Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1202

Victoria had long since stepped back from the affairs of court, but her keen interest in the Gracewood Women's Academy was well-known. After all, it had been established under her direct instructions. "Could it be," Carissa asked, "that this trouble stems from rivalries among the students' families?"

Jacob sighed heavily. "If that's the case, the possibilities are endless. But it's not impossible."

He elaborated, "Many households appear harmonious on the surface, but in reality, it's just a facade. Especially in households with concubines-no matter how elevated their status, a concubine would always be subordinate to the main wife. Except, of course, when the husband's favor tips the scales. In such cases, the rivalry between wife and concubine becomes intense, and all sorts of underhanded tactics are used."

Carissa nodded thoughtfully.

Jacob continued, "Imagine a scenario where both the main wife and a favored concubine have daughters. The wife's daughter secures a spot at the Gracewood Women's Academy, but the concubine's daughter does not perhaps because the academy limits its enrollment. The concubine might harbor enough resentment to tarnish the main wife's daughter's reputation, even if it means dragging others into the mud along with her.

"When someone's worldview is small, they fail to grasp the broader consequences of their actions. To them, it might all seem justified and done discreetly enough to avoid detection. After all, they've already gone as far as silencing people permanently." If that were the case, then the scope of the investigation would be too broad to cover.

Carissa rose from her chair and said, "We'll start by having the Royal Citadel investigate that foreman. Find out who he's been associating with and if he's worked for any particular family. After that, we'll decide what to do.

"As for public opinion, we should support Ms. Young. I'll change into formal attire and head to the palace to report to the queen dowager."

She smiled bitterly. "And to offer an apology."

Jacob nodded. "Alright."

white fur-lined cloak glowing softly in the lamplight. The intricate gemstones adorning her headpiece caught the light,

by your side, my sister won't be too hard on you.

looked at Helen,

at the palace, Victoria had yet to hear of the incident. Carissa had barely begun her explanation when Helen interjected, "Please don't scold her too harshly. This wasn't

on the tip of her tongue after Helen spoke. She glanced at Helen, her expression gentle yet

charms to Lady Josephine. I'll have a word with Carissa

Helen said. "Everyone has their moments of distraction, especially when matters of

at a loss for words and waved her hand. "Go on now. Don't

well, I'll take

turned and left

watching them leave. For a moment, she

vel

her or worsen her predicament. Still, Helen's lighthearted interruption had managed to

"Do you have any sense of

head. "Your Majesty, I've failed to discern the culprit. For someone to act against the academy-an institution founded under your command-it would