A Woman's Pride

The three of them were chatting away when another carriage pulled up. Out sprang a boisterous group of children, their laughter ringing in the air. Leading the charge was Cecilia, a slightly older girl whose eyes sparkled with excitement and a mature steadiness. It was Cecilia, bringing all the kids from the Country House!

"Teacher!" Cecilia and her lively crew spotted Lily Evans and, bursting with excitement, dashed over. They bowed deeply to her, their faces glowing with enthusiasm and respect.

"Wait, are you all calling my sister 'Teacher'?" Leonard Yuan asked, eyes wide with curiosity. He glanced at the group—boys and girls of all ages, dressed in matching, tidy outfits—clearly surprised by the scene.

"That's right! Princess Consort Lily Evans teaches us foreign languages and helps us with reading and writing—of course she's our teacher," Cecilia replied, her words quick and clear. She tilted her head, studying Leonard with a mischievous grin. "Big brother, are you coming to study abroad with us too?"

Leonard Yuan was momentarily stunned. He looked at Cecilia, then at the children around her, as if trying to process this new reality. "You... you girls want to study abroad?" he stammered, incredulous.

Cecilia raised her chin proudly. "Why not? Girls can study, travel, and make something of themselves. Teacher Lily Evans says the world is big, and we're not afraid to explore it!"

Mrs. Charlotte Evans watched the exchange, her eyes filled with gentle pride. She patted Cecilia on the shoulder, smiling warmly. "That's right. Our Cecilia is braver than most boys I've met."

Leonard Yuan scratched his head, half amused and half baffled. "But—aren't you scared? Studying abroad is no small feat!"

Cecilia grinned, hands on her hips. "Scared? Not at all! Teacher Lily Evans says courage is a woman's best armor. Besides, we've already faced tougher things—like learning to plow fields and sell vegetables at the market!"

The other children chimed in, voices overlapping in a cheerful chorus: "We can do anything! Teacher Lily Evans believes in us!"

Leonard Yuan couldn't help but laugh. "All right, all right! I surrender. Maybe I should sign up for your study group and learn a thing or two myself."

Cecilia winked. "We'll put you through our entrance exam first. If you can keep up with us girls, then maybe we'll let you join!"

Lily Evans watched the scene unfold, her smile wide and eyes twinkling. She stepped forward, her voice ringing with warmth and authority: "Education is every child's right, and courage is every woman's pride. Today, you all make me proud."

The children erupted in cheers, their laughter and excitement echoing down the lane. Even Leonard Yuan joined in, swept up by their infectious energy.

Mrs. Charlotte Evans leaned closer to Lily Evans, her voice low and full of pride. "You know, Lily, I think you’ve started a revolution. These girls will change the world."