Chapter 1041

At the Quinton family residence, Malcolm straightened his clothes. "You're being foolish, dear," he said. "How could you believe Carissa's deception? If Her Majesty truly supported the workshop, wouldn't she face scorn from the civil officials? Prince Connor's position as crown prince is nearly secure. He's the legitimate eldest son. Who else could it be?"

Marjorie remained seated, her expression calm. "If that's the case," she asked, "why did you target the workshop, my lord?"

Since the Casey incident, Marjorie had ceased addressing him affectionately. Years of marriage had created a palpable distance between them.

Malcolm pursed his lips, remaining silent, though the darkness in his eyes deepened. Marjorie understood. "His Majesty is in his prime," she said, "and there's no discussion of choosing a crown prince. The palace is full of concubines; the number of princes will only grow. If another prince emerges, wiser and more capable than Connor, won't His Majesty consider him? His Majesty refuses to discuss the crown prince's position, and you know the reason better than I do. But one thing is certain—Prince Connor is mediocre, and His Majesty looks down on him."

Malcolm furrowed his brow, wanting to argue, but found himself speechless. "If we anger His Majesty and provoke the nobles and civil officials," he finally said, "it won't be good for the queen. Don't be foolish, dear."

"With the Hell Monarch's princess consort and Mrs. Lloyd leading the charge," Marjorie replied, "the queen needn't raise a banner herself. She could test the queen dowager's stance. If the queen dowager approves, the queen could send money to the workshop. If the king blames her, she could claim it was done out of respect for the queen dowager. If the king remains silent, it will only be rumors. But in the long run, it would benefit both the queen and Prince Connor's reputation. After all, you believe the workshop can succeed; otherwise, you wouldn't have sabotaged it."

Despite Marjorie's urging, Malcolm disagreed. He felt avoiding the issue was safest—why risk it?

Seeing his resistance, Marjorie didn't press further. However, reconsidering, she decided it was a viable plan and sent someone to the palace to announce her visit to the queen.

Chapter 1041

In Everspring Palace, Kylie listened to Marjorie with surprise.

"Mom, are you mad? How could I support Carissa? His Majesty always opposed the workshop. If a woman is cast out and her family doesn't take her in, she can always go to a convent. A workshop for self-sufficiency? I disagree."

Marjorie was surprised. "You disapprove, Your Majesty?"

Kylie shook her head, the delicate chime of her necklace accompanying her faint smile. "Why would you think I'd support it, Mom?"

Marjorie froze. "Why don't you support it? The workshop benefits women, and you're a woman."

Kylie chuckled softly. "Mom, you're being strange. It's a refuge for discarded women. If a woman is cast out by her husband's family, she's rejected by society. What's the use of taking someone like Jessica in? She's worthless. Mom, you're getting older and soft-hearted. Why pity people like Jessica?"

Marjorie felt a chill spreading through her. "But what if not all women are like Jessica?" she murmured.

"Mom, stop the nonsense," Kylie replied, her face serious. "What kind of good woman would be abandoned? Laws protect women—as long as a wife serves her husband and fulfills her duties, there's no reason for her to be cast aside."

Marjorie felt an indescribable pang. Before her marriage, Kylie had been a well-known scholar in the capital, well-versed in literature. She'd once naively stated that if women could take the national examinations, she would serve in the government.

Now, Kylie was detached from the suffering of the common people, and even further from the sorrow of women. Marjorie would rather her daughter say she didn't want to intervene for fear of angering Salvador. Hearing her speak so coldly was disheartening.

Marjorie fell silent. Unpleasant words only breed resentment. Yet, she couldn't shake her unease. Why did men and women alike view women this way?