《The Villainess's Reputation》 1. Royal Decree "Ravenna Solarius, I hereby declare you the sole ruler of Jola Island and the Duchess of the Jola Dukedom!" Emperor Andrew Solarius¡¯s voice echoed powerfully through the vast, marble-lined Imperial Halls. His youngest daughter and fifth child, Ravenna Solarius, knelt on one knee, bowing her head as the decree was delivered. Sunlight spilled in through the open ceiling, casting her in a golden glow as she received the solemn proclamation, her figure framed by the elegance of the grand hall. "By the decree of the Imperial Court, you and your 300 knights are to depart by tomorrow evening to assume control of Jola Island, replacing its current caretaker, Duke Edward Jola and his family!" the Emperor¡¯s voice resounded with authority, its clarity carrying across the entire assembly. Yet, behind his words, the murmurs of nobles filled the hall, woven with disbelief, derision, and smug satisfaction. "So, he¡¯s finally sending her out of the capital," one woman whispered to her husband, a barely concealed smile on her lips. "Good riddance! With this She won¡¯t compete for the throne," muttered a minister nearby. "Poor Jola Island," another voice chimed in softly, dripping with sarcasm, "those subjects don¡¯t know what chaos awaits them." The Emperor continued, ignoring the murmurs. "You will be granted 400 Mana Coins to stabilize your new Dukedom and will be exempt from all taxation for the next 15 years!" At this, the whispers grew louder, curiosity and criticism mixing in equal measure. "Only 400 Mana Coins? That¡¯s barely enough to sustain her own household, let alone an entire region," one minister scoffed. "Serves her right. After all the money she¡¯s wasted on her indulgences, I¡¯m surprised she¡¯s getting anything at all," someone muttered nearby. "Actually, he¡¯s being practical with that tax exemption," another voice countered. "The people of Jola can hardly afford their daily bread, much less pay taxes to the crown." The decree concluded with the Emperor¡¯s solemn words, "The Sun God Solious bears witness to this decree, as do the noble houses gathered here." The hall fell silent, and Ravenna finally raised her head, meeting the Emperor''s gaze with her piercing, dark eyes, as sharp and unyielding as a raven. Her beauty was striking¡ªher jet-black hair seemed to drink in the sunlight, glinting like polished obsidian, and her dangerous, alluring smile sent a shiver down the spines of those who had spoken against her just moments before. With an expression that was oddly disinterested, she absorbed the implications of her father¡¯s decree, as though it were nothing more than a minor inconvenience. "Well, I¡¯ll see you later then, Father." Her words were smooth, almost dismissive, and as she rose to her feet and turned to leave, her dark red gown¡ªembroidered with glistening threads of gold¡ªswirled around her like the feathers of a raven. It was as though she were striding out of a victorious hunt rather than receiving what many saw as a humiliating exile. Her steps echoed down the hall with a resolute authority that left the court whisperers swallowing their laughter. Once outside the court, Ravenna strode toward the West Wing of the palace, where the Imperial Family¡¯s chambers were situated. Her gaze was fixed ahead, unbothered by the stares she received. On her way, a figure stepped into her path¡ªa tall, broad-shouldered man with the same midnight-black hair and strikingly aristocratic features as her own. Her elder brother, Prince William, regarded her with a mocking grin. "Ah, did I miss the decree? Such a pity," he remarked, feigning innocence. "Well, best of luck scraping for fish or whatever it is they do on Jola Island. Send a word if you¡¯re in need of funds. I might even spare a few Mana Coins, out of brotherly love, of course." Ravenna¡¯s lips curved into a smile just as sweet, yet somehow far more unsettling, like a raven smiling at dead bodies. "Thank you, dear brother. I don¡¯t know how I¡¯ll manage with just 30 Mana Coins at my disposal." His smile faltered, replaced by confusion. "What 30 Mana Coins?" he asked, frowning as he tried to read her expression. Her smile widened, dangerously charming, as though she were toying with him. "Why, didn¡¯t you just offer to lend me a hand? Surely, sparing a pity 30 Mana Coins won¡¯t strain your finances." Before he could respond, William¡¯s gaze shifted nervously over her shoulder. A priest of Solious was observing them with an intent look, his eyes flickering from the statue of Solious to the imperial siblings. Realizing he was under watchful eyes, William forced a tight smile. "Ah¡­ Yes. Of course, I did," he replied, his words laced with barely concealed annoyance as he hurried past her.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Arriving at her quarters in the West Wing, she stopped before the knight stationed at her door, his posture visibly tense under her gaze. With a calm but unwavering tone, she addressed him, her piercing eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "You received the decree, did you not? What are you doing here still?" Her words came out as smooth as velvet yet laced with an edge. "Gather the knights and the servants. Prepare them to leave within two hours." The knight, visibly rattled by her presence and calm authority, swallowed hard before giving a quick bow. ¡°As you command, Your highness.¡± He turned on his heel and hurried off, leaving her with the echo of his retreating footsteps. Once inside her room, Ravenna closed the door firmly, sealing herself in near darkness. Only the faint glow of moonlight spilled through the tall, narrow window, casting shadows across her ornate furniture. For the first time since the decree was read, she allowed herself to sink against the wall, her posture softening as the tension melted from her frame. Her fierce, unyielding expression faded, replaced by one of quiet despair and weariness¡ªa glimpse into the woman she truly was beneath her carefully crafted fa?ade. "Why me?" she whispered, voice thick with frustration. ¡°Anyone else would have been fine¡­¡± Her voice faltered, and she glanced around the unfamiliar room, the silence heavy. There was no mistaking it¡ªshe was utterly alone in this foreign, gilded prison. In truth, she wasn¡¯t Ravenna Solarius. She was a woman from another world entirely, an ordinary office worker who had died in a tragic accident. Three days ago, she had woken up in this body, Ravenna¡¯s body, with all the memories and senses of the princess but none of the attachment to this life. The life she now lived felt like an impossible, surreal fever dream. ¡°Why Ravenna?¡± she muttered again, her words laced with bitterness. She recognized the name all too well; Ravenna Solarius was a minor character from a novel she had been reading before her own death¡ªa political fantasy called The Light¡¯s Conquest. In that story, Ravenna was a troublesome princess, a thorn in her father¡¯s side, briefly mentioned before being exiled to some remote island, never to appear again. And now here she was, inhabiting the very body of this fictional figure, living the last days Ravenna¡¯s story would ever mention. She grimaced, bracing herself as an overwhelming wave of homesickness surged through her. She missed her old life, her routines, the comfort of a world where she hadn¡¯t been trapped in someone else¡¯s story. "I must have committed some unforgivable sin,¡± she said to herself, her words fading into the empty room. ¡°What else could explain being put in this body, this life?