Her Majestic Battle Cry

By the time Carissa returned to her residence, she had barely settled in before Violet arrived in a rush and pulled her aside.

“It’s about the academy,” Violet began, her expression tight with anger. “I fear this may be the work of the king and queen.”

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Carissa blinked, stunned. “The king and queen? Where did you hear this?”

“Kevin told me,” Violet explained. “He overheard the king reprimanding the queen, accusing her of acting recklessly. She defended herself, saying that the king disliked the academy too and that her actions were intended to alleviate his concerns–preventing you from winning over the noblewomen of the capital.”

The words struck Carissa like a blow, leaving her frozen as an icy chill swept through her.

Violet said, “You need to stay calm. You can’t let Kevin’s name be revealed. If anyone finds out he spoke of this, his future will be ruined.”

Carissa sank into a chair, her mind spinning. She had entertained bold speculations before, but never had she dared to point suspicion toward the king.

She had suspected Kylie, of course that much seemed plausible. But even then, it felt irrational.

Kylie was supposed to be focused on paving the way for Connor. Why would she risk offending the noble families in such a reckless way? The plan had been executed with care, but even so, anyone could foresee its flaws. What if the foreman hadn’t died? What if he had confided in someone else before his demise?

And then, there was Kevin’s report–it illuminated something even more chilling. The king evidently didn’t like the academy either, but his anger with Kylie wasn’t over her targeting it.

No, he was upset about the method she had used.

He disapproved of the strategy, not the goal.

At that moment, Carissa felt a chill in her heart. She found it hard to accept Salvador’s intentions. He was the mighty king, and he was still relying on Rafael to run errands, even sending him to Lunvale during the New Year. Now, Salvador was wary of her for being the headmistress of the academy and forming ties with the noblewomen?

What was even harder for Carissa to accept was that Kylie had resorted to such methods to deal with the academy.

Leaving aside her status as the nation’s mother, Kylie was still a woman. There were so many innocent young women in the academy–what would have happened if Claire hadn’t been there? How many young women’s reputations could have been tarnished? Would some have had their clothes stripped off or even been assaulted?

What was Kylie trying to achieve with such madness? Was it the same reason as Salvador’s- not wanting Carissa to associate with too many powerful circles?

If the whole matter was meant to target Carissa, then why not just come for her directly? Why harm the innocent?

Kylie cared nothing for the purity of those young women.

Violet’s voice shook with fury. “It’s monstrous. If something terrible had actually happened, how would those girls go on with their lives? She’s a woman herself–how could she do something so cruel to other women?!”

Carissa’s throat tightened. That was what hurt the most. noveldrama

She had established Skye Embroidery and Gracewood Women’s Academy not for personal glory or wealth, but to give women like herself a chance to stand tall–to live without bowing to the crushing weight of patriarchal expectations.

As the queen and a woman, Kylie should have advocated for and supported them.

Yet, she was the one who dealt the poisonous blow.

Carissa ground her teeth harshly. “If it weren’t for Kevin’s position, I’d storm the palace and confront her myself!”

Violet cast her a wary look “She’s the queen, and you’re a princess consort. You know you

can’t just barge in and demand answers from her.”

“To hell with titles!” Carissa snapped. “I don’t care if she’s the queen and I’m a princess consort–calling her out to her face would be worth it if it gave me even a shred of relief!”

Violet had originally wanted to say that this was the Carissa she remembered, the one who would settle scores on the spot. In the end, she held her tongue. After all, for the sake of the bigger picture, Carissa had endured the grudge of her family’s destruction.

It turned out that, with time, people truly could get used to bearing such things.

Violet held back as well. “Don’t sell out Kevin. This time, the king is angry. Aside from Derek, he’s the one most involved outside. So, for now, it’s best to pretend it wasn’t her doing.”

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She hadn’t expected Kevin to be so righteous. It wasn’t the first time he had shown such loyalty. He was someone who cared deeply about his future, and when she had first taken him in, she had looked down on him.

Now, though, he seemed to have grown on her in every way.