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Sophie set the papers down and looked at Rosalind. “Do you need me to step in and handle this, or would you prefer to take care of it yourself?”
Rosalind spoke with quiet determination, “As their instructor, it should be my responsibility to address this. It’s a trivial matter and not worth troubling you with, Headmistress. But I do wonder-these girls were taught at home before coming here, so how can a short essay of a few hundred words have over thirty mistakes? What were they learning all this time?”
Sophie blinked, then picked up the papers again. Upon closer inspection, there really were a lot of errors, mostly involving longer words that were misspelled or swapped for similar words. “So, you’re upset because of the mistakes?” Sophie asked.
Rosalind straightened up and said firmly, “Headmistress, you mustn’t overlook these errors. These girls all had private tutors at home, so can they still make such basic mistakes? It shows they do not take their earning seriously. They think women only need to recognize a few words to get by, as long as it’s enough for them to manage the account books.
“Men believe that women who lack talent are virtuous. How can we as women accept this? Especially considering the Quinton family’s history-they once produced a renowned scholar, and I’ve heard their servants are all literate. How could a daughter of their family be so ignorant and careless with her studies?”
Sophie nodded and glanced over the other girls’ practice sheets. Asking them to work on their handwriting was likely a way to see where their skills stood and ensure they could write neatly. Most of the writing samples were decent, but a few stood out. The delicate cursive characters were meticulously written, each stroke crafted with care, showing no sign of sloppiness or laziness. Setting the papers down, Sophie asked, “So, is this the only thing bothering you? What about all those things they’re saying about you and General Farrell? You’re not letting that get to you, are you?”
“Their mouths are their own, so they can say whatever they want. It doesn’t stop me from eating, sleeping, or living my life. It doesn’t hurt me, nor does it draw a single drop of my blood. So, why should I let it bother me?” Rosalind replied.
She even laughed a little as she added, “Although I have to admit, their creativity is refreshing. Using an old story to insult me is at least more original than their usual nonsense about how I’m heartless or greedy.”
Sophie couldn’t help but admire Rosalind. It took incredible strength and confidence to brush off such malicious gossip so effortlessly.
Still, something about it made Rosalind frown. “Do you think this might cause trouble for General Farrell?”
“It won’t,” Sophie said reassuringly. “These kinds of rumors don’t usually hurt men.”
Sophie paused. Seeing how Rosalind didn’t mind, she continued, “In fact, in the story they’ve spun, General Farrell comes out looking like a hero. His reputation has only grown because of it. Now, when people talk about him, they don’t even mention his military achievements. They’re too busy praising how he defended his honor and let the royal chancellor’s granddaughter slip through his fingers.”
Rosalind smiled, though her expression was complicated. “As long as it doesn’t harm him, that’s good. But isn’t it strange? He earned his reputation through hard-fought battles, yet now it’s overshadowed by some ridiculous romance rumors made up by these girls. I really don’t know what to make of it.”
Sophie wasn’t sure if Rosalind felt any regret deep down, but she was certain of one thing-ever since Rosalind made her decision, she never mentioned Thomas again. This time, it was only the gossip and her concern for him that had prompted her to bring him up.
Rosalind was a woman who could take things up and let them go with ease. Her composure and grace were qualities that even many men could only dream of having.
“If you can handle Ms. Quinton and the others, I’ll stay out of it,” Sophie said.
“Don’t worry about it. Right now, I’m just getting to know their personalities If they’re not interested in learning, I’ll give them. three chances. If they don’t take them, ask you to approve their dismissal. These spots are too precious to waste on people who don’t appreciate them. There are so many girls eager to learn who couldn’t get in-it would be such a shame to let those spots go to waste,” Rosalind replied.
Sophie nodded. “Alright, I’ll leave it to you.”
“This opportunity is rare,” Rosalind said with a sigh. “I hope they understand its value.”
Rosalind wasn’t optimistic about the future of the academy. She wasn’t sure how long it could last, but hoped it would endure as long as possible She knew all too well how restricted women were, even when they could read and write. Many books were forbidden to them. She had only been fortunate enough to read widely because of her grandfather’s broad-mindedness and generosity.
But then, there were women like Kylie, a so-called prodigy. Rosalind had heard from her grandmother that the queen’s reputation had been carefully crafted. It wasn’t that she had no talent at all, but at least half of it was exaggerated. The Quinton family needed a well-known daughter to marry the crown prince, but not one who was too clever. A woman who was too sharp would be much harder to control.
As Sophie stepped out of Rosalind’s private study, a group of giggling girls came toward her. She didn’t recognize them, but they had clearly seen her before, as she had made an appearance at the academy’s opening day.
When they spotted Sophie, the girl at the front eyed her up and down before letting out a snicker. “Well, if it isn’t our headmistress. Still in your official robes? This is an academy for women, not a government office. I almost thought a man had arrived.” She gave a mock curtsy. “Greetings, Headmistress.”
