Her Majestic Battle Cry

As Carissa rode back to Hell Monarch Estate, the murmurs of the townsfolk reached her ears. Small groups gathered on street corners and market stalls, their conversations buzzing with the shocking events at Gracewood Women’s Academy.

The academy and Skye Embroidery had already drawn public attention some admiring, some critical. But how, with a scandal of this magnitude, the entire city seemed to be in an uproar.

At the heart of it all was Rosalind, the royal chancellor’s granddaughter. The jewel of high society, a young woman of golden pedigree–dishonored by a brutish laborer. noveldrama

Who would marry her now?

“She was foolish,” someone whispered. “She could have lived out her days as a sheltered noblewoman, but she chose to play teacher. Well, look where that got her! Her reputation is ruined forever.”

Carissa deliberately slowed her horse, listening intently as she passed by, hoping–desperately

for someone to acknowledge Rosalind’s bravery, to speak of how she had shielded her. students. But no such words came. Not a single voice praised her courage or sacrifice.

Carissa’s heart sank under the weight of it all.

She had faced her share of trials since becoming the commander of the Mystic Army, including several assassination attempts. Not every mission had gone perfectly, and even Skye Embroidery had its own challenges. Yet, none of it had discouraged her. She believed that many things could be accomplished slowly, as long as she did her best.

However, this was different.

This time, her spirit felt crushed.

This disaster shouldn’t have happened.

Carissa had always been cautious. Why hadn’t she been more alert? Was it because Rafael had left the capital, and the pain of parting had clouded her mind? Had her emotions taken control, making her unable to anticipate the possible dangers?

Or, even if she had foreseen them, she hadn’t taken precautions.

She felt an overwhelming sense of self–blame.

After returning to the estate, Carissa sat alone in the conference hall for a long time before Jacob rushed in. He had gone to the Royal Citadel to inquire after hearing about the matter and hadn’t expected Carissa to be back so soon. Upon arriving at the estate, he found her sitting alone in the conference hall in silence.

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He had never seen Carissa in such a dejected state. She was slumped in the chair, her legs. crossed and her back hunched forward.

Jacob quickly stepped forward and said, “Your Grace, what matters now is finding the mastermind behind this. You mustn’t let this bring you down or blame yourself too much.”

Carissa rubbed her face with both hands. “Jacob, I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. I just need a moment to get myself together.”

With that, she planted her feet firmly on the ground, her back straightened once more, her tone became businesslike.

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“Now, let’s think this through. Who could be behind this?”

Jacob frowned. He didn’t have any ideas at the moment. “The tactics used are vile–dirty to the core. And the cover–up with the murder? I can’t immediately think of anyone who’d resort to something so extreme.”

“I agree,” Carissa said. “The methods are far too brutal. If this were about the workshop, I could list plenty of people with a motive. While the workshop may seem accepted by most, there are plenty who secretly dislike it and see it as a challenge to traditional values. But the academy?”

She shook her head.

“Gracewood Women’s Academy was founded under the queen dowager’s directive, and so many noble families and officials have sent their daughters there. Yes, Ms. Quinton was expelled, but could it

y be them? Their family head isn’t foolish enough to pick a fight with so many influential households.

“If it was Madam Vera, a woman scheming this far just to set someone up and silence them, she would need help from capable people within the household. But the Quinton family’s fourth branch doesn’t have anyone like that.”

Jacob sometimes greatly admired Carissa’s sharp mind. Even when her heart was in turmoil, she could still see the issue so clearly.

“Indeed, the likelihood of the Quinton family being involved is small. They’ve just established new family rules and are acting with great discretion, quietly gathering influence to support the eldest prince. They would never do something like this and offend so many noble families and officials. There’s no such thing as a perfect crime. If it were discovered, the Quinton family’s powerful position would no longer stand tall and unshaken.”

Carissa instinctively curled her legs, her expression slightly dazed.

“To be honest, I thought the Quinton family’s fourth branch might seek revenge, but I expected it to be nothing more than petty trouble–maybe Ms. Quinton would hire a few people to come and insult us. I never imagined it would get this serious.”

“Indeed, most people wouldn’t dare touch the academy,” Jacob replied.