Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1201

As Carissa rode back to Hell Monarch Estate, the murmurs of the townsfolk reached her ears. Small groups gathered on street corners and market stalls, their conversations buzzing with the shocking events at Gracewood Women's Academy.

The academy and Skye Embroidery had already drawn public attention—some admiring, some critical. But now, with a scandal of this magnitude, the entire city seemed to be in an uproar.

At the heart of it all was Rosalind, the royal chancellor's granddaughter. The jewel of high society, a young woman of golden pedigree—dishonored by a brutish laborer.

Who would marry her now?

"She was foolish," someone whispered. "She could have lived out her days as a sheltered noblewoman, but she chose to play teacher. Well, look where that got her! Her reputation is ruined forever."

Carissa deliberately slowed her horse, listening intently as she passed by, hoping—desperately—for someone to acknowledge Rosalind's bravery, to speak of how she had shielded her students. But no such words came. Not a single voice praised her courage or sacrifice.

Carissa's heart sank under the weight of it all.

She had faced her share of trials since becoming the commander of the Mystic Army, including several assassination attempts. Not every mission had gone perfectly, and even Skye Embroidery had its own challenges. Yet, none of it had discouraged her. She believed that many things could be accomplished slowly, as long as she did her best.

However, this was different.

This time, her spirit felt crushed.

This disaster shouldn't have happened.

Carissa had always been cautious. Why hadn't she been more alert? Was it because Rafael had left the capital, and the pain of parting had clouded her mind? Had her emotions taken control, making her unable to anticipate the possible dangers?

Or, even if she had foreseen them, she hadn't taken precautions.

She felt an overwhelming sense of self-blame.

After returning to the estate, Carissa sat alone in the conference hall for a long time before Jacob rushed in. He had gone to the Royal Citadel to inquire after hearing about the matter and hadn't expected Carissa to be back so soon. Upon arriving at the estate, he found her sitting alone in the conference hall in silence.

"Gracewood Women's Academy was founded under the queen dowager's directive, and so many noble families and officials have sent their daughters there. Yes, Ms. Quinton was expelled, but could it really be them? Their family head isn't foolish enough to pick a fight with so many influential households.

"If it was Madam Vera, a woman scheming this far just to set someone up and silence them, she would need help from capable people within the household. But the Quinton family's fourth branch doesn't have anyone like that."

Jacob sometimes greatly admired Carissa's sharp mind. Even when her heart was in turmoil, she could still see the issue so clearly.

"Indeed, the likelihood of the Quinton family being involved is small. They've just established new family rules and are acting with great discretion, quietly gathering influence to support the eldest prince. They would never do something like this and offend so many noble families and officials. There's no such thing as a perfect crime. If it were discovered, the Quinton family's powerful position would no longer stand tall and unshaken."

Carissa instinctively curled her legs, her expression slightly dazed.

"To be honest, I thought the Quinton family's fourth branch might seek revenge, but I expected it to be nothing more than petty trouble—maybe Ms. Quinton would hire a few people to come and insult us. I never imagined it would get this serious."

"Indeed, most people wouldn't dare touch the academy," Jacob replied.