Chapter 1091

Carissa glanced at the young women, all dressed in elaborate outfits. The woman speaking wore a pale pink satin gown, delicately embroidered in gold, over a flowing turquoise underskirt. The youthful outfit exuded an air of nobility. A necklace of intricate gemstones adorned her neck, and a small blue sachet, embroidered with the letter 'Q', was tied at her waist. Her status was evident at a glance. The others were similarly attired in expensive clothing. These were undoubtedly the troublemakers.

They were laughing, but Carissa remained impassive. "You're at the age where laughter comes easily," she said calmly, her expression friendly despite her measured tone. "Well, stand here and laugh for two hours. You may leave once the time is up."

When Carissa clapped her hands, Mabel appeared. She nodded respectfully, greeting Carissa as "Your Grace." Claire, Lillian, Iris, and Mabel were all individuals Winona had left in the capital. Claire handled investigations, and Mabel usually accompanied her, though her assistance was rarely required. Today was different.

Carissa had initially agreed to let Rosalind handle matters independently, but with the girls' arrival, she wouldn't let this opportunity pass. "Mabel, keep an eye on them," she instructed coolly. "Let them laugh for two hours. Anyone unable to do so will be expelled from the academy."

Jocelyn stepped forward, blocking Carissa's path, her face cold. "Who are you to expel us? We were properly enrolled with invitations. We are legitimate students."

"You have broken the rules of Gracewood Women's Academy," Carissa replied calmly. "You provoked and mocked the headmistress. You have earned your expulsion."

Without further words, she turned to leave.

"We didn't laugh at you," Jocelyn snapped, clearly displeased. "Don't you dare take it personally! What's there to laugh at?"

Carissa turned back, her smile almost imperceptible. "I may not be the target of your laughter, but you will be. Once expelled, you'll be the academy's joke for at least a month."

Jocelyn huffed. "My grandfather was the previous king's tutor, my cousin is the queen, and my uncle is the Civil Minister overseeing Starhaven officials' promotions. What gives you the right—"

Carissa interjected, "Your grandfather, cousin, and uncle may be impressive, but what of you? You've achieved nothing. How dare you misbehave before me?"

Turning to Mabel, she added, "Ignore them. Just keep an eye on them. Let them laugh to their hearts' content. Anyone who doesn't laugh sufficiently—take them away. Don't bother reporting to me."

Carissa departed. Mabel's expression was stone-cold; the small scar across her forehead gave her a terrifying look when she wasn't smiling. Her gaze caused the girls to instinctively recoil.

Jocelyn, still defiant, began to protest, but Mabel's cold voice halted her. "I'll count to three. If you're not laughing by then, you'll be expelled. One… Two…"

Mabel's cold eyes and stern voice proved overwhelming. By "two," forced laughter erupted. Soon, their throats ached, and they were coughing and gagging on the ground.

Mabel continued impassively, "First warning. Second warning…"

These noble girls had never faced such a threat. Skilled in martial arts, Cassidy found the humiliation unbearable. Viewing Mabel as a mere servant, she considered the order outrageous. Cassidy stopped laughing, stepped forward, and raised her hand to slap Mabel. "If I don't teach you a lesson, you'll never know your place!"

Mabel's expression remained unchanged as she swiftly grabbed Jocelyn, twisting her shoulder. The intended slap landed heavily on Jocelyn's face, sending her head snapping to the side.

Jocelyn, never having been struck, screamed in pain and disorientation. Unknowing of her assailant, she retaliated, slapping Cassidy instead.

Both girls were stunned into silence.

Before they could react, Mabel's cold voice rang out, "Last chance. Laugh, or leave!" Jocelyn burst into tears, but continued laughing through her sobs. Expulsion was unacceptable. Though attending Gracewood wasn't her choice—her cousin had suggested it to stir up trouble—she couldn't leave. Even if Carissa might not actually expel her, she wouldn't risk it.