Chapter 1178

Carissa entered the room, her cold gaze sweeping over the three girls. They immediately lowered their heads, intimidated. Rosalind breathed a relieved sigh, as if a savior had arrived.

Carissa's voice cut through the tension. “What are you waiting for? Do you want me to increase the punishment, or would you prefer to leave Gracewomen's Academy? If you’re not here to study, then don't waste space. Many others would eagerly learn.”

Hailey and Cassidy flinched, urging Jocelyn to leave before the punishment, already at thirty strikes, escalated further. But Jocelyn, a pampered daughter of the Quinton family, refused to back down. After a long pause, her defiant glare finally faltered.

Before Carissa could mention forty strikes, Jocelyn turned and stormed out, dragging the others with her.

Outside, Jocelyn's face flushed with anger, her hands trembling. She wouldn't have stayed at the academy if not for Kylie's orders. Women only needed to read and write, she thought; all this studying was pointless. Managing a household or commanding servants would be far more useful after marriage.

Inside, Rosalind greeted Carissa. “Greetings, Your Grace.”

Carissa smiled. “I imagine such students give you a headache.”

“Only a few,” Rosalind replied lightly, gesturing for Carissa to sit as she tidied lesson plans. “Rowdiness is one thing, but I worry someone wants the academy to fail.” Her eyes narrowed. “Who do you think it might be, Your Grace?”

Carissa offered a comforting smile. “Many oppose the academy’s success. Instead of guessing, let’s focus on what we do best.”

“You’re right, Your Grace.” Rosalind nodded. “Initially, I asked you to address their behavior, but since they’ve apologized…”

“Sometimes a visit is worthwhile,” Carissa replied. Their actions were childish, not grounds for expulsion, but discipline was necessary.

Rosalind reported, “Everything else is proceeding smoothly. The students are eager to learn, especially enjoying Mrs. Ashford’s lessons. Her travels and cultural experiences captivate them. Even I listen whenever possible.”

Carissa was grateful for Catherine’s presence. “It’s a blessing to broaden their horizons. These young women have been confined their whole lives. Some rarely venture beyond the outer courtyard. The constraints of being a woman have limited their world.”

Rosalind agreed, understanding the truth from her own wider reading. Gazing at the winter sun, she said, “The academy truly is wonderful.”

Carissa admired Rosalind, whose quiet elegance surpassed her beauty. Since Thomas, Rosalind hadn’t spoken of marriage, and Carissa respected her peace of mind.

Meanwhile, Athena had confirmed the thirty-strike punishment. The maidservant struck hard, targeting the left hands. The girls initially resisted, but soon cried pitifully. Athena remained calm, providing medicine and rebuke before sending them home.

That evening, Jocelyn, crying uncontrollably, demanded Vera take her to Kylie for revenge.

Vera, already frustrated with Jocelyn’s marriage prospects, snapped, “Enough! The queen will remember your loyalty. Once you marry General Farrell, you’ll be free of the academy.”

Ignoring her hand’s pain, Jocelyn’s rage flared. “I won’t marry that old man! How dare he? I’ll never marry a lecher like that!”