Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gevra struggles to keep up with her rice paddy blessing task due to exhaustion.
• Romain plans to reclaim over two thousand mu of land this year, including paddy fields, wasteland, and transforming pastures.
• Despite the intense July heat, Romain keeps everyone working to combat the food crisis.
• Origin City receives a new guest, Leisa Silvermoon, an auxiliary witch from Witch Forest in Cangyue.

Character Developments

• Gevra: Despite her initial enthusiasm, she struggles with the physical demands of her task, highlighting her youth and inexperience.
• Romain: He demonstrates his determination and strategic thinking in tackling the food crisis and land reclamation, prioritizing work even in harsh conditions.
• Leisa Silvermoon: She shows resilience and resourcefulness in her journey to Origin City, carrying an important message from the Prophetess Witch.

Significant Themes

• Determination and Perseverance: Both Gevra and Romain face challenges but remain determined to see their tasks through.
• Resource Management: Romain's focus on reclaiming various types of land and ensuring efficient use of resources highlights the importance of strategic planning.
• Messengers and Information: Leisa's arrival underscores the importance of communication and the exchange of information between different parties.

Character Interactions

• Romain and Gevra: Romain assigns Gevra a task that, while challenging, is manageable given her abilities. He understands her limitations and adjusts his expectations accordingly.
• Romain and Leisa: They meet for the first time, with Leisa conveying a message from the Prophetess Witch, foreshadowing potential alliances and conflicts to come.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Papacy has discovered that Witches are being sheltered in Origin City.
• Romain has been developing his influence in secret for two months.
• Lyra Silvermoon arrives and pledges her loyalty to Romain.
• Romain asks Lyra to assist Gevra in farming, using her Innate Spell, 'Amplifier'.

Character Developments

• Romain: Shows calm and acceptance when learning about the Papacy's discovery. He has plans to deal with the situation but avoids discussing them.
• Lyra Silvermoon: Reveals her Innate Spell, 'Amplifier', which can enhance an intermediate witch's spell. She is surprised and somewhat displeased at being asked to help with farming.
• Gevra: Is curious about Lyra and her abilities. She is on the verge of becoming an intermediate witch.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Papacy and the Witches.
• The unique abilities and roles of Witches.
• The importance of loyalty and trust among allies.

Character Interactions

• Romain and Lyra: Romain asks Lyra to help Gevra, and Lyra, though surprised, agrees. There's a hint of tension due to Lyra's expectations not aligning with her tasks.
• Lyra and Gevra: Lyra approaches Gevra, showing a friendly demeanor while internally strategizing to build a good relationship with someone powerful.
• Romain and the other Witches: Romain wants to finish his conversation with Lyra before allowing the other Witches to catch up and chat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lyra's magical abilities peak on the full moon night, enhancing Gevra's powers.
• Romain, impressed by Lyra's skill, plans to help her level up and evolve her Innate Spell into a universal spell.
• A cleric from the Papacy arrives, seeking Romain's help to find and capture an evil witch, but Romain refuses.
• The Papacy organizes a Holy War Army of 20,000 to crusade against Romain, but a group of fanatical followers precedes them, only to be defeated and captured by Romain.

Character Developments

• Lyra demonstrates her magical prowess, catching Romain's attention and approval.
• Romain shows his disdain for the Papacy's interference and his willingness to protect Lyra and the witches.
• The cleric's view of witches is challenged when he encounters the witches in Romain's court.

Significant Themes

• The conflict between the Papacy's view of witches as evil and the reality of their existence and power.
• The potential for growth and evolution of magical abilities.
• The tension between religious authority and secular power.

Character Interactions

• Lyra and Gevra work together to enhance Gevra's magical abilities.
• Romain interacts with the cleric, showing his disinterest in the Papacy's quest and his support for the witches.
• The witches in Romain's court challenge the cleric's perception of them as evil.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Romain's defiance of the Papacy leads to a global backlash, with no one willing to do business with him due to the Papacy's influence.
• Origin City faces severe supply shortages, prompting Romain to focus on establishing internal production systems and self-sufficiency.
• The Pirate King Alex defeats the Duke of Armor Break, pushing the front lines south, and trades prisoners for weapons and arrows with Origin City.
• The Papacy's Holy War Army approaches Origin City, but Romain decides to ignore them and hunker down, focusing on training his troops.

