Her Majestic Battle Cry

Chapter 1176

Kylie was so enraged that she threw a cup across the room.

“She’s nothing but a hindrance! She’s always causing trouble for me!”

+25 BONUS

Lydia stood to the side and said, “Your Majesty, ever since she was appointed by the queen dowager to establish the Gracewood Women’s Academy and became its headmistress, she has gained considerable favor among the noble ladies of the capital. I believe now, half of the influential families in the city hold her in some regard. She has become difficult to deal with.”

Kylie thought back to Midwinter’s Dawn, when the noblewomen praised Carissa to no end how they admired her devotion to her marriage and how they praised her as capable and a shining example for women.

If Carissa was an example for women, then what did that make the queen?

The thought deepened Kylie’s resentment.

“The queen dowager once said that Aurora was an example for women. Now Carissa has taken that title for herself. Isn’t she disgusting?”

“Your Majesty,” Lydia replied carefully, “she loves to seek attention and is currently at the height of her popularity. Remember, too much success can turn into a downfall. If things turn against her, her popularity will become a source of trouble for her. The queen dowager is still shielding her, so it would be unwise to challenge her now.”

Kylie’s voice turned cold. “The queen dowager protects her only because of the old friendship she shares with Carissa’s mom. Her Majesty insisted on establishing the academy. The king never fully agreed to it, but he went along with it out of devotion to his mom.

“Does Carissa truly think she’s a great headmistress? Ask her how well she can read! It’s embarrassing. Her Majesty values the academy so much, but if it fails, we’ll see if she still protects Carissa.”

Lydia’s tone became more cautious.

“Before, Ms. Jocelyn made things difficult for the teachers at the academy. These matters never reached the queen dowager’s ears. But if anything more extreme happens, it will be impossible to keep hidden. If the queen dowager is truly angered, His Majesty will not stand by your side.”

Her words hit a nerve with Kylie.

Annoyed, she said, “I won’t act rashly. If I do, I can make sure I stay out of it. There’s no way I’d be foolish enough to send my cousin to handle it. I’ll think it over some more. You don’t need to keep nagging me.”

Lately, she had been carefully planning an alliance with the Farrell family, and Thomas was the most suitable candidate. Among the court’s generals, only he remained unmarried, and his

+25 BONUS

Chapter 1178

command over the military was absolute.

To hold real power, one needed to control the army. Marrying into a family of military leaders was pointless If the power lay with the father or grandfather.

Everything had been going smoothly–until Carissa ruined it all.

How could Kylie not be angry? And how did Victoria know about the third son of the Marquis of Glandale’s family? That conversation had been private, just between her and her aunt. She hadn’t told anyone else.

Could there be spies in her palace?

The people around her had been in her service for years, especially those trusted enough to serve in the inner halls. Even those waiting outside in the outer halls were loyal confidants. If one of them were the source, they must have been planted long ago.

How could Kylie investigate?

She was afraid that any mistake in the investigation might hurt her own people.

‘Investigate the queen dowager’s people in Everspring Palace. Look into it quietly and see who seems most suspicious,” Kylie ordered.

Lydia lowered her voice and whispered, “Your Majesty, I’ve already looked into it, but I couldn’t find anything.”

“You’ve already looked into it?” Kylie was a bit surprised.

“I’ve heard that the queen dowager has people placed in every palace, so I’ve checked several times but couldn’t find anything,” Lydia replied quietly.

“Besides, even if we found someone, what could we do? If the queen dowager wants to place people or bribe them, it’s far too easy for her. In terms of scheming, no one in the harem can outmatch her. I’ve also noticed that she often turns a blind eye to many things. If it doesn’t concern her, she won’t intervene. Maybe this time, she sensed what you were planning and stepped in because she’s worried about you meddling with state matters.”

Kylie cursed silently. What mother wouldn’t think of her son’s future? And her son was the eldest legitimate heir–was she supposed to allow another prince to succeed to the throne?