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They immediately went to report the incident to Catherine, who was known for being kind and gentle. She usually taught etiquette, bookkeeping, managing people, and overseeing the household. She hadn’t yet begun teaching anything more advanced, as she was considering the girls’ backgrounds. Whether they married high or low, they would need to know how to manage a household.
Most of the girls had already learned the basics of etiquette, so Catherine only needed to guide them slightly to ensure they would behave properly when hosting guests or interacting with others. As for managing accounts, it was a woman’s essential skill and knowledge. After all, in this world, women still handled the household. Once they mastered these basics, they could learn more.
For women, it always took more effort to be heard by men. True equality in conversation was still out of reach.
It was Catherine’s way of teaching that led Jocelyn to believe she was part of a noble family, where class distinctions were clear. Servants-no matter whose household they served-were always inferior. Jocelyn was certain that Catherine wouldn’t allow any maid to insult noble young ladies like them.
After listening patiently to Jocelyn’s complaint, Catherine’s warm smile slowly faded, her expression growing serious.
“So, you think the headmistress’ punishment was wrong?” she asked.
Jocelyn paused, caught off guard by Catherine’s lack of support. Without thinking, she replied, “Lady Catherine, even the headmistress shouldn’t have been allowed to humiliate us like that.”
Catherine’s face hardened slightly. “Humiliate you? I see it as punishment. As students, you are expected to listen to your teachers. Lady Sophie is the headmistress of Gracewood Women’s Academy, and even we must listen to her.
“So, what were you laughing at? You disrespected her. Do you know what the penalty for disrespecting your teacher is? Go ask your grandfather, Lord Gerald. See if today’s punishment was too light or too harsh. The headmistress gave you a chance. Had the matter been in my hands, you’d be packing your bags and leaving the academy right now.”
Catherine’s words were stern, offering no room for mercy. Whether someone was from the Quinton family or the Xavier family made no difference to her.
Jocelyn and the others were clearly intimidated. They stood frozen, not daring to argue. They had never encountered Catherine being this strict before. She exuded an air of dignity that was not to be challenged.
She continued with a sharp reprimand, “There’s one more thing. I’ve heard that you’ve been speaking ill of Ms. Young. I haven’t heard it with my own ears, so I won’t deal myo with it for now. But if I hear one word from your mouths, you’ll be leaving Gracewood Women’s Academy.
“As for whether Ms. Young will hold it against you, that’s not my concern. But let me warn you-don’t mistake her youth for weakness. She is your teacher and your primary instructor; she has every right to punish you. If you don’t listen, she can even take it up with your families.
“This is the natural order of the world. If you’ve sworn to honor your teacher, then leave your pride at the door. Even the king respects the royal chancellor. If you don’t understand the most basic of el manners, you might as well home. Don’t embarrass yourselves and give your spot to someone who knows how to behave.”
Cassidy was clearly displeased and about to speak, but Jocelyn grabbed her sleeve, silencing her.
With great effort, she swallowed her frustration and said, “Yes, Lady Catherine, we understand. We were wrong. It won’t happen again.”
“It’s best that you know your mistake, or you’d bring so much shame that even the Quinton family’s good name wouldn’t be able to cover it.,” Catherine replied, raising her hand. “Now, go. Don’t be late for class tomorrow.” The group bowed and left.
Once outside, Cassidy scoffed. “We came here to be students, not servants. What’s the big deal? If they want to expel us, let them. I don’t even like studying. I’d rather be practicing martial arts.”
“Shut up,” Jocelyn snapped. “The queen dowager played a key role in founding Gracewood Women’s Academy. If we get expelled, what do you think that will do to our chances of marriage?”
Hailey didn’t dare to say anything when she heard that it would affect her marriage prospects. Like the others, she followed Jocelyn’s lead. Since she said it was not worth pursuing, Hailey didn’t want to make a fuss out of it.
Before leaving the capital, Yuvan went to the palace to bid farewell to Ruth.
Her eyes were brimming with tears as she spoke, “If you truly care for me, you’ll petition His Majesty to allow me to go to Valken with you. At least then we wouldn’t have to endure this separation, never knowing when we might see each other again.” Yuvan knelt before her, his voice choked with emotion as he replied, “Mom, I don’t want to leave you either. But Valken is nothing like the palace. Your body wouldn’t be able to bear the long and exhausting journey.”
Ruth dabbed at her tears. “There was a time when your sister could stay in the palace and look after me. But now that she’s been sent to the Heritage Bureau and you’re returning to Valken, what hope do I have left here? Besides, I’m much better now. The hardships of the journey won’t trouble me. If you won’t petition His Majesty, then I’ll do it myself. He’s kind hearted. I’m sure he’ll allow us to stay together.”
“Mom, we’ll be reunited soon, I promise. Just give me a little time.”
Ruth reached for his hand, her frail fingers like brittle branches yet gripping him tightly.
“My son, the country is at peace now. The people are safe and living stable lives. The Southern Frontier has been reclaimed, and the fighting at Victory Pass has ceased. You must work hard to govern your territory well.