As soon as she straightened up, the other girls burst into laughter, clearly not taking Sophie seriously.
Sophie glanced at the young women, all dressed in elaborate outfits.
The woman speaking wore a pale pink satin gown with delicate golden embroidery along the edges and a flowing turquoise blue underskirt that swayed as she walked. The outfit was youthful yet exuded nobility. Around her neck hung a delicate necklace with intricate gemstones. A small blue sachet, embroidered with the letter ‘Q’, was tied at her waist. At a glance, one could tell her status.
The others were similarly dressed in expensive, elaborate attire. There was no doubt these were the troublemakers.
They were laughing, but Sophie didn’t even smile.
“You’re at the age where laughter comes easily. Well, stand here and laugh for two hours. You can leave once the time is up,” she said in a calm, measured tone, though her expression remained friendly. When Sophie clapped her hands, Mabel appeared from around the corner.
She nodded and respectfully greeted, “Your Grace.”
Claire, Lillian, Iris, and Mabel were all people whom Winona had left behind in the capital. Claire handled investigations, and Mabel usually accompanied her. Though most of the time, her help wasn’t necessary. Today was different.
Sophie had agreed to let Rosalind handle things on her own, but now that the girls had come to her, she wasn’t about to let this opportunity slip by.
“Mabel, keep an eye on them. Let them laugh for two hours. Anyone who can’t manage to do so will be expelled from the academy,” she instructed coolly.
Jocelyn suddenly stepped forward to block Sophie’s path, her face cold as frost. “Who are you to kick us out? We’ve been properly enrolled with an invitation. We’re legitimate students.”
“You’ve broken the rules of Gracewood Women’s Academy. You’ve provoked and mocked the headmistress. You’ve earned your expulsion,” Sophie calmly replied.
Without another word, she turned and began walking away.
“We didn’t laugh at you. Don’t you dare take it personally! What’s there to laugh at?” Jocelyn snapped, clearly dissatisfied.
Sophie turned back, her smile almost imperceptible. “I may not be the one being laughed at, but you will be. Once you’re kicked out of the academy, you’ll be a joke for at least a month.” Jocelyn huffed. “My grandfather was the previous king’s tutor, my cousin is the queen, and my uncle is the Civil Minister who oversees promotions for Starhaven officials. What gives you the right-“
Sophie interjected, “Your grandfather, cousin, and uncle may all be impressive, but what about you? What are you? You’ve achieved nothing. How dare you act up in front of me?”
She turned to Mabel and added, “Don’t pay attention to anything they say. Just keep an eye on them. Let them laugh to their heart’s content. Anyone who doesn’t laugh enough-take them away. Don’t bother reporting to me.” With that, Sophie turned and walked away.
Mabel’s expression was stone-cold, and the small scar that ran across her forehead gave her a terrifying look when she wasn’t smiling. As her gaze swept over the girls, they instinctively shrank back.
Jocelyn, still defiant, opened her mouth to protest, but Mabel’s cold voice stopped her in her tracks.
“I’ll count to three. If you’re not laughing by the time I’m done, I’ll have you thrown out. One… Two…” “Haha… Haha…”
Mabel’s cold eyes and stern voice were too much for them to resist. By the time she reached “two”, they had no choice but to burst out into forced, fake laughter. Within moments, their throats grew sore and they were all crouched on the ground, coughing and gagging.
Mabel paid them no mind, continuing her count, “First warning. Second warning…”
These noble girls had never been threatened in such a way before.
Skilled in martial arts, Cassidy could not stand being humiliated. She saw Mabel as nothing more than a servant and thought it was outrageous that someone like her would dare to order them around. Cassidy stopped laughing, then stepped forward and raised her hand to slap Mabel. “If I don’t teach you a lesson, you’ll never know your place!”
There was no change in Mabel’s expression as she swiftly grabbed Jocelyn and yanked her over. With a slight twist of her shoulder, the stap intended for Mabel landed heavily on Jocelyn’s face, sending her head snapping to the side.
Jocelyn had never been struck in the face before. She screamed in pain, temporarily disoriented. She didn’t even know who had hit her. In a rush of anger, she swung her hand, only to end up slapping Cassidy across the face instead. Both girls were stunned, too shocked to speak.
Before they could react, Mabel’s cold voice rang out again, “Last chance. Laugh, or leave!”
Jocelyn burst into tears, but even as she sobbed, she kept up the laughter. She couldn’t afford to be expelled. Though coming to Gracewood Women’s Academy hadn’t been her choice, her cousin had told her it would help stir up trouble. So, she couldn’t leave, no matter how much she hated it. Even if Sophie might not truly kick her out, she wasn’t willing to take that risk.
Jocelyn and the others’ faces had become stiff from forced laughter. They had never been humiliated like this before. Being made to laugh for two whole hours by Mabel was an immense insult and a great source of shame for them.