Her Majestic Battle Cry

Carissa nodded and glanced over the other girls practice sheets. Asking them to work on their handwriting was likely a way to see where their skills stood and ensure they could write neatly.

Most of the writing samples were decent, but a few stood out. The delicate cursive characters were meticulously written, each stroke crafted with care, showing no sign of sloppiness or laziness. All content is property © NôvelDrama.Org.

Setting the papers down, Carissa asked, “So, is this the only thing bothering you? What about all those things they’re saying about you and General Farrell? You’re not letting that get to you, are you?”

“Their mouths are their own, so they can say whatever they want. It doesn’t stop me from eating, sleeping, or living my life. It doesn’t hurt me, nor does it draw a single drop of my blood. So, why should I let it bother me?” Rosalind replied.

She even laughed a little as she added, “Although I have to admit, their creativity is refreshing. Using an old story to insult me is at least more original than their usual nonsense about how I’m heartless or greedy.”

Carissa couldn’t help but admire Rosalind. It took incredible strength and confidence to brush off such malicious gossip so effortlessly.

Still, something about it made Rosalind frown. “Do you think this might cause trouble for General Farrell?”

“It won’t,” Carissa said reassuringly. “These kinds of rumors don’t usually hurt men.”

Carissa paused. Seeing how Rosalind didn’t mind, she continued, “In fact, in the story they’ve spun, General Farrell comes out looking like a hero. His reputation has only grown because of it. Now, when people talk about him, they don’t even mention his military achievements. They’re too busy praising how he defended his honor and let the royal chancellor’s granddaughter slip through his fingers.”

Rosalind smiled, though her expression was complicated. “As long as it doesn’t harm him, that’s good. But isn’t it strange? He earned his reputation through hard–fought battles, yet now it’s overshadowed by some ridiculous romance rumors made up by these girls. I really don’t know what to make of it.”

Carissa wasn’t sure if Rosalind felt any regret deep down, but she was certain of one thing →ever since Rosalind made her decision, she never mentioned Thomas again. This time, it was only the gossip and her concern for him that had prompted her to bring him up.

Rosalind was a woman who could take things up and let them go with ease. Her composure and grace were qualities that even many men could only dream of having,

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“If you can handle Ms. Quinton and the others, I’ll stay out of it,” Carissa said.

“Don’t worry about it. Right now, I’m just getting to know their personalities. If they’re not interested in learning, I’ll give them three chances. If they don’t take them, I’ll ask you to approve their dismissal. These spots are too precious to waste on people who don’t appreciate them. There are so many girls eager to learn who couldn’t get in–it would be such a shame to let those spots go to waste,” Rosalind replied.

Carissa nodded. “Alright, I’ll leave it to you.”

“This opportunity is rare,” Rosalind said with a sigh. “I hope they understand its value.”

Rosalind wasn’t optimistic about the future of the academy. She wasn’t sure how long it could last, but hoped it would endure as long as possible. She knew all too well how restricted women were, even when they could read and write. Many books were forbidden to them. She had only been fortunate enough to read widely because of her grandfather’s broad–mindedness and generosity.

But then, there were women like Kylie, a so–called prodigy. Rosalind had heard from her grandmother that the queen’s reputation had been carefully crafted. It wasn’t that she had no talent at all, but at least half of it was exaggerated. The Quinton family needed a well- known daughter to marry the crown prince, but not one who was too clever. A woman who was too sharp would be much harder to control.

As Carissa stepped out of Rosalind’s private study, a group of giggling girls came toward her. She didn’t recognize them, but they had clearly seen her before, as she had made an appearance at the academy’s opening day.

When they spotted Carissa, the girl at the front eyed her up and down before letting out a snicker. “Well, if it isn’t our headmistress. Still in your official robes? This is an academy for women, not a government office. I almost thought a man had arrived.”

She gave a mock curtsy. “Greetings, Headmistress.”

As soon as she straightened up, the other girls burst into laughter, clearly not taking Carissa seriously.