¡± But one unexpected consolation came to mind¡ªthe memories. When she had woken up in Ravenna¡¯s body, a flood of vivid recollections had hit her all at once. In mere moments, she had experienced Ravenna¡¯s life from birth to now, as if watching a film from the princess¡¯s own perspective. She felt Ravenna¡¯s emotions, her dreams, her disappointments. And though the memories painted a clear picture of Ravenna¡¯s life, they didn¡¯t affect her own sense of self. She was still her own person, shaped by her past life and determined to survive in this strange world. Straightening, she pushed off the wall and steadied herself. "So, Jola Island, huh?¡± she murmured, her mind churning. "If I¡¯m to survive in that barren place, I¡¯ll need some extra funds." A glimmer of determination sparked in her eyes. Survival was something she understood, even if this world followed a different set of rules. With that determination she stepped out and went into the East Wing of the Palace. This part of the palace, shrouded in silence, was dimly lit by moonlight streaming through high windows, casting long shadows on the ornate walls and age-old relics. Her footsteps were soft but purposeful as she approached her destination¡ªthe Imperial Museum of Ancient History. Upon entering, she took in the vast room, lined with shelves holding ancient manuscripts, relics, and heirlooms of long-forgotten legends. In the center, under a faint shaft of moonlight, stood the grand statue of the Hero Luminous, a figure of immense historical significance and a symbol of hope for the empire. ¡°It must be here,¡± she muttered, her voice barely audible. Ravenna recalled a passage from her past life¡ªa detail from the final volume of The Light¡¯s Conquest. According to the book, a hidden vault in the East Wing had been a last-resort fund, used by the protagonists to stabilize the empire during its collapse. If she could find it, she would take only enough to survive comfortably for the next few years, allowing her time to gather her bearings in Jola. But where could it be? Ravenna moved carefully through the room, examining the items on display: crumbling parchments, ancient weaponry, even the faded robes of past emperors. She scanned each piece, her gaze settling on a worn rug near the statue of Luminous. "What did it say in the novel?¡± she murmured, half to herself. She crouched down, her hands skimming over the rug, feeling for any imperfections in the floor beneath. She checked behind the shelves holding old documents, carefully lifting a few to see if anything lay hidden underneath. The memory was faint; it had been a single line buried in a dense paragraph. She sighed in frustration. "There¡¯s no way I¡¯ll find it like this¡­¡± Turning her attention back to the statue, Ravenna considered the Hero Luminous himself. He had been a legendary figure four centuries ago, a man of unmatched prowess who, according to myth, resurrected entire regions and brought forth unprecedented magical advancements. She remembered bits of his tale, both from the novel and from the extensive palace education Ravenna had received, though none of it seemed helpful at the moment. ¡°Come on, there has to be a clue somewhere,¡± she muttered, staring into the statue''s stoic face. She reached out, placing a hand against the cold stone cheek of the statue, tracing its features thoughtfully. For a moment, nothing happened. As she stepped back, her dress caught on something at the statue¡¯s base, causing her to stumble slightly. She managed to catch herself, but her unsteady step shifted the statue just a fraction. The faint sound of a mechanism clicking into place echoed through the room, followed by a brief whirring. Startled, Ravenna¡¯s gaze snapped back to the statue as something small and metallic shot out of its hand, landing directly in her hands. ¡°What in the world is this?¡± she breathed, staring down at the object now resting in her hands. 2. Reputation System The object in Ravenna¡¯s hands resembled a Rubik¡¯s cube, but unlike any she¡¯d ever seen. Crafted from metal and glass, it gleamed faintly under the moonlight, revealing delicate flower petals preserved inside the glass compartments of each cube section. It looked ancient, with patches of rust on the metal framing and faint scratches on the glass, suggesting it had been crafted centuries ago. ¡°This must¡¯ve once been a magical device,¡± Ravenna murmured thoughtfully, her fingers tracing its edges. "There¡¯s no other reason for it to contain flower petals.¡± In The Light¡¯s Conquest, magic was inherently tied to flowers, with various types required for different spells. Mages cultivated unique species¡ªsome grown only in specific regions¡ªto perform specific effects, and spells were cast by burning, cutting, or crushing the blooms to unleash their powers. Cross-breeding flowers to create specific magical properties or combining petals for multi-faceted spells is a sophisticated practice. Even the lights in the palace relied on flowers for magic, using them as catalysts to illuminate the rooms after sunset. It made sense, then, to assume that this peculiar cube was a magic artifact. At first, Ravenna was hesitant to tamper with it, fearing a hidden danger. But considering that it might be connected to the hidden vault, her curiosity won out. Carefully, she rotated one of the cube¡¯s sections as if solving a puzzle. For a few moments, nothing happened, and she almost sighed in disappointment, assuming the mechanism had broken after all these years. But then, without warning, the flower petals vanished, and the cube began to dissolve in her hands, the substance liquefying and seeping into her skin before she could react. ¡°No! Stop! Get off!¡± Ravenna gasped, frantically trying to rub the substance off her palms, but it was too late¡ªthe cube had completely absorbed into her skin. Panic clawed at her as she considered what she might have unleashed. ¡°Was it a weapon? Some sort of poison?¡± The thought drove her to the edge, and she turned, ready to dash toward the Imperial Mage Tower to seek help. Suddenly, a strange sensation pulsed in her chest. She placed her hands over her heart, feeling warmth radiate through her body. The sensation climbed to her throat, then surged up to her head. Ravenna stumbled, her vision shifting as something materialized before her¡ªa translucent screen, floating in midair. Blinking, she recognized the outline, which resembled a modern interface from her past life. As it focused, words formed on the screen in Minlin, the empire¡¯s language, though they soon morphed into English. [Subconscious being scanned¡­ Designing a familiar prototype for user¡­] ¡°What¡­ in the world?