Her Graceful War Song

At Hell Monarch Estate, the study was brightly lit.

“Are you really set on this?” Rafael asked Carissa once more “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 a reassuring balm.

Violet propped her chin on her hand, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. “Not only do I support you, I’ll also pitch in both money and effort.”

Carissa turned to Jacob. “What do you think?”

Jacob thought for a moment before saying, “If I consider the prince’s reputation, I can’t support this. But as a person, 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 in what you want to do? But I must warn you–since you’ve made your decision, be prepared for the consequences and ensure you can handle them.”

I understand.”

Under the light, Carissa’s eyes shone brightly.

“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 it’s significant, it currently only caters to a few daughters of officials, so it’s not urgent. Besides, running an academy for women requires the king’s approval, so it’s under his control.

“However, an embroidery workshop is different. That’s our own initiative. Any woman cast out by her husband or without family support can join. They can learn embroidery, weaving, cutting, and other skills to make a living. If they don’t know how, we’ll teach them. 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 someone as reckless as Violet understood that this would disrupt male interests. Once women found a way to earn their own living, they would become stronger and less willing to bow to the men in their lives.

But knowing and doing were two different things.

If a place like the embroidery workshop they planned on establishing had existed, Amelia wouldn’t have had to fear being cast aside, let alone be driven to suicide. So, not only should they move forward, they also needed to do it as quickly as possible.

“I’ve already chosen the location. It’s at No. 18 Goldflower Street, which used to be a dyeing workshop. I’ve been there, and it’s perfect. With a little renovation, it’ll be just right,” Carissa explained.

Rafael’s eyes softened. “Finding a place isn’t difficult, but women who dare take that step are few and far between.”

“I know this isn’t something that will happen overnight, but having this space means that those who are pushed to their limits will see there’s a way out. They will have a place to go, and it might just keep them from seeking death as an option, Carissa said earnestly. “I know implementing it will have its challenges,

and we’ll also inevitably face public criticism.”

Drawing from his vast experience, Kyle said, “Well, this isn’t completely uncharted territory. In the border towns of the kingdom of Velrune, they’ve established similar shelters for women who’ve been cast aside. They even set up 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 it’s established, I’ll hand it over to Carissa and Violet.”

Kyle grinned. ‘Exactly. The ones who will oppose it most are the men. If they can’t be reasoned with, we’ll just have to exert some 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 would support her no matter what she chose to do.

“In fact, this can be presented to the king. If Prince Rafael takes the lead, I’m sure His Majesty would be quite agreeable. After all, many in court would find this absurd, and seeing them criticize His Highness would only amuse His Majesty,” Jacob added.

Rafael chuckled lazily. “Alright, I’ll make myself the target of their disdain.”

At the next morning’s court session, Rafael brought the matter up without wasting any time. Given the recent events surrounding Amelia’s tragic death and Benjamin’s punishment, using this initiative as a starting point was perfectly fitting.