Chapter 1222

Upon hearing these words, Victoria raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on her lips. “I recall, before your marriage to the king, you were renowned throughout the capital for your scholarly achievements. You’ve read countless books, yet now you claim women shouldn’t study? You just praised learning’s benefits; are you unaware of this contradiction?”

Kylie was taken aback. “I… I didn’t mean it that way. It’s not that women shouldn’t study. Indeed, it’s beneficial for noble ladies to broaden their knowledge for refinement. After all, they are guided by family rules and propriety. Education enhances their virtues.”

Victoria’s smile remained, but her voice sharpened. “I’ve noticed you often speak of propriety and rules. Do you truly enjoy being bound by them?”

Kylie was momentarily stunned. “Mother, surely, this is the foundation upon which women are meant to stand. How could one speak of liking or disliking it? Those adhering to proper conduct must, of course, abide by it. It’s like Starhaven’s laws, restraining people from evil. Those with malicious intent may resent such laws, but honest citizens will never feel oppressed by them.”

Victoria chuckled. “So, that’s your perspective. Quite interesting.”

Kylie sensed no praise in Victoria’s words and felt unease grow. “Mother, have I spoken incorrectly?”

Victoria’s smile deepened. “Such mother-in-law/daughter conversations rarely have right or wrong. We speak as we see fit.”

“Is this not your belief as well?” Kylie was increasingly perplexed by Victoria’s cryptic tone.

Victoria ran a hand through her hair, her eyes distant. “What I believe matters little; what others think matters even less.”

Confused, Kylie pressed on. “Then what is truly important? I’m afraid I don’t understand, Mother. Please enlighten me.”

“No enlightenment needed. Just do what your position requires.”

Victoria clearly lost interest in the discussion. However, Kylie hadn’t come to discuss this; she intended to complain about Carissa, hoping to convince Victoria that Carissa’s actions were misguided.

“Mother, surely you can’t favor this? If education becomes so readily available, won’t it spark a backlash from scholars?”

“Gracewood Women’s Academy is small, with few students. To think it would provoke a rebellion from scholars everywhere is giving it undue credit.”

“It’s just the beginning. What if others copy it? Won’t it cause chaos?” Kylie protested.

Victoria glanced toward the door. Keith’s swift return elicited a sigh of relief. He whispered urgently in Victoria’s ear; her expression changed, her demeanor cooling. She glanced at Kylie, her voice almost emotionless.

“Are you aware of Lady Ruth’s situation?”

Kylie, mentally preparing her argument against Carissa, instinctively replied, “I know; Oscar reported it to me.”

“Why didn’t you send the royal physicians?”

“Lady Ruth is gravely ill,” Kylie replied, “and medicine and acupuncture have proven ineffective; I deemed it unnecessary to trouble the royal physicians further. Moreover, His Majesty, as you know, has lost favor with Prince Yuvan. It’s best we avoid further trouble.”

Victoria’s lips curled into a cold smile. “Forget that Lady Ruth was King Augustus’ concubine, and her position remains unchallenged. Consider what you are doing. You’re the queen, the nation’s mother. If Prince Yuvan wishes to avoid responsibility, are you simply going to assist him?”

Kylie’s face paled; she dropped to her knees. “Mother, I beg your pardon. This… this is harsh, isn’t it?”

Victoria’s gaze hardened, her voice icy. “If you don’t understand, reflect carefully. Consult the king, or even Derek, if needed. I have neither the time nor patience to explain further. The treatment for Lady Ruth must not cease. Dispatch the royal physicians daily, recording every prescription and treatment. If she suffers, let medicine and acupuncture provide relief. If nothing else works, let her pass peacefully.”

Kylie knelt, confused but dared not ask further. She’d come to complain, only to be scolded. She couldn’t help but feel Victoria was biased—after all, Carissa was Victoria’s rightful daughter-in-law, while Rafael was Helen’s son, and Carissa only her adopted mother.