¡± Ravenna reached out, attempting to touch the screen, but her hand passed straight through it. [Error: Unable to scan subconscious¡­] [Duel Subconscious Awareness Detected¡­] [Unable to design a familiar environment or objectives for user¡­] ¡°Wait¡ªdoes that mean¡­¡± Ravenna trailed off, her eyes widening. It sounded like the device was trying to read both her own mind and whatever remnants of Ravenna¡¯s original memories lingered in this body. The screen flickered, glitching as it shifted from a book-like form to a flat panel again, as though struggling to decide on a familiar shape. [Combining designs for ease of access¡­] [Determining tasks¡­] Realizing this would take some time, Ravenna sank onto the floor, watching as the spell continued loading like a game screen from her previous life. She had no idea what tasks this strange device would assign, but with any luck, they would reveal something about the hidden vault. The screen glitched again, then resumed its text. [Cannot scan memories fully¡­ Attempting to retry¡­] [Retry¡­] [Retry¡­] After a few tense moments, it seemed to complete its scan, and a new line of text appeared. [Combining both subconscious patterns to establish tasks.] [Tasks based on Subconscious A; Rewards based on Subconscious B.] ¡°Wait¡ªare you using the real Ravenna¡¯s memories to assign tasks?¡± she muttered, trying to decipher the meaning. [Reputation System Activated] ¡°Reputation¡­ system?¡± she questioned aloud, frowning at the panel as it continued to flicker in and out. Just then, a knock at her door interrupted her thoughts. She turned to see a knight bowing respectfully. ¡°Your Highness! The carriages are ready, and everyone awaits your command.¡± At the Imperial Palace¡¯s entrance, carriages were lined up, ready for her departure. The air buzzed with quiet urgency, and Ravenna noted the absence of any formal farewells from her siblings or even the emperor. It was clear to everyone: this was not a journey of honor, but an exile disguised as a royal reward. The nobles, especially her siblings, were all too pleased to see her go, relieved of the competition for the throne.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. Stepping into her luxurious carriage, she observed the opulence inside¡ªa stark contrast to her current circumstances. Thankfully, the magical suspensions in the carriage softened the ride¡¯s movement, sparing her from the uncomfortable rocking of an ordinary carriage. With a sigh, Ravenna settled into her seat as the head knight gave the order to move. ¡°I suppose I should review my notes,¡± Ravenna muttered, reaching into one of her bags for a small, leather-bound book. She had been documenting every memory she retained from the novel in this journal. Memory is fleeting, she reminded herself, and as time went on, her recollection of the story might fade, leaving her vulnerable. This book would be her guide, a lifeline to navigate the treacherous world ahead. In the novel The Light¡¯s Conquest, Ravenna was a minor villainess, a member of a faction that opposed Prince William. He, a central figure in the protagonist, Eugene¡¯s life, would later become a staunch ally to the hero. Ravenna¡¯s involvement didn¡¯t last long; her role in the political struggle would come to an end after she was outmaneuvered by a rumour that she killed her own Mother, resulting in her exile. In the story, her ruthlessness was legendary, her enemies whispering tales of her cruelty and sharp wit. She was said to operate with cold precision, inspiring fear and respect in equal measure. ¡°Acting like her has been my best move so far,¡± she murmured. Upon realizing her new identity, Ravenna had resolved to embody the character¡¯s infamous attitude. Sudden changes in behavior would easily arouse suspicion, and for now, playing the role of the ¡°villainess¡± would allow her to keep control of her situation. Ravenna shifted her focus to the mysterious panel that had appeared earlier. ¡°Let¡¯s see what this thing does,¡± she muttered, willing the display to activate again. The floating screen reappeared, glowing faintly. [Reputation System Activated] ¡°What¡¯s a reputation system?¡± she thought aloud, watching as the panel morphed in response. [The Reputation System has been created to attune the user to the Universal Origin.] ¡°Universal Origin?¡± she echoed, her eyes widening. The Universal Origin was said to be the ultimate magic, wielded only by the legendary hero Luminous. In ancient lore, Luminous had described it as a magic that could adapt to its user¡¯s needs, granting near-omnipotent power. ¡°Why was something like this just lying around in the imperial palace?¡± she muttered, her mind racing. If this ¡°reputation system¡± was really linked to such an ancient and powerful force, then she may have just stumbled upon the greatest tool at her disposal. The panel flickered, showing additional details: [The Reputation System has been tailored to assist in attuning to Universal Origin.] ¡°So, this is a stepping stone to using that power?¡± Ravenna mused aloud, feeling a surge of excitement. She hesitated before murmuring, ¡°Main menu?¡± Instantly, the screen shifted, displaying a list of her current stats. [Reputation System v0.1 User: Ravenna Solarius / Joy Cha Kim Reputation Level: 60 (4300/8200) Current Reputation Points: 12,000 Reputation Rate: 34% decrease in last 24 hours Titles: Raven of Sun Palace, Unruly Princess {Reputation Points Log} {Spend Reputation Points}] ¡°This really is like a game,¡± she muttered, noting the layout of the interface. Her ¡°level¡± at 60 seemed high, but given Ravenna¡¯s notoriety as an imperial princess, it made sense. Infamy, it seemed, was just as valuable as fame. ¡°Guess any publicity is good publicity,¡± she joked, noting her points and reputation rate. Her standing had dropped since her exile, as expected. ¡°With me out of the capital, Ravenna¡¯s influence is waning fast.¡± Curious, she clicked on ¡°Titles,¡± and descriptions for each title appeared: [Raven of Sun Palace: Bestowed by the nobility of Ancorna Empire after Ravenna dismantled three major houses for offending her, without a drop of blood spilled. Effects: Increases fear and respect from nobility by 7-12%. (Cannot be unequipped)] [Unruly Princess: Given by palace workers and citizens for Ravenna¡¯s extravagant spending and her habit of dismissing workers and guards for minor offenses. Effects: Increases prices on purchases by 4-9%. (Cannot be unequipped)] ¡°What? A penalty on prices?¡± Ravenna groaned, realizing the downside of her infamy. As if her finances weren¡¯t strained enough, this title would make every transaction more costly. Frustrated but undeterred, she refocused and selected the "Spend Reputation Points" option, curious to see what it might offer. As she opened the menu, a list of options appeared before her, each promising powers and resources that seemed almost surreal: [ Spend Reputation Points ] Ravenna¡¯s eyes widened as she skimmed through the list. "Access to the Internet? A Magic Spell Library?" The possibilities thrilled her; the idea of tapping into knowledge and magic with ease was incredibly appealing. If she could unlock more abilities, she might have a real chance to rise above her situation and chart her own path. Her gaze lingered on some of the pricier abilities, wondering just how useful they could be. Then, a question arose in her mind, "Wait... how exactly do I earn Reputation Points?" Almost as if the system were listening, a new panel appeared in response to her query: [ Reputation Points System ] Ravenna¡¯s eyes lit up as she did the math. "So, with my level at 60, I¡¯d get 600 points every day?" She scrolled further, and sure enough, the log displayed a breakdown of points she had earned and her daily accumulation rate. [ Reputation Points Log ] "So, I can earn extra points from events, even if they''re minor? It¡¯s something, at least." She couldn¡¯t help but smirk at the idea that her notorious acts could actually help her gain an advantage. Even if individual events didn¡¯t earn many points, every bit counted. Ravenna leaned back, absorbing this information. This system, though unpredictable, might just be the key she needed. If she could master it and strategically earn points, she could access knowledge, magic, and even healing abilities that would turn her exile into an opportunity. While thinking this, she suddenly noticed the latest log, ¡°What I was poisoned?!