Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1198

Carissa remained composed as she directed the students and their families out of the hall. She no longer bothered with asking them to keep the incident quiet—it was clear they couldn't.

Once they were cleared out, she instructed Claire to bring in Ivy and someone from the Royal Citadel. The man needed to be restrained and interrogated, and it was obvious he had been drugged. Carissa wanted Ivy to determine what substance had been used.

The few who had managed to escape were soon captured by Max and his men, all brought back under guard.

The others, though somewhat more aware, still seemed dazed. Their eyes, glazed and hungry, followed Carissa and Claire with an unsettling intensity.

Carissa walked over and gave Rosalind a comforting hug.

Rosalind had already calmed down and reassured her in return, "It's alright, I'm fine."

"You foolish girl," Catherine said, her voice heavy with sorrow as she sighed. "You shouldn't have said that. You've ruined your reputation. How are you fine?"

Rosalind's face was pale, and she smiled shakily. "Don't worry about me, Mrs. Ashford. I never intended to marry. My reputation was just a burden. Now that it's gone, I can move more freely."

"You say that, but you've taken the burden upon yourself. The public, the rumors... Oh! Humanity has both kindness and cruelty. I fear I can't even predict what they'll say about you. As for your grandparents, how will I explain this to them?"

Catherine had known Mildred for many years. Though they weren't the closest of friends, they had always shared a respectful bond. When Rosalind took the position at the academy, Catherine had assured Mildred that she would look after her granddaughter. Never did she imagine such a calamity would unfold.

Given Mildred's frail state, this news was likely to worsen her condition.

Everyone gathered around to offer their comfort. Athena, though resolute in her decision never to marry, couldn't help but feel for Rosalind. She was young, beautiful, with a sharp mind and an excellent family background—surely she could have found a worthy match.

She managed a weak laugh, but the tears still clung to her fair, clean face.

"You were very brave," Carissa said gently. "Claire told me you protected Ms. Xavier—if you hadn't, she would have been the one they assaulted."

She reached into her pocket for a handkerchief and dabbed at Rosalind's tears. "I truly admire you. Despite everything Ms. Xavier and Ms. Quinton said about you, you forgave them and moved on."

"Ah, they're just children, easily swayed into doing foolish things. I wouldn't hold it against them. Besides, as their teacher, it's my duty to protect them."

Her words were calm and selfless, though she seemed to forget she was only a few years older than them.