“Starhaven can become the prosperous and peaceful realm your dad envisioned, a place where everyone thrives. Nothing is more important than that. I’ve spent most of my life in this secluded palace, and I’ve seen so little of the world. But even I know that the people want nothing more than to live in peace and security.”
Yuvan’s expression faltered for a moment, but he forced a smile. “Mom, you’ve spent your life in the palace. The things you’ve been told were filtered before they ever reached you. What you see isn’t the full picture.
“The capital may be prosperous, but do you know how many people still live in misery? They go hungry, lack proper clothing, and sell their children or pawn their wives just to survive. The heavy taxes and labor levies leave them overwhelmed.”
Ruth started to shake her head, but Yuvan clasped her hand tightly, continuing, “And do you know about the Devin family-father and sons-who died on the battlefield at the Southern Frontier? His Majesty could have sent Rafael to the frontlines earlier, but he hesitated. He feared Rafael might grow too powerful, and that delay cost the Devin family their lives.”
“No, you’ve only heard rumors,” Ruth said firmly. “I may lack experience, but even I know how complicated the situation at the Southern Frontier was. The Duke of Northwatch reclaimed the region once, but Sandoria’s counterattack caught them completely off guard. “That wasn’t something His Majesty or the court officials could have foreseen. And don’t forget, His Majesty had only just ascended the throne. Who could have predicted such a swift reversal of fortune?”
Her frail hands suddenly clamped tightly around Yuvan’s wrist, tears streaming down her face. “My son, listen to me. Valken is a wealthy domain. It will bring you and your children a lifetime of prosperity. Do not take unnecessary risks don’t gamble with your life ryour family’s.”
Yuvan frowned, his tone sharpening as he said, “Mom, what are you talking about? What do you think I’m planning to do? I was only pointing out some flaws in the system. It’s just a casual conversation between us, nothing more.”
Her cloudy eyes met his, a strange mixture of laughter and sorrow in her gaze.
“A casual conversation,” she murmured. “Yes, just idle chatter. I know your heart is kind. If you’re unhappy with your princess consort or your concubine, then take more women into your household.
Surround yourself with those who can warm your heart and brighten your days. Life could be so good-don’t give me reasons to worry about you.”
Yuvan’s expression darkened slightly. “Who’s been whispering nonsense into your ears, Mom? Who’s been spinning tales to make me out as some sort of traitor? I am myself, and Eleanor is Eleanor.
“I hold justice in my heart; I am no rebel or usurper. And let me tell you this if ever someone raises their sword against the capital, it will only be because the king has become corrupt and unworthy of the throne.”
Ruth trembled at his words, withdrawing her hands slowly.
“I am an old woman,” she said weakly. “I shouldn’t meddle in such matters. Let’s pretend I never heard that or asked about it. But remember this-I am your mom, and I still live in this palace.”
Yuvan was silent for a long moment before he spoke softly, “Mom, don’t worry. The queen dowager is merciful. No matter what happens, she’ll see to it that you live out your days in peace.” Ruth smiled faintly, though tears glistened in her eyes.
“Good, very good,” she said with a bitter laugh. “A son who places his mom’s fate in the hands of someone else’s mercy-such a devoted son I have.”
Guilt flickered in Yuvan’s heart, but so did a hint of impatience.
“Why do you speak like this, Mom? I can’t stay by your side in the capital, so of course, I hope the queen dowager will be kind and look after you. That way, I won’t spend my days worrying about you.”
“Enough. Don’t say any more. Just go. Be safe on your journey,” Ruth said, waving him off.
She had raised this son herself how could she not know his temperament? How could she not see through his expression?
“Mom, forgive me for not being dutiful. It’s the peak of summer and the heat is unbearable, so I can’t take you with me to my fief. Besides, what would His Majesty think if I brought you along? Even if I’ve done nothing wrong, with how suspicious he can be, he’d probably find some reason to accuse me.”
Ruth simply nodded. “I understand. Go now.”
Yuvan nodded before calling in Molly, Fiona, and his children to say their farewells. Ruth showed little affection toward her daughters-in-law and grandchildren, her expression distant and unreadable. Once they had all left, she coughed softly a few times. Oscar Grant, the chamberlain who had served her for many years, knew how upset she was and tried to comfort her.
“The weather really is too hot for travel, Your Grace. Taking you along wouldn’t be good for your health. His Highness is thinking of you. Please don’t dwell on it too much-it’s not worth hurting yourself over.”
Ruth sighed heavily. “You watched him grow up. How can you not know what kind of person he is? If he were truly so dutiful, why didn’t he leave for the fiefdom back in March or April, when the weather was cooler? Why wait until the height of summer?
“All those fine-sounding reasons he gave they’re just words. He’s always been like this since he was a boy. He doesn’t do what should be done, but is a master at finding excuses. He’ll spin a thousand reasons to make himself seem good, to make others believe he’s done the right thing.