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“Karma??t’s all karma,” he muttered.
Rebecca gasped for breath as she pointed an accusing finger at him, unable to utter a single word as her face turned purple from the strain. Suddenly, a sharp pain pierced her chest and she collapsed.
At Hell Monarch Estate, the study was brightly lit.
“Are you really set on this?” Rafael asked Sophie 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.”
Sophie 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?” Sophie 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??ince you’ve made your decision, be prepared for the consequences and ensure you can handle them.”
I understand.”
Under the light, Sophie’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,” Sophie 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, Sophie 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 Sophie 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.”
Sophie 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.
A storm of opposition swept through the court.
“This is preposterous! If such a place is established, what will become of the principles of obedience and virtue?” one official shouted, his voice rising above the others.
“Indeed! This will only embolden women, making them disrespect their in??aws, stir up jealousy, and even cause chaos in the household,” another added vehemently.
“I don’t think this reflects your views, Your Highness. This is clearly Her Grace’s idea, right? To please her, His Highness is willing to sacrifice men’s dignity. How laughable!” came another scathing remark
Salvador sat on the throne, observing the uproar below He occasionally pursed his lips or let a small smile slip, but this was a true spectacle. Since Rafael returned from the Southern Frontier, praise for him had flowed like a river, while criticism was a rare bird.
He sighed inwardly.
Ah, Rafael was still too young. He had struck a nerve with the officials. If women had an escape route, how could they be controlled? Rafael thought he was winning the hearts of the people, but in doing so, he lost the support of the scholars.
This strategy was Rafael’s miscalculation.
The noise continued, but Salvador remained indifferent, only suggesting that they revisit the topic at the next court session. He hoped the situation would simmer and grow, with even more voices of dissent by then.
Rafael, for his part, didn’t want Salvador to agree too quickly either. He aimed to let the matter gain traction, ensuring that the populace would be abuzz about it. If this initiative were to be realized, it needed to make a significant commotion so everyone would be aware of this new opportunity.
A month of commotion would be perfect. By then, the entire capital would know about it. Plus, renovating the space and setting up accommodations would take time. A month was just right.
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Rafael was confident Salvador would eventually relent, as he would feel pressure to comply with no real choice.
After the court session concluded, Rafael strolled out, hands clasped behind his back. The officials who had just condemned him now fell silent, knowing better than to speak against him alone. If they were to criticize, it would be in a group, never alone.
The Defense Minister, Davis, followed closely behind Rafael. The minister had feigned outrage earlier. echoing the sentiments of others, merely regurgitating their words. Deep down, however, Davis found himself in agreement??e truly supported Rafael. If it were possible, he would have raised his arms in enthusiastic applause.
As a man well??rained for two to three decades under the thumb of his wife, Hannah, he now found himself thinking from a woman’s perspective. It was a skill honed over years of marriage. If this initiative succeeded, Hannah would be overjoyed. When she was happy, harmony would reign in their household, leading to a more pleasant life for him as well.
Most importantly, she would surely want to be involved in such a meaningful project. Once she was occupied with it, she wouldn’t be so fixated on his shortcomings. Sighing inwardly, he reflected on how, at her age, she had a knack for being in an irritable mood for at least the majority of the month.
The uproar in court soon spilled over to the streets, where the citizens buzzed with discussion. The reaction was so explosive that it felt like a pot boiling over.
Men could hardly believe that the Hell Monarch could be so foolish. Had he lost his mind? They knew that if such a place for discarded women was established, the wives at home would surely cause chaos!
The noble families disapproved of Sophie’s actions, and even many of the women were not fully in support. Only a few??hose who had a clear understanding of the hardships women faced??uietly supported her.
Yet, this support remained unspoken, hidden from view. No one would openly endorse her.
While the outside world was in an uproar over the issue. Zoey was still busy handling matters at Valor
Estate.
Rebecca’s health had deteriorated significantly, and they couldn’t buy any Snowdrop Pills. Everyone in the household had tried but returned empty??anded. To make matters worse, they learned the price had skyrocketed from ten to twenty silver coins per pill.