Chapter 72

Margaret Browne, formerly Margaret Readora, was not born into a particularly high-ranking noble family. However, the Readora family was not considered a minor noble family; they were of a middle-level status. It wasn't a situation that would make her feel inferior, but it wasn't something she could boast about in high society or at Elesiana Academy. They were, in essence, a fairly average middle-class noble family.

Margaret did not consider this a misfortune. She was born into a family where she could live without any lack, and she was even able to indulge in luxury. She was not ungrateful enough to lament her situation as a misfortune. However, if asked whether she was satisfied, she would shake her head without hesitation.

Born into an ordinary noble family, Margaret's parents, who were content with giving their children a little more than what they had, were different from her. From a young age, she harbored uncontainable ambition. Even as a child, she could sense the structure of this world, and at the same time, she began to think about climbing higher.

A turning point came for her in the form of her engagement to Rig Browne.

The Browne family was of a high-ranking lineage. The marriage proposal came from old acquaintances who were schoolmates at Elesiana Academy. Margaret readily accepted and rejoiced at the prospect of marrying into the Browne family. There was no love involved, but she did not particularly mind. She did not have any romantic feelings for Rig Browne, but she made extraordinary efforts to ensure she did not disappoint the Browne family's name. She aimed to support her husband, bear children, and maintain the household. In high society, she wanted to be a woman her husband could be proud of, and to her children, she wanted to be a mother who showered them with unconditional love. That was a woman's role, and if she could bear the Browne name, she was determined to do whatever it took. With this resolve, Margaret strove to elevate herself.

Now, let's shift the focus to the Browne family.

The Browne family was a long-standing noble family, considered to be of a high-middle status in high society. They could walk through Elesiana Academy with their heads held high, and in high society, they were a family that everyone would eagerly greet. Normally, they would have a wide selection of marriage proposals, and there would be no reason to marry a daughter from a middle-level family like the Readoras. Especially since Rig was the only child of the Browne family. It was common for the heir to the family to marry someone of a matching status. However, Rig himself was the problem the Browne family faced.

He was selfish and tyrannical, and despite being a noble, he despised nobles. He had a rebellious streak that his parents found difficult to understand. He treated all the young ladies who approached him coldly, assuming they were only interested in the Browne family name. The Browne couple regretted spoiling him so much.

That was why they turned to their old acquaintances and proposed the engagement to Margaret. They wanted to prevent their only son from getting involved with a woman outside the noble circle, especially one who was not a noble.

Thus, both parties' interests aligned, and Margaret became engaged.

Incidentally, Margaret and Rig's first conversation went like this:

"You're probably just after our family name, right?"

"Yes, that's correct."

Despite this, they managed to maintain their engagement until university. This was because, despite his disdain for nobles, Rig could not abandon the Browne family name, and Margaret made great efforts to avoid any mistakes that could lead to the engagement being broken. There was no love involved.

Margaret faced a second, and undesirable, turning point during her university years when Lilianne transferred in.

Margaret, who had no memory of the game, thought Lilianne would approach Rig and be hurt by his cold attitude, just like the others. However, to her surprise, Rig, who initially treated Lilianne coldly, gradually began to show her a gentle smile. He even became one of the men surrounding her.

Lilianne, using her knowledge of the game, addressed Rig's noble complexes. He was particularly hungry for love and kindness that did not care about family status, making it easy for Lilianne to win him over. Despite this, there was no love involved.

Margaret, who was unaware of this, was taken aback by Rig's change and felt a sense of unease. She thought, "After all the effort to secure a connection with the Browne family, will it be taken away by such a woman?"

Determined to prevent this, Margaret took action, and she did so earlier than anyone else. Even Carina, who knew everything and acted cautiously, did not realize or consider it as quickly.

She showed the Browne couple the pitiful sight of their son being part of Lilianne's reverse harem, and when they began to consider adopting a son, she declared:

"I will take a husband and promise to bear a fine son!"

It was an audacious claim, but Margaret managed to convince them and was welcomed into the Browne family as an adopted daughter. The Browne couple recognized her ambition, and Margaret was overjoyed. She resolved to repay the Readora family, which had sent her to the Browne family without reproach.

Margaret's third turning point... was at the Albert family's party.

"Mary, I'm going to go for a bit."

"Why does your 'I'm going' sound more like 'I'm hunting' to me? I thought you'd be the first to go."

"I don't take other people's prey. I'll observe others first."

"You're a sensible hunter. If you need any help, just say so. I actually don't mind your ambitious nature."

"You can call me your sister-in-law if you like."

"Don't say such terrifying things."

With that, Margaret chuckled and headed to the venue. Everywhere, young ladies were calling out to their desired partners, and Patrick Dice was particularly popular.

Margaret looked around the venue and sighed at its grandeur. The Albert family's mansion was truly impressive, exuding a sense of class without the tackiness of nouveau riche. It spoke of the authority and long-standing history of the family, on par with the royal family. Margaret, feeling envious, gazed at Mary through the window. She was the epitome of an Albert family daughter, beautiful and poised.

As she watched, Margaret thought about securing an Albert family son... and as she turned to leave the garden, she noticed a boy standing there, lost in thought. She stopped.

Margaret's concern for the boy and her approach to him were purely coincidental. She did not know him, nor did their eyes meet, and he certainly did not call out to her. Yet, for some reason, the boy caught her attention, and she decided to speak to him. This chance encounter would significantly change Margaret's fate, perhaps even drawn by her ambition.

"What a pity to look so down at such a wonderful party."

Speaking gently, the boy turned as if suddenly coming to his senses. His soft hair swayed, and his deep eyes met Margaret's. He was a beautiful boy, even at a young age, with a strong and handsome presence. However, his face was somber, and when Margaret asked what was wrong, he looked away, avoiding her gaze.

Such a beautiful face, ruined... she thought to herself, and to avoid upsetting him, she stood beside him slowly. Recalling his gaze, she looked up, and the Albert family's mansion stood before her. Its grandeur was almost overwhelming, making one feel inferior. Yet, at the same time, it inspired a desire to stand on the same level, to walk through its doors with pride, and to invite Mary Albert to a mansion of equal stature.

She found herself amazed at her own ambition and chuckled softly. The boy beside her whispered, "I..."

He was around 10 or 11, with a beautiful appearance and a clear, resonant voice that made him seem like a work of art.

"What's wrong?"

"I envy those who can walk through such a grand house with confidence."

"Why is that?"

"I have two older brothers... They are always so confident and dignified, but I get nervous in such settings and don't know how to behave."

Margaret smiled gently at the boy, who looked down in shame.