Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 64

**Chapter 64: The Truth**

As Tessa’s thoughts spun chaotically in her mind, she turned to her maid, Sarah, her voice firm yet urgent. “Sarah, please go find Halle. I need to speak with her immediately.”

Sarah nodded obediently, her expression serious, and slipped away from the Sunlit Courtyard, leaving Tessa to her swirling thoughts.

In the meantime, Margaery had immersed herself in her studies, her nose buried in books until the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the room.

After days of relentless studying, she had committed every acupuncture chart to memory. Now, with her eyes shut tight, she could effortlessly trace the pathways of the eight extraordinary meridians and identify all the major acupoints along with their respective applications.

Even she had to acknowledge it — she had a knack for this.

It struck her as a profound waste that, in her previous life, she had devoted all her time and energy to the Wallen family and Dominic, squandering her youth on what now felt like a futile endeavor.

As dusk descended, Adam made his entrance.

“His Highness sent this,” he announced, extending a small jar towards her. “It’s a special ointment from the palace designed for treating frostbite. He specifically wanted you to have it.”

Adam lingered at the doorway, regarding Margaery with a warmth that bordered on brotherly affection. “So, have you figured out how you plan to tackle everything that lies ahead?”

Amber took the jar from Adam’s hands and began to apply the ointment to Margaery’s skin, the soothing sensation eliciting a wave of gratitude from within her. “Please express my thanks to His Highness,” she replied sincerely.

She hesitated for a moment before adding, “At first, it was quite challenging, but ever since His Highness arranged for assistance at the Pero Cela, things have become significantly easier. Please reassure him that he need not worry. I have given him my word, and I intend to keep it.”

Adam nodded appreciatively. “His Highness mentioned he’ll be attending the birthday celebration for the matriarch of the Minister’s family in person.”

“So, you won’t have to feel too anxious,” he added, a reassuring smile gracing his lips.

As Adam observed Margaery, he found himself increasingly drawn to her steadfastness and clarity. She was not only forthright but also possessed a keen intellect, making her truly deserving of being Prince Dashnell’s consort.

He continued, “His Highness has been searching for a garden lately. If there’s any spot in Sinderin City that catches your fancy, just let me know, and I’ll relay it to him.”

“A garden?” Margaery echoed, momentarily taken aback, unsure of Adam’s intentions.

“Yes, a place for you to call home,” Adam clarified. “Once you depart from the Chancellor’s estate, you’ll need somewhere to settle. From there, you can gradually handle everything else that needs your attention.”

A slight blush crept onto Margaery’s cheeks at the implication of “everything else.”

But now was not the moment for such discussions, so she shook her head gently. “Please tell His Highness that there’s truly no need for him to purchase a garden for me. After I leave the Chancellor’s estate, I already have a place to go.”

“That’s perfectly fine,” Adam replied, respecting her wishes.

He seemed to have more on his mind, but recalling his master’s instructions, he simply said, “I’ll let you return to your work, Lady Margaery. If you require anything, don’t hesitate to ask.” With that, he took his leave, the door closing softly behind him.

Just as he was about to step out, Adam paused, as if a thought struck him. “Oh, one last thing. His Highness wanted me to inform you that Lord Joshua visited the palace today to see Dr. Mark Whitney. He mentioned that using a relative’s blood could potentially cure Tessa’s stomach ailment.”

“But His Highness suspects there may be more at play than meets the eye, so he advises you to stay vigilant. If anything arises, just have Amber come find me,” Adam added, his tone serious.

Margaery nodded, her expression thoughtful. “I will keep that in mind.”

With that, Adam took his leave, and Margaery turned her attention to Amber. “Please inquire around and see if anyone associated with the Chancellor, Lord Joshua, or Tessa has been acting unusually these past few days.”

Amber’s brow furrowed with concern. “Lady Margaery, do you think they might genuinely be plotting against you?”

“Just go and ask,” Margaery instructed, her tone resolute.

That was all she chose to say.

She had moved past caring about him.

Meanwhile, Russell stood atop the rockery, his gaze fixed on the very spot where Tessa had fallen, then shifting to the place where Margaery had once stood. A suffocating sensation welled up inside him, a mix of anger and confusion. He was still gripping Paige by the collar, his voice low and menacing. “Are you absolutely certain this is where they were standing that day?”

Paige, her face marred by bruises from the beating, felt a wave of terror wash over her under Russell’s fierce gaze. She trembled, struggling to find her voice. “Yes, my lord. That day, Lady Margaery came up here to hang herself — she was holding a rope. After climbing up, she stood directly beneath that crooked pine tree.”

“When Lady Tessa approached, Margaery was just about to tie the rope. But with the snow covering the ground, and after Lady Tessa provoked her, Margaery slipped, causing the rope to fall into the snow at the base of the rockery,” Paige continued, her voice trembling.

“If you don’t believe me, you can check under the rockery yourself. The rope is still there,” she added, a spark of resentment igniting within her as she recalled how Tessa had betrayed her.

Since Tessa’s arrival, Paige had been complicit in bullying Margaery. But now that Tessa had turned against her, Paige felt justified in her betrayal.

A cold, malicious glint flickered in Paige’s eyes as she pointed toward the edge of the steps. “After Lady Tessa came up, she stood right there. She taunted Lady Margaery, and when Margaery turned around, she fell down on her own.”

“At that time, Lady Tessa was at least seven or eight steps away from Lady Margaery. How could she possibly have pushed her?” Paige continued, her voice growing more frantic.

“It was Lady Margaery who bribed me with money to lie on her behalf,” she added, dropping to her knees before Russell, tears streaming down her face. “Lord Russell, please, have mercy on me. I was only following Lady Tessa’s instructions. That’s the sole reason I treated Lady Margaery that way. And… and…”

Her voice quivered as she lowered her head. “Back then, all of you only ever believed Lady Margaery. No one cared when she tormented Lady Tessa. Even we maids in Gracewind Garden endured constant bullying from the others. Life was unbearable!”

“Her nanny was wrongfully accused and died because of it. I only turned to Lady Tessa to survive,” Paige choked out, desperation lacing her words.

Russell had been seething with rage, but as he listened to Paige’s frantic confession, he felt a suffocating weight settle in his chest. His fists clenched tightly, his knuckles turning white as the realization of the situation began to dawn on him.