¡± 3. Planning for Future Seated in the luxury of an upscale inn, Ravenna leaned back in her chair, feeling the soft silk of her attire against her skin. She wore a sleeveless crop top crafted from a light, breathable silk, intricately embroidered with fine threads and hints of gold that shimmered under the inn¡¯s warm lighting. The top was a deep, royal purple, an elegant contrast to her midnight-black hair. Paired with it was a high-waisted, flowing maxi skirt that allowed her both freedom of movement and a subtle elegance, with side slits adding a hint of allure. In the sweltering heat of the northern Ancorna Empire, this ensemble felt both luxurious and practical¡ªsuitable for both her noble status and the climate. Ravenna¡¯s sharp gaze swept across the room. Her knights and servants were seated nearby, engaging in casual conversation. The entire inn was filled with her entourage, leaving no space for regular patrons. Despite his distaste for Ravenna, the local lord had grudgingly arranged this accommodation. Although as a member of the imperial nobility he was obligated to host her, he had subtly expressed his displeasure by hosting them at the inn instead of his grand manor. It had been three weeks since Ravenna and her entourage had departed the capital, eventually arriving in the coastal town of Ronin. Their objective now was to find a ship willing to carry them to the island city of Jola. But so far, no captain had dared agree to sail to the so-called cursed land, leaving Ravenna and her people stranded here. She turned her gaze to the large window beside her, watching the ocean¡¯s restless waves. The sun was high, and its brilliant light danced across the water, casting a mesmerizing display like glimmering pearls scattered on the waves. With a soft sigh, she dismissed the view and refocused on the system panel in front of her. [ Reputation Points Log ] Ravenna had already checked the panel several times in the last weeks, but she did so again, selecting the log entry for the 1,200 points spent on poison nullification. A more detailed description unfolded before her eyes. [ Reputation Points Log ] The truth behind the original Ravenna¡¯s fate before her starkly clear. Prince William had orchestrated more than her exile; he had intended her to die along the journey. The poison would have done its work by the time she reached Jola, ensuring she never returned. It explained why, in the original novel, Ravenna had vanished from the story, quietly erased by a deadly scheme. A shiver ran through her as she thought of how close she had come to a similar fate. If she hadn¡¯t stumbled upon the East Wing¡¯s hidden chambers or the Imperial Museum of Ancient History in her search for the secret vault, she might have perished unknowingly, just as her last life. But luck had been on her side¡ª she unlocked the Reputation System that had now saved her life.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Her gaze flickered back to the panel, lingering on another entry that documented her use of points to access the internet yesterday. Curious about the feature, she¡¯d tested it, though there had been disappointments. Rather than providing the vast, ever-updating resource she had known, the "internet" here was more like a time-locked archive, seemingly frozen on the day of her death in her original world. Still, Ravenna found a silver lining; although not as comprehensive as she''d hoped, the archive was far from useless. But the reprieve was brief, as her mind returned to more pressing matters. Someone must have planted spies among her entourage. After all, Prince William wouldn¡¯t have bothered poisoning her unless he had a way of confirming whether his plan succeeded or not. Her suspicion was growing, but the question of who or how they might be reporting back was still unanswered. As she mulled over this, her Knight Captain, Hughes, approached with news. ¡°Your Highness, a merchant has agreed to ferry us to Jola,¡± he announced, a touch of excitement in his voice. ¡°But, he¡¯s asking for double the usual fee¡ªa full mana coin to transport all 360 of us.¡± Ravenna sighed. She had no room to haggle. The merchant was their only option, the only one brave enough to sail to the so-called cursed island. ¡°Very well, let him have it,¡± she replied. ¡°We leave as soon as everything¡¯s ready.¡± After sending off letters and arranging final preparations, Ravenna boarded the ship with her retinue. Standing in her private cabin, she let her gaze drift over the waves outside the window, steeling herself for the last stretch of their journey. After an hour, She summoned Hughes to her quarters. Moments later, he knocked, entering with a respectful bow. ¡°Your Highness, you called?¡± ¡°Yes, Captain. Take a seat.¡± Ravenna¡¯s intense gaze fixed on him as he sat across from her, visibly nervous. The ship gently rocked with the waves, adding to the tension in the room. Ravenna leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with quiet determination. ¡°There¡¯s a high chance there are spies in Jola,¡± she said. Hughes blinked, a bit puzzled. ¡°Your Highness, why would they send spies? You¡¯re already being exiled to that forsaken place. Surely they don¡¯t need anyone watching you now.¡± She smiled¡ªa beautiful, moonlit smile, but one that carried a dangerous edge, like a raven circling its prey. ¡°Someone attempted to poison me before we left the capital,¡± she revealed. Hughes¡¯s face paled. ¡°Your Highness, I assure you, no assassin or spy will get within reach of you. I won¡¯t fail in my duty to protect you,¡± he promised fervently. But Ravenna waved a dismissive hand. ¡°That¡¯s not why I called you here, Hughes. I want you to spread a rumor,¡± she said, her tone calm but her eyes sharp. ¡°Tell everyone that I¡¯m gravely ill and will be confined to my quarters once we arrive. They need to believe I¡¯m on the verge of death¡ªor already dead.¡± Hughes¡¯s brow furrowed, but he kept his silence, nodding attentively. ¡°This way, whoever tried to kill me will think their plan succeeded,¡± Ravenna continued, her smile becoming more unsettling. ¡°And if there are spies, they¡¯ll reveal themselves, thinking they¡¯re safe.¡± Her head tilted slightly as her smile grew, a haunting expression that made Hughes¡¯s blood run cold. ¡°Then we simply wait for them to report back¡­ or we catch them in the act.