Character Developments

• Romain: He becomes more determined and defiant in the face of global opposition, focusing on Origin City's self-sufficiency and military preparedness. He decides to avoid a battle this year to conserve resources.
• Aaron: He demonstrates loyalty and commitment to Romain's cause, inspiring other non-commissioned officers to do the same.

Significant Themes

• Isolation and defiance: Romain's actions have isolated him from the rest of the world, but he remains defiant in the face of adversity.
• Self-sufficiency and resource management: Romain focuses on establishing internal production systems and conserving resources to ensure Origin City's survival.
• Military preparedness: Romain prioritizes training his troops to ensure they are ready for any potential threats.

Character Interactions

• Romain and Seth: Seth warns Romain about the consequences of provoking the Papacy, but Romain remains undeterred.
• Romain and the Witches: The Witches expect Romain to strike with full force against the Papacy's Holy War Army, but he decides to ignore them and focus on training his troops.
• Aaron and the non-commissioned officers: Aaron's loyalty and commitment inspire other non-commissioned officers to remain dedicated to their mission.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Romain supervises the recruitment of soldiers for the grain issue.
• He is ambushed by Faceless Death Warriors, assassins sent by the Papacy.
• Romain uses his intuition and combat skills to escape, killing several assassins.
• The witches help him track down and eliminate the remaining assassins.
• Romain decides to keep the assassination attempt secret to prevent social unrest.

Character Developments

• Romain: Shows his combat prowess and quick thinking, reinforcing his determination to confront the Papacy.
• Shasta: Expresses concern for Romain's safety and takes on a personal protective role.

Significant Themes

• Threat and Response: The assassination attempt highlights the growing threat from the Papacy and Romain's resolve to face it.
• Power Dynamics: The incident underscores the power struggle between the Papacy and Romain, with the latter demonstrating his ability to defend himself.

Character Interactions

• Romain and Shasta: Their interaction solidifies Shasta's role as Romain's personal protector.
• Romain and the Assassins: The encounter highlights Romain's combat skills and determination to survive.
• Romain and the Witches: The incident reinforces their bond and shared resolve to protect each other.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Papacy's first assassination attempt on Romain fails.
• Romain assigns farmers to work only half-days and spend the other half practicing with crossbows.
• The Holy War Army led by Commander Matthew sets up camp in Kant Territory, planning to attack Origin City.
• Matthew imposes a seventy percent tax on the local farmers, promising to protect them from Romain.

Character Developments

• Romain: Shows strategic thinking by training farmers in crossbow usage, indicating his long-term planning and desire to build a strong military.
• Matthew: Demonstrates his leadership and strategic acumen by stationing the Holy War Army in Kant Territory and imposing a lower tax rate to gain the support of local farmers.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The struggle for power and control between the Papacy and Romain is a central theme, with both sides employing different strategies to gain the upper hand.
• Resource Management: The chapter highlights the importance of resources, both human (farmers as potential soldiers) and material (grain for the army), in achieving political and military goals.

Character Interactions

• Romain and the Farmers: Romain's decision to train farmers in crossbow usage shows his desire to involve and empower the local population, potentially fostering loyalty and support.
• Matthew and the Local Farmers: Matthew's imposition of a seventy percent tax rate, lower than previous lords, aims to gain the support and cooperation of the local farmers against Romain.
• Matthew and the Holy War Army: Matthew's leadership is evident in his ability to rally nobles and commoners alike to support the Holy War Army's cause against Romain.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Holy War Army's initial offensive is repelled by Origin City's militia, forcing them to retreat.
• Romain faces food supply pressure due to the city's rapid population growth and limited arable land.
• The autumn harvest brings relief, with soybeans, late-season rice, cotton, and fish providing additional food sources.
• The army undergoes training exercises, including survival and combat skills, and conducts a large-scale hunt, saving rations.

