Chapter 858
At Hell Monarch Estate, the study was brightly lit.
“Are you really set on this?” Rafael asked Carissa. “You have to understand that taking this step could stir up a lot of trouble, and you might face severe backlash.”
“Whatever you decide, I’ll stand by you,” he added, his warm smile reassuring.
Violet propped her chin on her hand, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. “Not only do I support you, I’ll also contribute both money and effort.”
Carissa turned to Jacob. “What do you think?”
Jacob thought for a moment. “Considering the prince’s reputation, I can’t publicly support this. But personally, I’m behind you all the way.”
“Kyle?” Carissa looked at her silent senior guild member.
Kyle nodded slowly. “How could I not support you? But I must warn you—since you’ve made your decision, be prepared for the consequences and ensure you can handle them.”
Carissa said, “I understand.” Her eyes shone brightly in the light.
“This isn’t a rash decision. I’ve been thinking about it for days. We need to establish an academy for women, but as Vivi mentioned, while significant, it currently only caters to a few officials’ daughters, so it’s not urgent. Furthermore, running an academy requires the king’s approval and is therefore under his control.
“However, an embroidery workshop is different. That’s our own initiative. Any woman cast out by her husband or lacking family support can join. They can learn embroidery, weaving, cutting, and other skills to earn a living. We’ll teach them if they don’t know how. For those who are sick or disabled, we can find suitable accommodations. Vivi and I are ready to fund this ourselves.”
Everyone nodded in agreement, though even Violet understood this would disrupt male interests. Once women could earn their own living, they would become stronger and less willing to submit to men.
But knowing and doing were two different things. If such a workshop had existed, Amelia wouldn’t have feared being cast aside, let alone driven to suicide. Therefore, they not only should move forward, they must do so quickly.
“I’ve already chosen the location: No. 18 Goldflower Street, a former dyeing workshop. I’ve inspected it, and it’s perfect. A little renovation will suffice,” Carissa explained.
Rafael’s eyes softened. “Finding a place isn’t difficult; women who dare take this step are few and far between.”
“I know this won’t happen overnight, but this space will show those pushed to their limits that there’s a way out. They’ll have a place to go, and it might prevent them from choosing death,” Carissa said earnestly. “I know implementation will have challenges, and we’ll face public criticism.”
Drawing on his vast experience, Kyle said, “This isn’t entirely uncharted territory. In Velrune’s border towns, they’ve established similar shelters for women, and even women’s self-defense groups.”
Jacob’s expression brightened. “If there’s precedent in another kingdom, that makes it easier.”
Rafael nodded. “In that case, let me handle it. Once established, I’ll hand it over to Carissa and Violet.”
Kyle grinned. “Exactly. The strongest opposition will come from men. If reason fails, we’ll exert authority. There are always more solutions than obstacles.”
Carissa looked at Rafael, her eyes brimming with gratitude. Her greatest fortune was having a husband who supported her unconditionally.
“In fact, this can be presented to the king. If Prince Rafael takes the lead, His Majesty would likely agree. Many in court would find this absurd, and seeing them criticize His Highness would amuse His Majesty,” Jacob added.
Rafael chuckled lazily. “Alright, I’ll make myself the target of their disdain.”
The next morning at court, Rafael raised the matter immediately. Given Amelia’s tragic death and Benjamin’s punishment, this initiative was perfectly timely.