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness,¡± Hughes stammered, springing to his feet and bowing repeatedly as he left the cabin in a hurry, eager to carry out her orders. When he was gone, Ravenna exhaled with a faint smirk, admiring her reflection in the window. ¡°This face is truly beautiful,¡± she mused. ¡°But one beautiful smile is all it takes to scare the life out of anyone.¡± Ravenna taking in the effects of real Ravenna''s reputation. A familiar panel blinked into view. [ Reputation Points System ] Ravenna raised an eyebrow, amused. ¡°What do you mean? I was only having a conversation¡­¡± she sighed, shaking her head. 4. Arrival in Jola Island The sun rose gently over the Jola Desert, casting its first golden light upon the endless dunes. Though its warmth could have brought hope, the scene below was far from hopeful. A small city, nestled within the desert¡¯s heart, stood in a state of decay. Its buildings, made of sand bricks and crumbling stone, seemed as fragile as the people within. The streets were filled with weary figures, their bodies frail and faces hollow, as if they might collapse at any moment. Hunger clung to the air like the sand carried by the desert wind, which swept through the city every few seconds, adding to the desolation. Beyond the city, a few battered fishing canoes dotted the shoreline, their crews desperately trying to pull some semblance of life from the sea. Among them was Richard, a fisherman who had made it his mission to help the starving city folk. Each day, he rose with the sun, casting his nets with unwavering determination. Yet, his efforts were rarely rewarded. Day after day, his nets came up nearly empty, as if the sea itself had turned its back on Jola. Three months ago, the nobles had abandoned the city, leaving the peasants to fend for themselves. They claimed to have been called back to the capital to prepare for the arrival of the infamous Ravenna Solarius, the banished princess from the Sun Palace. With their departure, the fragile lifeline that connected Jola to the mainland was severed. Trade with the coastal cities of the Ancorna Empire ceased entirely. Not that life had been much better before. Even under the nobles¡¯ oppressive rule, the people had at least been able to trade. The nobles had bullied, extorted, and taken liberties with whomever they pleased, yet they had allowed a trickle of commerce to continue. Now, there was nothing. The absence of even that tenuous stability left the people teetering on the brink of collapse. Richard looked at his net again. As usual, it was almost empty except for some seaweed and a bunch of underwater flowers . Around him, his fellow fishermen were having similar luck, their faces etched with silent despair. Still, they persisted¡ªbecause they had no choice. Starvation was a certainty if they stopped trying. Suddenly, Richard froze. On the horizon, a ship¡¯s silhouette emerged, sailing toward the docks. Its merchant flag fluttered in the breeze. He squinted against the sunlight, his heart sinking. ¡°It¡¯s a ship,¡± he murmured. ¡°But not the one we need.¡± As the vessel docked, the truth became clear. It wasn¡¯t here to bring aid. Soldiers disembarked¡ªrows upon rows of knights in gleaming armor, marching with disciplined speed. Horses and carriages followed in their wake, heading straight for the City Lord¡¯s castle. ¡°Looks like they¡¯re here,¡± Richard said grimly, his voice laced with quiet resignation. ¡°Here to make our nightmare even worse,¡± muttered another fisherman bitterly. The people of Jola watched with heavy hearts. Everyone knew the city¡¯s current state was due to the nobles¡¯ greed. Years of exploitation had drained the city of its potential, despite its ideal location as a trade hub. The nobles had looted and taxed with impunity, leaving little for the peasants to survive on. Those who couldn¡¯t pay were met with whips¡ªor worse. Women and children had suffered unspeakable fates at the hands of their so-called protectors. Now, the sight of armed knights only rekindled those memories of suffering. The castle wasn¡¯t particularly grand. Built of plain stone, it stood more as a symbol of authority than luxury. Its hundreds of rooms were stark and functional, designed to house the city lord, his workers, and occasional guests. The backyard, a bare patch of sand, lacked even a single tree or plant¡ªa reflection of the barren land it governed.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. The knights arrived swiftly, their formation tight and orderly. On the Streets of Jola, ¡°What do you think they¡¯re here for? Taxes? Or something worse?¡± ¡°Who knows?¡± one man replied. ¡°But if that unruly princess demands taxes, we¡¯re doomed. We¡¯ve nothing left to give.¡± ¡°I heard she killed her own mother,¡± whispered a woman, her voice trembling. ¡°What?!¡± ¡°A kin-slayer? By the gods, keep your heads down. Don¡¯t look the knights in the eye. If you draw attention, we won¡¯t survive this.¡± Fear rippled through the crowd as rumors of Ravenna¡¯s cruelty spread like wildfire. Parents hurriedly pulled their children close, while others whispered desperate plans to hide their daughters from prying eyes. At the Jola Central Square, A knight, clad in full armor, rode his horse to the city¡¯s central stage. Dismounting, he unrolled a parchment and read aloud: ¡°By decree of His Majesty, Her Highness Ravenna Solarius has been appointed as the new City Lord of Jola. She summons the following individuals to meet with her at once to discuss the future of the city and its people.¡± The knight listed the names: ¡°Richard Neil Jessica Taylor Nille Vermen Sarah Bob¡± The crowd fell silent, their expressions grim. ¡°They¡¯re taking the good folk,¡± someone muttered. ¡°The ones who¡¯ve kept this city alive. Why?¡± No one had an answer, but unease hung heavy in the air. Richard straightened his shoulders when his name was called. He glanced at the other summoned individuals¡ªJessica, the tailor; Nille, the blacksmith; and Sarah, a healer. Each of them had played a vital role in keeping the city functioning despite its hardships. ¡°If this new lord tries to harm the people,¡± Richard muttered, determination hardening his voice, ¡°I¡¯ll fight. Even if it costs me my life.¡± Jessica nodded, her eyes resolute. ¡°Same here. We¡¯ve endured enough.¡± Nille adjusted his tools, his expression calm but unyielding. ¡°I¡¯ll hear them out. But if they demand anything unreasonable, I won¡¯t back down.