Character Developments

• Commander Matthew realizes the strength of Origin City's defenses and decides to wait for a surprise opportunity to attack.
• Romain implements rationing to manage food supplies and focuses on improving agricultural yields and adapting new crops.
• Jet, the military instructor, proves to be an asset, helping to train the army and lighten the burden on food supplies.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for resources and food security in a rapidly growing population.
• The importance of strategic planning and adaptability in the face of challenges.
• The role of military preparedness and training in ensuring the city's survival.

Character Interactions

• Romain and Seth work together to manage the city's resources and finances.
• Romain and Jet collaborate on military training and strategies.
• The laborers, slaves, and prisoners of war interact, with the newly arrived slaves adapting to the rationing system and improved treatment compared to their previous lives.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Winter approaches, and Romain focuses on ensuring the city's inhabitants can survive the cold.
• He introduces advanced brick-making technology, increasing construction efficiency.
• The city's infrastructure proves durable against heavy rains and floods.
• Romain decides to provide iron stoves and honeycomb briquettes for heating instead of winter clothing.
• He sets a goal to manufacture twenty thousand iron stoves in Coal Iron Town.

Character Developments

• Romain demonstrates his practical and strategic thinking, prioritizing the city's inhabitants' well-being and productivity.
• The blacksmith apprentices mature and begin training new apprentices, showcasing their growth.

Significant Themes

• Survival and Adaptation: The characters must adapt to the harsh winter conditions and find ways to survive.
• Productivity and Efficiency: Romain focuses on increasing productivity through advanced technology and efficient use of resources.
• Community and Belonging: The "putting down roots" concept emphasizes the importance of forming bonds with the land and community.

Character Interactions

• Romain interacts with various departments, such as the Resident Affairs Department, to implement his plans.
• The blacksmith apprentices work together to increase productivity and train new apprentices.
• The city's inhabitants, both slaves and residents, interact as they share resources and support each other to survive the winter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Romain discovers Gevra secretly blessing their donkey, Ami, again.
• Gevra and Romain bless experimental wheat fields together under the moonlight.
• Lyra expresses admiration for Gevra's abilities, but Romain criticizes her narrow vision.

Character Developments

• Gevra: Shows responsibility and initiative in her work, but also displays childishness and forgetfulness.
• Romain: Demonstrates patience and care towards Gevra, but also arrogance and impatience with others.
• Lyra: Struggles with maintaining a good relationship with Romain, feeling unappreciated and misunderstood.

Significant Themes

• Destiny and free will: Gevra leaves the results of her blessings to Destiny, while Romain actively shapes the future through his work.
• Respect and appreciation: Lyra feels unappreciated by Romain, highlighting the importance of recognition and respect in relationships.
• Responsibility and initiative: Gevra shows responsibility in her work, while Lyra feels she has done what was asked of her but still faces criticism.

Character Interactions

• Romain and Gevra: Their relationship is caring and protective, with Romain guiding and teaching Gevra, and Gevra seeking Romain's approval and attention.
• Lyra and Romain: Their relationship is strained, with Lyra feeling unappreciated and misunderstood by Romain, who is critical and dismissive of her.
• Gevra and Sana: Gevra feels Sana is jealous of her, highlighting the competitive nature of their relationship despite their shared destiny as witches.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Origin City experiences heavy snowfalls in November, hindering development and requiring snow clearance for road maintenance.
• In December, residents with winter clothing undertake land reclamation, while those without stay indoors to keep warm.
• Winter plowing is conducted to accelerate soil maturation and improve next year's harvest.
• A fleet from the Black Iron King arrives, led by Minister of Finance Damon, with a thousand jin of gold as a gift.
• Damon reveals that the Black Iron King and Grand Duke Pine are arguing over the Papacy's Holy War Army targeting the Witch (Romain's shelter).

Character Developments

• Romain shows indifference to political developments in the wider land, focusing on Origin City's development.
• Damon reveals the power struggle between the Black Iron King and Grand Duke Pine, and the influence of the Papacy.

Significant Themes

• The impact of weather on development and survival.
• The power struggle between political figures and factions.
• The importance of strategic alliances and enemies in political dynamics.

