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The King’s meaning was clear. He continued, “The Star of Fortune bears the fate of the nation. Even if her strategy is not the best in the world, it must rank among the top three.
“Even if her skills are not the best in the world, they must at least be second.
“Even if her courage and insight cannot encompass the world, she must at least understand the court and perceive the people.
“Even if she cannot truly become the Star of Fortune that protects the realm, she must at least possess complete power to defend herself.
“Otherwise, all the nation’s efforts would be in vain!”
If she were to die, rumors would spread, and chaos would ensue.
Simon listened to these words and repeatedly agreed, “Your Majesty, you are wise and mighty, a blessing to the people!”
He added, “Even if she lacks achievements, at the very least, her intentions must be upright, and she must possess a compassionate heart to aid the world!”
The two exchanged words, each speaking to the other’s heart.
The King snorted coldly, “I see you are skilled in conversation.”
Being skilled in conversation was rare. Because it required first understanding the human heart.
Simon understood the King. Regarding the next successor, the King had already made up his mind, but the timing of the inheritance was his decision, not something for the princes to seize for themselves.
He could grant it, but would not allow anyone to take it by force.
The King continued, “Go now. From now on, matters concerning Margaery will be entrusted to you and Norman to help her
progress.
“In three years, I want to see a transformed Margaery! In literature, she must be able to debate fiercely. In skills, she must have the power to sweep away enemies on the battlefield!”
Simon bowed and replied, “Your Majesty, thank you for nurturing her.”
“You may leave.” The King waved his hand, signaling Simon to depart.
Simon tactfully left.
The King rose and entered the back hall.
He took out a portrait of Angelina, his eyes brimming with tears, and he said, “Have I… Ultimately been selfish after all?
“I still remember the day we parted. You told me that we would meet again and that you must become the most dazzling woman in the world. Mastering both literature and skills, able to help me govern the nation within, and sweep away enemies to command respect beyond its borders.”
Two streams of hot tears rolled down.
He choked up slightly. “The day I saw Margaery, it was as if I saw you in your youth. If we had a daughter, she would surely
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be like this, wouldn’t she?”
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As he spoke, he covered his face. He continued, “It is my fault. I failed to educate Nathaniel well. Though born into royalty. his vision, skills, talent, courage, and strategy are not even half of yours. He has inherited none of what you and I possess.
“In the end, I have wronged you.
“Someday, when I pass on… I will go to you and apologize.”
Simon braved the wind and snow as he left, and from afar saw Norman entering the palace.
He watched for a long time, sighing. “The King knows everything! The might and capability of the Eastvale Empire’s Warrior King, now, perhaps only Prince Dashnell can compare.”
What moved him even more was the King’s arrangements for Margaery.
The King thought highly of her. The degree of favor she received rivals that of the princes.
It was because Margaery had proved herself.
Her every action revealed to the King her resilience, endurance, intelligence, and humility.
It was she herself who earned such an opportunity.
The King’s expectation for her was to become the next Queen.
To be a kind Queen to all people, the confidante and supporter of the next King.
She was to be the next guardian of the Eastvale Empire!
From now on, there would finally be no need to worry too much about the future of Margaery.
Raul watched Simon leave, then saw Norman enter, yet still did not receive the King’s summons.
He was so anxious he could hardly contain himself.
“Warren, could you please tell the King once more?” Unable to hold back, he looked toward Warren under the eaves.
Warren looked at him with unprecedented coldness and said, “The King is busy. It’s not up to me. Chancellor, you’d best
wail.”
‘After what you did at the Icy Pool, now you feel guilty? It’s already too late!‘ Warren thought.
In the Imperial Study.
Norman stepped forward and greeted, “Your Majesty.”
“Norman, sit here.” The King pointed to the seat beside him and sighed. “I called you here today to discuss the matter of the
Star of Fortune,” he said.
Norman nodded and said, “I have already heard. Raul, to save Tessa, brutally killed the Star of Fortune, only to end up hurting himself with his own petard.”
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He sighed, “Truly deranged.”
The King nodded and said, “Indeed, deranged.”
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As he spoke, he looked at Norman and continued, “Norman, can you tell me why you accepted Margaery as your disciple last time? The Chapel of Wisdom has never had a precedent of accepting female disciples.”
There were not many disciples in the Chapel of Wisdom. But each one was remarkable.
Even he, the King, was once from the Chapel of Wisdom.
Norman’s attainments were truly unfathomable. Over the years, the first disciple he accepted was Dashnell.
The second was Margaery.
The King could understand accepting Dashnell, but Margaery…
Upon hearing this, Norman sighed and replied, “Perhaps it was fate. That day, I asked her a question, and her answer resonated deeply with me. I felt she possessed spiritual insight, so I accepted her.”
“Really?” The King was somewhat surprised and asked, “She is only sixteen. What did she say that moved you so deeply?”
Norman recalled the scene and, after a moment, he said, “That day, I asked her, as a person, how can one avoid being worn down by the suffering of this world and achieve peace of mind?”
The King responded, “That is a difficult question. Some people spend their whole lives and never solve it.”
As he spoke, he looked at Norman and added, “I am quite curious how she would answer.”
Norman smiled and replied, “She said that the suffering of this world is nothing more than love, hatred, greed, anger, delusion, arrogance, and doubt. It is these things that torment people to the point of longing for transcendence or death.
“To attain liberation, one must not argue with reality.
“Do not have expectations of others. Without hope, there is no disappointment. Do not control yourself, nor others. Do not attempt to make everything unfold as you wish, and there will be no dissatisfaction.”
Upon hearing this, the King fell silent.
This statement struck him deeply. He said, “She is right. Most things in life do not go as one wishes, and all of it stems from this. Living in this world, people always hope that everything will go according to their desires, and hope that those they like will also like them.
“They want to decide what others should do, and how things should be.
“But this world does not revolve around any one person.
“The chasm between expectation and reality is the fissure in our hearts.”
The King spoke, raising his head to look at Norman. “For her to comprehend this at such a young age is truly rare. It is no wonder she can remain unsullied even in a family like the Wallen family.”
Changing the topic, the King affirmed his thoughts and added, “Norman, the reason I called you here this time is to entrust
her to you.
“First, she is an innocent child and should not die inexplicably in the chaos. Second, she is the Star of Fortune, bound to the
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fate of the nation, and must not come to harm. Third, she is Dashnell’s beloved, and as Dashnell’s father, I do not wish for him to suffer heartbreak at a young age.”
Finally, he sighed and continued, “Fourth, my selfishness. Since you have met her, you surely understand as well.”
It was because of Angelina.
It was because he himself experienced the sorrow of losing a beloved in youth, and did not wish Dashnell to go through the
same.
Norman nodded and said, “You wish for her to truly live up to the name and become the genuine Star of Fortune.”
The King nodded. “Yes.
“Since she can thoroughly comprehend the path of liberation, she can naturally also understand the essence of compassion. She is capable.”
Norman nodded and said, “From this incident, you have seen her potential. As long as she is given the opportunity, she possesses both courage and wisdom.”
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