¡± Together, the four made their way to the castle, unsure of what awaited them¡ªbut ready to face it head-on. Once at the Castle, they followed the knight leading them through the castle''s imposing halls. The air was heavy with tension, and every step echoed ominously off the cold stone walls. The castle seemed far more fortified than any of them had expected; knights stood at every corner, their armor polished and weapons at the ready. The sheer number of soldiers unsettled the group. Why so many? Was the princess afraid of an uprising? Surely her trained knights were more than capable of handling a few starving peasants. The thought gnawed at Richard¡¯s mind, but he forced it aside. There were more pressing concerns¡ªnamely, how to protect the city if this new lord¡¯s demands proved unbearable. When they arrived at the audience chamber, the four hesitated. The grand double doors had swung open to reveal an expansive room, its high ceilings adorned with faded banners bearing the Solarius crest¡ªa blazing sun. At the far end of the chamber stood the lord¡¯s throne, a modest stone seat. However, the throne was empty. Instead, a tall, young man with sharp features and jet-black hair stood in front of it, engrossed in a piece of parchment he held. He exuded an air of authority, yet his presence felt oddly informal. His black cloak, trimmed with silver, bore the emblem of the imperial knights. The group exchanged confused glances, unsure of what to do. They had expected to see the infamous Princess Ravenna, not this stranger. Still, they moved forward, about to kneel out of habit, when the man suddenly looked up. ¡°Ah, you¡¯re here,¡± he said, his voice warm yet commanding. He set the parchment aside on the armrest of the throne. ¡°Forgive me; I didn¡¯t notice your arrival. I was reviewing Her Highness¡¯s orders.¡± The group stiffened. Her Highness¡¯s orders? Richard cleared his throat, trying to steady his nerves. ¡°And who might you be, sir?¡± The man smiled slightly, inclining his head. ¡°Ah, where are my manners?¡± he said, stepping forward. ¡°I am Hughes Gatve, Knight Commander of Her Highness¡¯s personal guard.¡± The title hung in the air like a hammer. Knight Commander. This man wasn¡¯t just a soldier¡ªhe was one of the most trusted individuals in the princess¡¯s service. 5. Jola’s City’s First Change ¡°So,¡± Hughes continued, his sharp gaze scanning the group, ¡°you¡¯re the ones who¡¯ve been keeping this city afloat while we¡­ took our sweet time getting here.¡± Richard faltered, unsure how to respond. Hughes had just insulted himself¡ªa noble¡ªand Richard didn¡¯t know whether to agree or stay silent. ¡°Ser, that¡¯s¡­¡± he began awkwardly but trailed off. Hughes raised a hand, waving off the discomfort. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± he said smoothly. ¡°There¡¯s a reason for our delay, and there¡¯s a reason why Her Highness summoned you here¡ªand why she isn¡¯t present at the moment.¡± Hearing this, the group perked up, their curiosity piqued. ¡°We traveled through several towns on the way here,¡± Hughes explained, ¡°gathering food supplies and having them enchanted to prevent spoilage. We also purchased carriages to transport the sheer amount of food we brought. It was¡­ a lot of work.¡± Hope flickered briefly in their eyes, but it was quickly extinguished by doubt. What good were supplies if they weren¡¯t shared with the people? No noble they¡¯d ever known would distribute food without demanding something in return. Hughes, seemingly aware of their skepticism, continued. ¡°The problem now is this: we don¡¯t know where everyone in the city lives or how many people there are. That¡¯s why you¡¯ve been summoned¡ªparticularly you, Miss Sarah.¡± Sarah Bob, an illegitimate noblewoman who had been disowned and exiled to Jola, straightened up. Ever since the previous nobles abandoned the city, she had taken it upon herself to document the population, recording names and household numbers to fairly distribute the fish caught by Richard and his crew. ¡°Yes, Ser,¡± Sarah said cautiously, ¡°I do have a list of everyone¡¯s names and the number of family members in each household.¡± Hughes smiled approvingly. ¡°I know. That¡¯s why you¡¯re here. When we spoke with some of the townsfolk, they mentioned your records. Excellent initiative, Miss Sarah.¡± He then addressed the group as a whole. ¡°Here¡¯s what we¡¯re going to do. We¡¯ll use that list to distribute cooked food three times a day. Meals will be provided at the abandoned noble estates, divided into designated groups to ensure fairness. This way, everyone gets their fill, and we can prevent cheating or double claims.¡± The room fell silent as the words sank in. For a moment, it felt like a dream. Free food? Distributed fairly? No noble they had ever known would propose such a thing. Richard stammered, ¡°This¡­ this is¡­¡± ¡°Ser, I-I¡¯ll fetch the list right away!¡± Sarah exclaimed, tears welling in her eyes as she thought of the hungry children finally having enough to eat. Hughes waved her gratitude aside. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t thank me. It was Her Highness who ordered this. It¡¯s also our responsibility as stewards of the empire.¡± The mention of Ravenna left the group momentarily stunned. The stories they had heard about her painted a vastly different picture. Could the rumors have been wrong? Hughes turned to Jessica next. ¡°Miss Jessica, we brought cotton from Willow Town during our journey here. Her Highness has requested that you and some volunteers sew clothes for the townsfolk. We¡¯ve heard the nights here are bitterly cold.¡± Jessica¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. Free clothes? She quickly nodded. ¡°Yes, of course, Ser. I¡¯ll get started immediately!¡± Hughes then handed Nille a parchment. ¡°Mister Nille, this is for you. Her Highness asked me to give you these designs.¡±If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Nille unfolded the parchment, his hands trembling. On it were three intricate designs, accompanied by detailed instructions. His eyes widened as he scanned them¡ªthese weren¡¯t just tools; they were revolutionary. ¡°Ser,¡± he said, his voice shaking, ¡°when does Her Highness need these completed?¡± ¡°The mud collector cage is to be completed within a week. The others have a three-month deadline,¡± Hughes replied. Nille swallowed hard, nodding. ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll ensure they¡¯re made on time. With these¡­ no one in Jola will ever go hungry again!¡± His words ignited a spark of hope among the group. What kind of tools could ensure the city¡¯s survival? Finally, Hughes turned to Richard. ¡°Mister Richard, we need you to stop fishing for the time being and assist with food distribution and farming.¡± Richard blinked. ¡°Ser¡­ did you say farming? And why stop fishing?¡± Hughes smiled faintly. ¡°Her Highness believes the soil at the bottom of the ocean is fertile. We¡¯ll use it to farm potatoes from the supplies we brought. Your task is to collect seabed soil and help transport it inland.¡± Richard¡¯s mouth fell open. Farming¡­ in Jola? It sounded absurd, yet it made sense. They had all seen green plants growing underwater. If they could use that soil, it might actually work. ¡°And,¡± Hughes added, ¡°one of the designs I gave Mister Nille is a mud collector cage to help you bring up the soil more efficiently. It¡¯ll be ready within a week.¡± Nille nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure of it, Richard. We¡¯ll have that soil in no time!¡± As the group processed the overwhelming news, Hughes concluded, ¡°This is all according to Her Highness¡¯s orders. Unfortunately, she¡¯s unable to meet you in person right now. She fell ill during the journey and is currently resting in her quarters. She asked me to apologize on her behalf.¡± ¡°No, no, Ser Hughes,¡± Richard said quickly, his voice filled with respect. ¡°Please let Her Highness know we wish her a speedy recovery.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Jessica chimed in. ¡°We¡¯ll make sure everything is ready before her public appearance so she doesn¡¯t see her people hungry or cold!