Character Interactions

• Romain and Damon meet, with Damon revealing political tensions and bringing a gift of gold.
• Romain shows little interest in political intrigue, focusing on Origin City's needs.
• Damon expresses concern about the potential clash between the Black Iron King and Grand Duke Pine, hinting at the Papacy's growing influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Papacy seeks to expand its influence, using the Angry Tide to emerge from the Shen'ao peninsula, which would strengthen Shen'ao's power against Cangyue.
• The Black Iron King prevents the Papacy's emergence, as the consequences would be catastrophic.
• The Minister of Finance, Damon, arrives to discuss the Conqueror's Order, revealing that Lord Gale's defeat and the Pirates' advance threaten the Armor Break territory and Black Fortress.
• The Minister implies that the King of the River Valley and the Black Iron King are using the Pirates to weaken the Armor Break family's influence in the North, causing widespread suffering among the common people.

Character Developments

• Romain, Lord of Black Fortress, maintains a long-term perspective and understands the political motivations of major powers. He realizes that the King of the River Valley and the Black Iron King are using the Pirates to further their own agendas.
• The Minister of Finance, Damon, is revealed to be involved in the power struggle and is aware of the King's manipulations. He directly confronts Romain about his involvement with the Pirates and the Conqueror's Order.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of political manipulation and power struggles on common people.
• The importance of the Conqueror's Order in maintaining peace and preventing internal strife among human nations.
• The collapse of the Conqueror's Order and the onset of the chaotic era following Alster's death.

Character Interactions

• Romain and Damon discuss the Conqueror's Order, with Damon pressing Romain to explain his actions regarding the Pirates and the King's expectations.
• Damon reveals that Lord Gale accused Romain of colluding with the Pirates, but the Black Iron King suppressed those accusations.
• The conversation between Romain and Damon highlights the political intrigue and power dynamics at play, with both characters aware of the King's manipulations and the suffering of the common people.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Romain, a King's Duke and Order Duke, is visited by Damon, the Black Iron King's minister, who pressures him to send troops against the Holy War Army.
• Romain agrees to send troops the following year, aiming to reclaim Kant Territory from the Holy War Army.
• The minister reveals that the Holy War Army's numbers have grown to over thirty thousand, with more expected to join.

Character Developments

• Romain demonstrates calm and confidence in his decisions, suggesting he has a plan to deal with the Holy War Army.
• Damon shows determination in conveying the Black Iron King's orders and ensuring Origin City's cooperation.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and territory between the Black Iron Land and the Papacy.
• The impact of religious beliefs on the common people and their willingness to join the Holy War Army.
• The high autonomy granted to nobles like Romain, despite the heavy tax burden.

Character Interactions

• Romain and Damon: Romain remains composed and confident in his decisions, while Damon persistently urges him to send troops and provides information about the Holy War Army's growing strength.
• The Black Iron King and Romain: The king's orders are conveyed through Damon, expecting Romain to send troops and reclaim Kant Territory.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Niriel successfully suppresses the rebellion at Sea Fortress, awakens her bloodline power, and gains the loyalty of its people.
• She sends a gift of high-quality pearls to Romain, along with a letter requesting his blessing for Sea Fortress's development.
• Seven hundred soldiers, who had been dispatched to Sea Fortress, are set to return to Origin City.

Character Developments

• Niriel demonstrates her leadership and strategic prowess in rebuilding Sea Fortress, gaining the respect and loyalty of its people.
• Romain shows concern for the well-being of his people, acknowledging the challenges faced by Sea Fortress's reconstruction.
• The Monster Beast Witch, hidden within the crow, exhibits loyalty to Romain and provides valuable intelligence.

Significant Themes

• Leadership and strategic prowess (Niriel's successful takeover of Sea Fortress)
• Concern for the common people (Romain's acknowledgment of the difficulties faced by Sea Fortress's workers)
• Loyalty (The Monster Beast Witch's dedication to her role as Head of Intelligence)

Character Interactions

• Niriel and Romain: Their Affinity increases, suggesting a deepening relationship, possibly due to mutual benefit or deeper reasons.
• Romain and the Monster Beast Witch: They maintain a professional relationship, with the Monster Beast Witch providing intelligence and Romain acknowledging her efforts.
• Niriel and her people: Niriel gains their loyalty and respect through her leadership and concern for their well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Romain decides to attack the Holy War Army before the spring plowing, contrary to the Black Iron King's plan.
• Origin City's army prepares for war, inspecting and maintaining equipment, and transporting supplies.
• A military meeting is held to discuss strategies against the Holy War Army, which has 30,000 combat-ready men and elite forces.
• Romain reveals his plan to use black powder if the situation turns unfavorable.

