Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1203

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." 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.

was upset about the

disapproved of the strategy,

relying on Rafael to run errands, even sending him to Lunvale during the New Year. Now, Salvador was wary

harder for Carissa to accept was that Kylie had resorted to such methods to deal with

many innocent young women in the academy-what would have happened if

madness? Was it the same reason as Salvador's-not wanting Carissa to associate with too many powerful

was meant to target Carissa, then why not just come for her directly? Why

the purity

"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

tightened. That was what

not for personal glory or wealth, but to give women like herself a chance to stand tall-to live without bowing

a woman, Kylie should have

the one who dealt the poisonous

Kevin's position, I'd storm the