Chapter 168. The Princess of Whereto
Seated in the car, Margaret peered out of the window as the ever-changing landscape blitzed past her. After three years, the youthful naivety that once graced her face was gone and replaced by an ethereal beauty that further accentuated her charm.
But presently, her alluring visage held a hint of fatigue.
The last two months at sea had been exhausting. All she wanted to do was to get home as quickly as possible, enjoy a warm bath, and replenish her beauty sleep.
As the scenery whizzed by her, she finally caught sight of the steel gates of the Governor's Mansion. Finally, she was home.
"My dear, how was your tour of the islands? Was everything smooth?" Kalytha approached Margaret with a radiant smile on her visage.
"It went relatively well. I'm just tired from the long voyage. Mother, I'd like to take a bath."
"Of course. The bathwater is already prepared and awaiting you."
With her hair coiled up into a bun atop her head, Margaret sank into the ivory porcelain bathtub. Enjoying the embrace of the warm water, she closed her eyes and allowed her wearied mind to unwind.
"Darling, Martin sent numerous telegrams while you were away. I've placed them in your room; you may want to read them when you have the time," Kalytha's voice sounded.
Margaret's beautiful arched eyebrows instantly furrowed. "Mother, please let me enjoy my rest. Perhaps we can save this talk for tomorrow?"
"Darling, there's no need to choose further. Among all your suitors, I can feel that Martin is the best candidate for you. He's the eldest son of the Governor of Ebony Mist Island and is also quite handsome. Also, I can see that he truly likes you."
"Yeah, yeah..." Margaret gave a cursory response; her mind was clearly elsewhere. Emerging from n0v@lbin☆, this material harbors clandestine details.
Kalytha shook her head in resignation and turned around to exit the bathroom.
"It's not necessary, but if you married him, that would certainly be a great assistance to your father's current predicament."
With a soft click, the door was closed. Margaret was then left alone in the spacious, steam-filled bathroom.
She opened her eyes as she stared at the crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. A complex expression appeared on her delicate countenance.
Three years ago, she had been elated when she heard that Mr. Charles had become the governor of an island.
The news kept her awake the whole night. After all, this meant that her father would no longer object to them being together.
However, just as she started to fantasize about their rosy future ahead, she received devastating news: The Governor of Hope Island had perished. He had fallen from a great height and plunged into the waters. His body disappeared into the depths and was never found.
The Isle of Whereto was vast; even if one were to drive a car, it would take a long time to travel around. Margaret continuously peered out of the windows. She felt like the island had changed again during her absence.
And before she knew it, morning had turned into noon.
"Stop the car!"
Hearing the urgency in Margaret's voice, the driver stomped on the emergency brake.
Margaret then rushed out of the halted car and sprinted to a cotton candy stall.
"Mister, I'd like a pink one, please!" she exclaimed.
The machine whirred and came to life. Soon, a pink cotton candy was handed over to Margaret.
Margaret strolled ahead while savoring the cotton candy.
Everything edible she came across would pique her interest.
As the cotton candy rapidly diminished in size, the view of the chaotic harbor district that was previously obscured by her treat soon entered Margaret's sight.
Stuffing the last bit of cotton candy into her mouth, Margaret pointed at the harbor district. "Let's go check it out."
A hint of apprehension mixed with hesitancy crossed Gina's face. "Miss, isn't that area a little dangerous? Perhaps we should go somewhere else."
"It's fine. Brother's men are with us," Margaret reassured Gina and gestured toward the burly driver, who had been following them. She then grabbed Gina's hand and pulled her toward the harbor area.
With her stunning beauty and her exquisite, white flowing dress, Margaret stood out like a dazzling spotlight on the crowded streets.
Sensing the lingering gazes from all around her, she swiftly made a detour into a second-hand clothing shop around the corner.
People subconsciously trailed after her and gathered at the shop's entrance.
The driver didn't follow Margaret into the shop but stood guard right outside.
Soon enough, a beggar shuffled forward with a bowl in his hands.
"Make sure those trash know their place. They’re doomed if even a single hair on the young miss is harmed."
"Understood," the beggar replied and scurried off.
Inside the second-hand clothing shop, Margaret quickly changed out of her white dress into an ensemble of older clothes. She exited the shop and saw Gina waiting for her while wearing similar clothes.
Margaret took a moment to take in Gina’s appearance before covering her mouth to stifle her laughter.