Character Developments

• Romain displays confidence and strategic thinking, reassuring his officials about their army's strength.
• Jet, Dick, Nathson, Kao, and Aaron express their concerns about the Holy War Army's strength and numbers.

Significant Themes

• The importance of morale and confidence in warfare.
• The impact of numerical superiority on battle outcomes.
• The value of thorough preparation and planning.

Character Interactions

• Romain interacts with his high-ranking officials (Jet, Dick, Nathson, Kao, Aaron, and Green) during the military meeting.
• Romain reassures and motivates his officials and soldiers by emphasizing their strength and the fragility of the Holy War Army's apparent power.
• Romain communicates with the Monster Beast Witch's birds for liaison with the returning veterans from the Sea Fortress.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Holy War Army, led by Marshal Hris, is defending the Bro River to prevent Romain's army from breaking through.
• Romain's fleet approaches, and the Holy War Army prepares to engage.
• A surprise attack from the rear by Romain's elite Foot Knights (Fifth and Sixth Brigades) decimates the defending army.
• Romain lands and is greeted by Captain Fana and the returning Fifth and Sixth Brigades.

Character Developments

• Marshal Hris: Confident in his army's strength, he underestimates the enemy and is ultimately killed in action.
• Captain Fana: Proven to be a capable leader, he successfully commands the Fifth and Sixth Brigades and demonstrates loyalty to Romain.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Holy War Army and Romain's forces.
• The element of surprise in warfare.
• Loyalty and respect between soldiers and their leader.

Character Interactions

• Hris and the Holy War Army vs. Romain's forces: The Holy War Army's overconfidence leads to their downfall against Romain's strategically planned attack.
• Romain and Captain Fana: Romain's subtle gesture and Fana's reverent response highlight their bond and Fana's loyalty.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The River Valley army rests and reinforces at the defending army's camp.
• The Holy War Army learns of the defending camp's fall and is astonished by the reported events.
• Matthew, the commander of the Holy War Army, prepares for the possibility of facing an army with hundreds of Plate Armor-clad knights.
• The Holy War Army begins to mobilize for a decisive battle against the Blasphemer.

Character Developments

• Matthew shows strategic thinking and preparedness, acknowledging the potential threat of the Blasphemer's army.
• Sir Angus, a young and brave knight, demonstrates his fearlessness and determination to fight against the Blasphemer.
• Romain, the King of the River Valley, is too weak to give a speech but ensures his message is conveyed through his subordinates.

Significant Themes

• The power of belief and propaganda in rallying troops.
• The stark contrast between the Holy War Army's perspective (viewing the River Valley army as heretics) and the River Valley soldiers' perspective (viewing the Papacy as oppressive).
• The impact of war on soldiers' mental states, as seen in the Judgment Knights' dejection.

Character Interactions

• Matthew and his high-ranking officials discuss the threat posed by the Blasphemer's army.
• Sir Angus boosts the morale of his comrades, reminding them of their cause and the Holy War Army's strength.
• Romain's message is conveyed through Jet and the captains, instilling loyalty and determination in the River Valley soldiers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The River Valley Army, now equipped and disciplined, faces the Holy War Army in an open field battle.
• Both sides prepare for battle, with the River Valley Army advancing in a gleaming phalanx formation.
• The Holy War Army, despite its larger size, struggles with morale and organization, ultimately deciding to attack.

Character Developments

• Romain, the King of the River Valley, remains strategic and disciplined, refusing to engage in a night raid despite the enemy's proximity.
• Matthew, the leader of the Holy War Army, grapples with the decision to attack, weighing the consequences of retreat or surrender.

Significant Themes

• The power of discipline and organization in warfare, as demonstrated by the River Valley Army's phalanx formation and coordinated archery.
• The consequences of fanaticism and lack of strategy, as seen in the Holy War Army's disorganized attack.

