without breaking a sweat.

Marcus was confident that Callum could not possibly produce evidence to contradict his claim of being with Margaery. Besides, if her innocence were to be tainted by this beggar, was that not worse than being sullied by a mere street dweller?

He believed that Margaery would not contradict him in this moment.

After all, if she had been with him, Margaery could still rise to the status of his consort. But if she were linked to the beggar, she would be condemned to the lowest of lows.

A chilling laugh escaped Marcus’s lips.

“My goodness, what Prince Marcus has declared…”

Regardless of who had been with Margaery that day, his actions spoke volumes. Today, he was resolute in establishing a marriage contract with her, and no one would stand in his way.

Tessa stood in stunned silence.

She had not anticipated that events would spiral to this extent. Marcus’s obsession with Margaery was palpable, and she wondered, had he truly lost his mind?

‘Has he truly lost his mind? What is so special about Margaery anyway?’ Tessa pondered, a wave of jealousy washing over her. She couldn’t help but interject, “Prince Marcus, this is a matter of great significance. Surely, if we investigate, we can uncover the truth. I know you wish to protect her, but…”