Her Majestic Battle Cry

Chapter 1200

The remaining men were trembling with fear, scrambling in panic. Especially Hank, the one who had harassed Rosalind–he was sobbing uncontrollably. Dragging his broken legs, he knelt on the ground as if he didn’t even feel the pain, repeatedly pleading with Carissa and Anthony.

“I was wrong! I was greedy, but I won’t ever do it again! Please spare me, my lord! I have an elderly parent who’s ill and a newborn daughter at home. If I’m locked up, what will happen to my family?”

His cries were piercing and filled with despair.

However, Anthony didn’t waver and firmly ordered, “Take them away!”

People who did bad things might have tragic backstories, but that was no excuse for breaking the law.

Those who worked in law enforcement saw this kind of thing all the time, but in the end, the law was the law.

As the culprits were dragged away, the academy fell into a heavy silence. The oppressive stillness blanketed the room as the women gathered in the hall, each caught in her own thoughts. noveldrama

Claire added more coal to the brazier to warm up the room, as Rosalind’s trembling shoulders, showed no signs of easing.

Present in the room were Catherine, Harriet, Athena, Rosalind, and Carissa, who held the honorary position of headmistress. Claire, serving as a temporary guard, stood near the door. A few older maids, servants, and the cook–who had all been in the rear courtyard during the commotion–remained away from the central gathering.

At Carissa’s instruction, Claire went to speak to the staff, firmly instructing them to keep their lips sealed about the incident. While it was impossible to contain the news entirely, Carissa wanted to ensure it didn’t spread unnecessarily from within the academy walls.

Carissa herself took a deep breath, pulling herself from her guilt–stricken–thoughts. Lingering in remorse wouldn’t solve the problems at hand. The situation involved not just the academy but also the daughters of noble and official familles. The academy owed their families a proper explanation.

Rosalind, the sole victim in this tragedy, hadn’t excused herself to rest. She remained seated with the others, determined to help devise a solution with everyone else.

Carissa’s initial plan had been to send the others home while she returned to her estate to consult with Jacob. She wanted his advice on how to navigate the fallout, and how to minimize the damage to the academy’s reputation.

However, everyone insisted on staying, partly to comfort Rosalind and partly to help in any

O–BONUS

way they could to quell the rumors that were bound to spread like wildfire.

There was no need to guess how deeply this incident had hurt Rosalind–everyone already knew. By tomorrow, she would likely be the target of endless gossip and cruel words.

No one would care about the truth–that she was a victim. The only thing people would discuss was that a man had laid hands on her, tamishing her reputation beyond repair.

Whether this world consumed people in general was debatable, but it undeniably devoured women. No one present would argue otherwise.

Rosalind said, “I didn’t think much at that moment. The crowd was in chaos, and the servants who should have acted hesitated. They were likely worried stepping in would bring trouble to their own families. So, they stood by and did nothing.

“With things as they were, I couldn’t let my students be dragged into this scandal. I’m the royal chancellor’s granddaughter. Besides, it was true I was assaulted. So, a few unkind words won’t hurt me. Please don’t look so grim.”

She tried to lighten the mood with a jest. “The way you’re all looking at me, I feel like I’m on my deathbed rather than just the subject of gossip.

The room filled with tentative laughter, though the sound was tinged with sadness. The women’s smiles were thin, and the heartbreak in their gazes was unmistakable.

Carissa took it upon herself to escort Rosalind home, knowing she needed to report this matter personally to Trevor.

By the time they arrived at the Young family’s residence, Highstone Estate, word had already reached him. After he finished listening, he laughed heartily.

“My granddaughter is truly brave and resolute! She’s done well–exceptionally well!”

Carissa knew Trevor valued his reputation highly. She thought he would be furious and heartbroken over Rosalind being assaulted, so she planned to explain and apologize. However, he seemed so carefree, as if he didn’t take it seriously at all.

For a moment, Carissa almost believed him.

That was, until she noticed the subtle redness in his eyes as he looked at Rosalind. It was clear Trevor truly cared for his beloved granddaughter, and he wasn’t as indifferent as he appeared.