¡± ¡°Right!¡± Nille added enthusiastically. ¡°We¡¯ll start immediately!¡± The group¡¯s excitement and gratitude were palpable. For the first time in years, they felt like hope wasn¡¯t just a distant dream. The rumors about Ravenna, they realized, must have been lies spread by her enemies. Just as they were about to leave, Hughes stopped them. ¡°One more thing,¡± he said, his tone serious. ¡°Have any new people arrived in the city before us?¡± Sarah stepped forward. ¡°Ser, their names are all recorded in my list, including the new arrivals.¡± Hughes smiled faintly. ¡°Good. Thank you, Miss Sarah. That¡¯ll be helpful.¡± The group left the castle, their steps lighter than they¡¯d been in years. Change was coming to Jola, and for the first time, it seemed like it might be for the better. Meanwhile, in the private sanctuary of the Lord¡¯s bedroom, Ravenna sat upright on the grand four-poster bed, her emerald black eyes fixed intently on the glowing system panel before her. The screen displayed several neatly organized spreadsheets. Her fingers danced across the interface as she entered data with precision. ¡°I can¡¯t believe how useful this system is,¡± she murmured, her voice low, almost in awe. The truth was, Ravenna had no idea how to govern an estate, let alone a struggling desert city like Jola. Even with the original Ravenna¡¯s memories, the task was daunting. The former Ravenna had been adept at navigating the treacherous waters of politics, but her expertise ended there. When it came to resource management, infrastructure, and the intricacies of administration, her knowledge was painfully inadequate. This left Ravenna with no choice but to rely on her own experiences¡ªthose from a life far removed from this world. Back in her previous life, she had been a project manager in a reputable corporation. While managing sprawling urban territories was a far cry from overseeing corporate projects, she reasoned that the foundational principles of planning, organization, and execution must remain consistent. It was during her initial days of struggling in the carriage ride she stumbled upon a revelation: the system¡¯s access to the internet, frozen in time to the day of her death, was more valuable than she¡¯d ever imagined. Even though the data was static, it was a treasure trove of information. Blueprints for blacksmithing tools, agricultural innovations, and urban planning concepts lay at her fingertips. She discovered templates and resources that could streamline tasks that once seemed overwhelming. A particularly unexpected boon was finding a free spreadsheet platform, one she had frequently used in her past life. Now, it served as the backbone of her budding plans for Jola, allowing her to track resources, draft budgets, and chart strategies. ¡°If I¡¯m to live as Ravenna Solarius in this city of sun and sand,¡± she muttered, her voice carrying a blend of determination and resignation, ¡°then I¡¯d better do it right.¡± Ravenna leaned back slightly, her gaze lingering on the screen. There was still so much to do, but for now, she allowed herself a rare moment of satisfaction. This wasn¡¯t going to be easy, but she was no stranger to challenges. After all, rebuilding hope from ruins was a project worth pouring her heart into. 6. Jola City’s State Ravenna couldn''t help but feel a surge of relief and joy as she successfully logged into the website where she used to read The Light¡¯s Conquest novel. The fact that she remembered her username and password was nothing short of a miracle. This meant she could now access crucial details about future events from the novel¡ªa lifeline in a world where her survival depended on staying ahead of everyone else. The internet connection provided by the Reputation System proved to be one of its most powerful features. She leaned back slightly, her lips curling into a small smile. ¡°Alright,¡± she muttered, ¡°time to check out the map and piece together everything about Jola.¡± Jola Island had only been briefly mentioned in The Light¡¯s Conquest, but with Ravenna¡¯s inherited memories and knowledge of the novel¡¯s plot, she began to form a clearer picture of her current predicament. At first, the existence of Jola City baffled her. It seemed more like a liability than an asset to the Ancorna Empire¡ªa desert island with no economic prospects and limited resources, yet one that demanded continuous imperial funding. Why pour money into an island that was essentially a deadweight? The answer, as it turned out, was deeply rooted in the empire¡¯s history. Strategically, Jola¡¯s location was significant. Positioned close to the capital of the Ancorna Empire, it served as a potential shield against foreign invasions. The island¡¯s placement meant that any foreign power attempting to use it as a base of operations would pose a direct threat to the empire¡¯s heartland. However, this alone didn¡¯t justify the establishment of a full-fledged city. A military base would have sufficed. The real reason for Jola¡¯s existence was religion. Decades ago, during the reign of Ravenna¡¯s great-grandfather, the Herptian faith played a pivotal role in defending the empire¡¯s borders. In gratitude for their divine assistance, the emperor granted the Herptian clergy a religious stronghold¡ªJola Island. Its proximity to the capital made it an ideal location for the clergy to exert influence while remaining under the watchful eye of the imperial court. However, as the years passed, the influence of the Herptian faith waned. By the time Ravenna¡¯s grandfather ascended to the throne, the religion was on the brink of collapse, its followers dwindling rapidly. Seeing no further need to invest in Jola, the emperor ceased its development. When Ravenna¡¯s father, Emperor Andrew, took the throne, the situation worsened. The remaining members of the Herptian clergy abandoned the eastern continent entirely, returning to their homeland in the west. They left behind an unfinished city populated by their descendants¡ªpeople who, being culturally and economically disconnected from the mainland, struggled to find a foothold in Ancorna society. Over time, Jola fell into decline. By the time Ravenna was born, the island had lost any semblance of economic value. It was too strategic to abandon but too burdensome to maintain. When Ravenna was framed for her mother¡¯s death, Emperor Andrew saw an opportunity to solve two problems at once¡ªexiling his disgraced daughter while offloading the empire¡¯s most troublesome holding. ¡°Man,¡± Ravenna muttered, rubbing her temples as the realization sank in. ¡°So much for being a minor character, huh?¡± She glanced at the glowing panel of the Reputation System hovering before her. [Reputation System v0.1] User: Ravenna Solarius / Joy Cha Kim Reputation Level: 60 (4800/8200) Current Reputation Points: 6,098 Reputation Rate: Stable Titles: Raven of Sun Palace, Unruly Princess {Reputation Points Log} {Spend Reputation Points} Ravenna grimaced as she reviewed her dwindling points. Using the internet for over ten hours daily had drained her resources faster than she¡¯d anticipated. When she first saw her level¡ª60¡ªshe thought it would give her a comfortable buffer to rely on. But she now realized how na?ve that assumption had been. The daily bonus of 600 points was nowhere near enough to sustain her current usage, especially if she wanted to keep accessing the internet. ¡°Guess I¡¯ll have to cut back,¡± she sighed, dismissing the system panel for now. ¡°No more late-night browsing sessions unless it¡¯s absolutely necessary.