Chapter 311 No Punishment at All

Natasha looked at her with a gentle gaze and said, "You, my dear, are the one who worries me the most. Your cousins have all proven themselves capable, and while you are just as skilled, you are, after all, a woman. No matter how great a woman's achievements, they will always be seen as lesser than a man's. Right now, the Grand Queen Mother and the King favor you, showering you with grace and privilege. But favor alone is not enough—it must be backed by merit. If I had a choice, I would never let you set foot on the battlefield. Yet, after the battle of Zloimond, your reputation is sealed. There will undoubtedly be a second time, a third time, unless the Eryndral Empire remains peaceful forever—and that is impossible. No dynasty remains at peace for eternity. "Our ancestors all hoped their descendants would live stable, uneventful lives—especially the women. Marry well, bear children, manage the household, and even if life is full of small struggles, at least it would be an ordinary existence. But you... you are not ordinary, and that means your path will not be either. And with that comes suffering, the kind that others may never have to endure. You must be prepared for it. Especially when it comes to Oliver—husband and wife must stand as one. If you allow small grievances to fester between you, how will you navigate the hardships ahead? How will you face them together?"