Character Interactions

• Romain and Jet discuss tactics, with Jet proposing a night raid and Romain declining.
• Matthew consults with his advisors, including Bishop Elva and Marshal Alqi, before deciding to attack the River Valley Army.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The River Valley Army employs a heavy armor formation to defend against the Holy War Army's cavalry charge.
• The Holy War Army's cavalry clash with the River Valley's cavalry, resulting in heavy losses on both sides.
• The River Valley's Plate Armor Witches cast spells, causing chaos and confusion among the Holy War Army's cavalry.
• The River Valley Army's archers inflict heavy casualties on the Holy War Army with three volleys of arrows.
• The Holy War Army launches a desperate suicidal charge, but they are no match for the River Valley Army's phalanxes and heavy armor battalions.
• Margaret, the Scarlet Witch, joins the battle, turning the tide further in the River Valley Army's favor.
• Angus, the young knight, leads the last reserve cavalry in a futile charge to buy time for the Holy War Army's retreat, but he is ultimately defeated and dies on the battlefield.

Character Developments

• Margaret demonstrates her power and bravery by joining the battle, showcasing her commitment to the Witch Forest's cause.
• Angus displays his devotion and courage by leading the last reserve cavalry in a suicide charge, highlighting his faith and willingness to sacrifice for his beliefs.

Significant Themes

• The theme of sacrifice is prominent, with both sides making significant sacrifices for their respective causes.
• The power of strategic planning and formations is evident in the River Valley Army's victory.
• The theme of faith and devotion is explored through Angus's character, who remains steadfast in his beliefs until his death.

Character Interactions

• The interaction between the River Valley Army and the Holy War Army highlights the strategic and tactical differences between the two sides, with the River Valley Army's superior planning and formations leading to their victory.
• Margaret's interaction with the battlefield showcases her power and bravery, while Angus's interaction with the battlefield demonstrates his devotion and willingness to sacrifice.
• The interaction between Angus and the believers he is trying to protect highlights his role as a protector and his commitment to his faith.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Holy War Army, significantly outmatched, is utterly annihilated by Origin City's forces in a decisive battle.
• News of the battle shocks various nations, including the Black Iron King, who is astonished by Origin City's strength.
• The Black Iron King suppresses further actions by the Papacy, while the King of Shen'ao and the Pope are left helpless.
• Romain occupies Kant Territory, finding it well-developed by the Holy War Army, and begins planning for spring plowing and agricultural reform.

Character Developments

• Romain's military prowess is further established, earning him the title of 'Undefeated' from the Black Iron King.
• The Black Iron King shows recognition of Romain's power, indicating a shift in his perception of Origin City.

Significant Themes

• The disparity in power between Origin City and other nations is highlighted, emphasizing Origin City's growing influence.
• The theme of expansion and territorial control is reinforced as Romain occupies Kant Territory.

Character Interactions

• Seth hands the Black Iron King's secret letter to Romain, showing his loyalty and trust in Romain.
• Romain consults with Barro regarding agricultural instructors, demonstrating his respect for Barro's expertise and his willingness to accommodate others' needs.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Romain, after the war, goes to Kant Territory to establish his rule, facing hostility from the locals.
• He renames the territory and castle to 'Bountiful City' to instill a new sense of identity.
• Romain discusses the renaming with his War Knights, Captains, Witches, and officials.
• He decides to develop the land into a prosperous farming region.

Character Developments

• Romain demonstrates his strategic thinking and patience in governing the new territory.
• Margaret, the Bloody Witch, shows her honest and straightforward nature, admitting her dangerous tendencies and willingness to accept punishment.
• Shasta, Margaret's familiar, displays loyalty and concern for Margaret's well-being.

Significant Themes

• Patience and strategic planning in governance (Romain).
• Honesty and acceptance of one's flaws (Margaret).
• Loyalty and concern for others (Shasta).

Character Interactions

• Romain interacts with his subordinates, discussing the renaming of the territory and showing his leadership.
• Romain and Margaret have a tense yet honest conversation about her dangerous tendencies and her role as his bodyguard.
• Shasta shows concern for Margaret, interjecting when she feels Margaret is being unfairly treated.