Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1219

Carissa couldn't reply to Rafael's letter, as they didn't have a permanent place where they were staying. All she could do was tuck her longing deep in her heart, waiting until he returned to tell him everything in person.

The New Year was a lively celebration, filled with visits and gatherings. Lulu practically wanted Carissa to try on every new outfit she had, knowing she would be back in her official attire once she returned to the Capital Guard headquarters. Every morning, Lulu would sit Carissa down in front of the vanity and try out different styles, making her look stunning each time. Even the prime minister's wife Natalie remarked how a woman didn't need to have pale skin to look beautiful. Carissa's skin wasn't pale. All the time she spent outdoors had taken away the delicate fairness of a sheltered woman. Instead, her sun-kissed tone carried a warm, healthy glow that made her stand out in her own unique way.

On the eighth day of the new year, Kylie was released from her house arrest. She summoned the ladies from both inside and outside the capital to the palace for an audience.

Not long after, rumors began to spread. It was said that the daughter of a certain family had been promised marriage to a relative of the Duke of Oakspire, but due to the scandal surrounding the women's academy, the engagement had been broken off. Thus, with the new semester approaching, many families found themselves debating whether they should send their daughters back to Gracewood Women's Academy. Some had already made their decision, going to Catherine to withdraw their daughters from the academy.

One withdrew, then two, and soon three...

In just a few days, more than half of the students had withdrawn.

Upon hearing this, Kylie invited the ladies into the palace to give them a lengthy lecture. She told them that a woman's reputation wasn't everything, and that marriage wasn't the most important thing. Instead, they should be like Carissa, independent and not reliant on men. Once Kylie said it, though, how could the noblewomen not have their doubts?

only one Carissa in Starhaven, and no one could imitate her. Didn't these ladies know their own daughters? Their daughters didn't have the skills to fight on a battlefield or lead

hearts. After all, Victoria had personally ordered the creation

test the waters. They brought up the incident when troublemakers had broken into the academy, wanting to hear what

know, Victoria was furious. She said it was outrageous that something

would be better to wait until the academy was more established. And as for the tuition fees, they shouldn't be stingy with it if it was for the

daughters.

had received a royal edict. Nearly everyone who had sent their daughters to the academy

speak with Carissa, sighing as she relayed the news. "I had hoped the queen dowager would put a stop to this, but it seems she agrees. Now only

but tell them that

surprise. "How can

isn't it? Let me ask you this, Mrs. Ashford.

thought for a moment. "Some of them were,

being delicate. The truth is, most of them weren't really interested in learning. They were just drawn by your name and Kyle's