Ravenna sat at her desk, a delicate porcelain teacup in hand, the warm aroma of tea wafting through the room. Her sharp, deep black eyes gazed out the window, watching the silver moonrise illuminate the darkened skyline of the city. The quiet moment of reflection was interpreted by the soft chime of an interface panel materializing before her.

  [Reputation System v0.1]

  User: Ravenna Solarius / Joy Cha Kim

  Reputation Level: 60 (6350/8200)

  Current Reputation Points: 21,331

  Titles: Raven of Sun Palace, Unruly Princess

  {View Reputation Log} {Spend Reputation Points}

  Ravenna’s lips curved into a faint smile as she reviewed the display. “Seems I earned quite a bit from today’s commotion,” she murmured, sipping her tea.

  Her thoughts were interrupted by a firm knock at the door. She set her cup down gracefully and called out, “Come in.”

  The door creaked open, and Alice entered, her steps purposeful. She placed a hefty file on the desk with a dull thud before settling into the chair opposite Ravenna.

  “I heard you took in a disciple on a whim,” Alice began, her tone laced with mild caution.

  Ravenna chuckled, a sly glint in her eyes. “Indeed. She caught my eye, her hair, and her face were pretty adorable. I’ve reached twenty-six without a single disciple; it was high time to change that, wouldn’t you agree?”

  Alice raised an eyebrow. “That’s all well and good, but... a former slave?”

  “What of it?” Ravenna replied smoothly, her smile unwavering. “Potential is potential, regardless of origin. Now, what’s in the report?” She gestured to the file with a casual flick of her wrist.

  Alice sighed but nodded, flipping open the folder. “Things are progressing well on the food distribution front. The introduction of potatoes has been successful, and the farming assistance program is gaining traction. Within a month, we should be able to phase out the food distribution program entirely.”

  Ravenna leaned back, satisfaction evident on her face. “That’s ahead of schedule. Impressive.”

  Alice continued, “The new economic policy is showing positive results as well. By lowering median wages along with the cost of services and goods, we’ve managed to stabilize the market. However, if the situation doesn’t balance fully in the coming weeks, we may need to extend these measures. For now, though, it looks promising.”

  “How much remains in the treasury?” Ravenna asked, her tone sharp and businesslike.

  Alice responded promptly, “We have approximately seventy mana coins. After covering wages for the knights and other essential employees, we should be able to sustain the economy for about three months. That’s largely thanks to the new policies.” She hesitated, then added, “However...”

  Ravenna finished the thought. “However, it’s just an estimate. We’ll need to secure an external source of income before then.”

  Alice nodded in agreement. Even with state control over businesses and services, they couldn’t rely indefinitely on internal monetary circulation. The current model of reducing costs and wages was a temporary solution; eventually, the bubble would burst. Attracting revenue from outside the island was imperative.

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  “The mining expedition led by Vice Knight-Captain John has gone smoothly,” Alice reported. “They’ll return tomorrow afternoon with a sizable shipment of limestone.”

  “Good,” Ravenna replied, tapping her fingers on the desk.

  “There’s also a letter from Hughes regarding his journey to the northern coastline. They estimate another ten to twelve days before they reach their destination.”

  Ravenna gave an approving nod. “Excellent. And the city?”

  Alice’s expression darkened slightly. “Crime rates remain a persistent issue. Despite deploying the newly formed militia alongside the knights for regular patrols and implementing stricter punishments, the improvements are negligible. Every day, we receive reports of theft, attempted murder, or sexual abuse. The knight’s station is overwhelmed with complaints.”

  Ravenna’s fingers stilled, her gaze hardening. She leaned back in her chair with a sigh, her earlier composure giving way to frustration.

  “It’s been a recurring problem,” she said, her voice low. “No matter how many policies we enact or patrols we implement, the chaos left in the wake of the nobility’s absence refuses to abate. Even as living conditions improve, the ingrained habits of lawlessness persist.”

  Alice nodded solemnly. “The people grew accustomed to crime during the period of unrest. It’s as much a cultural issue now as an economic one.”

  Ravenna stared at the moonlight streaming through the window, her mind racing with possible solutions. The challenge before her was immense, but she refused to let it defeat her.

  Her thoughts were interrupted by a tentative knock at the door. A hesitant voice followed, barely above a whisper.

  “Y-Your Highness, it’s Marie... May I come in?”

  Ravenna straightened and called out, her tone gentle but firm, “Yes, come in.”

  The door creaked open, and Marie stepped inside. The transformation was striking. Her chestnut-brown hair, previously matted with brine, now gleamed, cascading down her shoulders in soft waves. Her freshly scrubbed skin, free of grime, had a subtle glow under the room’s warm lamplight. She wore one of Ravenna’s personal outfits—a sleeveless crop top made of light, breathable silk. The fabric was intricately embroidered with golden threads, shimmering faintly with her every movement. The top, dyed a deep, elegant black, contrasted beautifully with her fair complexion and rich brown hair.

  The ensemble was completed with a high-waisted, flowing maxi skirt tailored for practicality in the island’s hot climate. Slits ran along its sides, granting both ease of movement and a touch of understated allure. Yet, despite the outfit’s elegance, Marie’s awkward movements revealed her unfamiliarity with such attire.

  “She cleans up nicely,” Alice remarked, a knowing smile gracing her lips.

  “Practically a noblewoman,” Ravenna added with a playful smirk.

  Marie’s cheeks flushed crimson at the compliment. She quickly bowed her head, her voice faltering with embarrassment. “T-Thank you, Your Highness.”

  Alice stepped forward, her expression softening. “Ah, where are my manners? I’m Alice, head maid and accountant to Her Highness.” Her tone was warm, almost motherly, as she extended a hand in greeting.

  Marie glanced up, unsure of how to respond. She managed a shy nod, her hands fidgeting nervously.

  Ravenna gestured toward the chair opposite her desk. “Come, sit. Let’s talk about you and your future.”

  Marie hesitated, her gaze flitting to Alice, who gave her an encouraging nod. Finally, she took her seat, though her discomfort was evident. The skirt, with its high slit, revealed more of her leg than she was accustomed to. She hastily tried to rearrange the fabric to cover herself, but the silky material refused to cooperate.

  Ravenna watched her with a mixture of amusement and patience. “So, Marie—”

  Marie’s head snapped up, her attention abruptly pulled from her struggle with the dress. “Y-Yes, Your Highness!” she blurted out, her voice loud and stiff.

  A soft chuckle escaped Ravenna’s lips as she leaned forward slightly, her gaze steady but kind. “Relax, Marie. This isn’t an interrogation. We’re simply having a conversation.”