At Serenity Pce, Victoria was listening to a report from Ruth''s chambein, Oscar. After he was done, Victoria sighed softly.


    "I understand. Have the royal physicians do everything they can. Use the best herbs avable."


    "Yes, Your Majesty!" Oscar replied, his eyes red-rimmed. "Thank you, Your Majesty."


    "Why was this not reported to the queen?" Victoria asked calmly.


    Oscar exined, "I''ve already reported it. The queen said it''s a natural part of aging and that it was bound to happen. She sent some food over and told Lady Ruth not to worry, and that everything would be taken care of. I didn''t dare to repeat this directly to Her Grace." Victoria frowned slightly. "I see. Yes, there''s no need to mention it. What needs to be done will be done. But for now, we must do all we can to provide treatment."


    Oscar''s voice was hoarse as he said, "With Your Majesty''s words, I am at ease. With the royal physicians attending her, at least Lady Ruth will be morefortable."


    "Go now. I will visit herter myself," Victoria instructed.


    Oscar, deeply moved, bowed in gratitude before stepping out.


    "Keith," Victoria called out, her tone now tinged with mild anger. "Go to the Royal Medical Department and inquire whether the queen has refused the physicians from attending to Ruth."


    Keith acknowledged the order and was on his way out when he was informed that Kylie had arrived. Turning back, he nced at Victoria. She nodded, signaling for him to continue his task. So, he hastily left.


    Kylie entered the hall, apanied by Lydia. She curtsied and respectfully said, "Greetings, Your Majesty. May you be in good health and peace."


    Victoria nodded. "No need for such formalities. Have youe with matters to discuss?"


    Kylie stood up and smiled, "Mother, are you saying that I wouldn''te to greet you if I had no reason to see you?"


    Victoria had someone bring refreshments. "It''s rare to see such devotion from you, Kylie. I heard you''ve been unwell. Are you feeling better now?"


    Though Kylie had been under house arrest, the official excuse had been her illness. However, everyone knew the truth. Still, Victoria was willing to offer her a semnce of grace.


    "I''m fully recovered now, thanks to your grace and blessings, Mother."


    "Good. The weather is cold. Now that you''re well again, you should rest more. Don''t expose yourself to the wind."


    Kylie gave a small, somewhat embarrassedugh. "Of course."


    Such casual words might seem trivial, but they always made Kylie overthink.


    This was always the case. Victoria never spoke too sharply, but her words, though gentle, often left one with the sense of a hidden meaning. It was only when one thought carefully about her words that it


    became apparent they were not as innocent as they seemed,


    The more Kylie thought about it, the more she couldn''t be sure if there was another meaning behind it. It left her puzzled and unsure.


    Take Victoria''stest words of telling Kylie she should rest and not expose herself to the wind, for example. It sounded like a caring suggestion, but Victoria knew well that it was not Kylie''s health that kept her confined-she had been under house arrest. So, the words either carried a hidden meaning or were simply an attempt to give Kylie an easy excuse.


    Regardless, Kylie could not shake the ufortable feeling in her chest, as though a thorn were lodged in her throat-neither easy to expel nor to swallow.


    After a few more idle exchanges, Kylie turned the conversation to the Gracewood Women''s Academy.


    "When they first entered the pce, I tried to persuade them gently, encouraging them to send their daughters back to the academy. Studying and bing well-educated surely nothing could be more important than that?"


    Victoria gave a slight nod. "You''re right, and your counsel was wise."


    Kylie stole a nce at her. Seeing no noticeable change in Victoria''s expression, she cautiously ventured, "I have heard that the Gracewood Women''s Academy ns to ept students from merchant families andmoners. Has Carissa mentioned this to you?" Victoria replied calmly, "I am unaware of this matter. What is your opinion on it?"


    Kylie had expected a sharp rebuke, but instead, Victoria asked her thoughts with an unexpected calmness.


    What could she say? Naturally, she thought it was all a joke. But seeing that Victoria wasn''t angry and didn''t show any sign of agreement, how could she answer?


    "Well?" Victoria repeated, resting her elbow on the armrest. "What do you think?"


    Kylie had no choice but to grit her teeth and answer, "I believe...it is not quite appropriate."


    "Not appropriate in what way?" Victoria''s tone remained gentle, clearly urging her to exin further.


    Hearing this, Kylie felt a slight relief and sat up straighter.


    "Historically, true academies only admit men. Men study to serve in the court, to help the state, and to enlighten the people. The national examinations held every three years are the hope of many schrs who have spent years in study. Some families spend nearly everything they have to send one son to study., which shows just how valuable


    education is.


    "If academies like Gracewood Women''s Academy lower their tuition fees, education will lose its prestige. Everyone will think it''s something anyone can do, even women. That would cause chaos.


    "Furthermore,mon women are


    often rough in temperament and


    unwilling to follow proper conduct. Many of them even look down on schrs, seeing them as heartless. If we ept them as students, we could end up with all sorts of scandals and unruly behavior from women acting out of line."