Her Graceful War Song novel 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In just a few days, more than half of the students had withdrawn.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?

There was 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 troops. They would be scared to death just by seeing a cockroach.

Without a good marriage, how would they survive in life?

Even so, there was some hesitation in everyone's hearts. After all, Victoria had personally ordered the creation of the women's academy. If they suddenly pulled out, would Victoria be upset?

"Why not? This is a good thing, isn't it? Let me ask you this, Mrs. Ashford. Were the students who were here previously truly eager to learn?" Carissa said.

Catherine thought for a moment. "Some of them were, but they were rather delicate."

Carissa shook her head. "It's not about being delicate. The truth is, most of them weren't really interested in learning. They were just drawn by your name and Kyle's reputation. Or perhaps it was to please the queen dowager.

"The purpose behind our academy was to allow women from common families to have the chance to learn. Now that the daughters of noble families are no longer attending, isn't this the perfect opportunity to open the doors to those who truly need it? I had thought it would take much longer to make this shift, but with the queen dowager's words, it's all coming together sooner than expected."

Catherine suddenly realized something, and smiled brightly. "I can't believe I didn't see that before! Of course, daughters from noble and official families have always been taught to read and write. After all, they need to know the basics of women's virtues and rules. It's the common folk's daughters who are truly illiterate."

Violet, who had been listening from the side, looked confused and asked, "But isn't education expensive? Can ordinary families afford the tuition? Surely you won't just waive the fees?"

Carissa laughed and replied, "I wonder if the families who withdraw will even be bold enough to ask for their tuition fees back. The queen dowager herself said there was no need to be stingy about the tuition fee. I'm sure they won't dare to take it back, even if I offer it."