¡± Shifting her focus, Ravenna picked up the reports Hughes had left for her. Among them was a detailed list compiled by Sarah Bob, one of the more capable citizens of Jola. The document outlined the names of every individual in the city¡ªa staggering 5,000 people¡ªand grouped them based on social status, household affiliations, and other categories.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. Ravenna¡¯s brows furrowed as she scanned the reports. She had to admit, the organizational skills of the people surprised her. Despite the dire state of the island, their will to survive shone through in remarkable ways. Sarah, along with a group of literate citizens, had taken the initiative to create an orderly system for managing resources. The lists were particularly helpful in distributing the fish caught by Richard and his men, ensuring that food reached those who needed it most. Being a former religious stronghold turned out to be an unexpected blessing. The Herptian clergy had emphasized literacy as part of their teachings, leaving behind a population where even peasants possessed basic reading and writing skills. This legacy made it significantly easier for Jola¡¯s people to organize themselves in the absence of noble oversight. Ravenna leaned back, letting the reports rest on her lap. For the first time, she felt a glimmer of hope. Jola might be a forgotten, crumbling city, but it wasn¡¯t without potential. Its people were resilient, resourceful, and willing to work for a better future. ¡°It¡¯s not much,¡± Ravenna murmured, closing her ledger with a sigh, ¡°but it¡¯s a start. Let¡¯s see how far we can take this.¡± The flickering candlelight illuminated the detailed ledgers and maps scattered across her bed, all evidence of the tireless effort she¡¯d put into stabilizing Jola Island. Despite the weight of responsibility pressing down on her, she couldn¡¯t afford to falter now. Ravenna reviewed the expenses once again. She had purchased wheat and other storable grains worth 150 Mana Coins, a strategic decision she hoped would sustain the 5,000 citizens of Jola for at least three months. To ensure the grains wouldn¡¯t spoil in the island''s harsh, humid climate, she had spent 50 Mana Coins on enchantments for preservation. Another 50 Mana Coins had gone to pay for the ship and crew that transported the supplies from the mainland¡ªa steep cost, exacerbated by the inflated prices imposed on her due to her title, The Unruly Princess. Even small purchases came with additional charges, a bitter reminder of her precarious position in the empire. Her plan, while effective, had drained her resources rapidly. Ravenna had decided to repurpose the empty noble estates scattered across the city into communal dining halls. Each hall would serve cooked meals three times a day, ensuring equitable distribution of food to all. The idea was practical and fostered unity among the citizens, but it came with significant costs. She still had to allocate funds to pay the laborers managing the food distribution system, as well as the knights under her command. With a simple calculation, she realized that after all the monthly expenses, she would be left with no more than 50 or 60 Mana Coins. That was assuming there were no unexpected emergencies¡ªan unlikely prospect given Jola''s unstable state. The thought left a sour taste in her mouth. ¡°We¡¯re stretched thin,¡± Ravenna muttered under her breath, her fingers tracing the edges of the parchment. ¡°If Neil doesn¡¯t finish the tools on time, we¡¯ll be back to square one.¡± The blacksmith, Neil, was her last hope for establishing some semblance of self-sufficiency on the island. She had tasked him with crafting essential farming tools and equipment based on designs from online, Hughes had delivered them to him. While Neil might be skilled, she wasn¡¯t sure if he had the materials¡ªor the time¡ªto complete the job as quickly as she needed. The entire agricultural plan hinged on his success. Her gaze shifted to another set of papers detailing her ambitious but precarious farming initiative. Drawing inspiration from her research online, she intended to use nutrient-rich soil from the seabed to cultivate crops, particularly potatoes. Potatoes were hardy, easy to grow, and could provide the caloric intake needed to sustain the population. However, the plan was far from foolproof. Watching a video and executing it in real life were two entirely different things. She lacked both practical farming knowledge and the luxury of time for experimentation. If the potato farming failed, she¡¯d be forced to dip into her remaining funds to buy food again¡ªan unsustainable solution. With no additional revenue streams, the city would be right back to where it started: starving, desperate, and vulnerable. Ravenna closed her eyes, rubbing her temples as the weight of her responsibilities settled heavily on her shoulders. ¡°Come on, Ravenna. Think. There has to be another way.¡± She glanced back at her ledger, flipping through pages of expenditures and debts. Her remaining 180 Mana Coins needed to stretch far enough to cover labor costs, including the wages of the volunteers organizing food distribution, and her knights who provided critical security in a city rife with uncertainty. The flickering candlelight cast her shadow on the wall, a stark reminder of how solitary her battle was. Yet, despite the challenges, she refused to give up. The stakes were too high for hesitation or doubt. ¡°I need Neil to finish those designs,¡± she muttered, her voice laced with determination. ¡°And I need those potatoes to grow. If either of these fails¡­¡± She trailed off, unwilling to finish the thought. 7. Stabilizing Ravenna woke to the blazing heat of the desert sun streaming through the open window of her bedroom. Even dressed in an almost sheer, loose-fitting nightgown that clung to her skin, the relentless heat of Jola Island was inescapable. Sweat beaded on her forehead, and she fanned herself lightly as her maids bustled around to help her prepare for the day. Once ready, Ravenna inspected her reflection in the tall, polished mirror. She wore a sleeveless crop top crafted from airy, breathable silk, the fabric light enough to keep her cool while retaining a touch of regal sophistication. Intricate embroidery, interwoven with fine golden threads, shimmered under the room¡¯s soft light, accentuating the deep royal purple of the garment. The color was a striking contrast to her midnight-black hair, which cascaded in loose waves down her back. She paired the top with a high-waisted maxi skirt that flowed elegantly around her legs, its soft folds swaying with every movement. Subtle side slits in the skirt added a hint of daring practicality, allowing her both freedom of movement and an understated allure. Today marked three weeks since Ravenna had found herself in this unfamiliar world¡ªand two weeks since she¡¯d arrived on Jola Island. According to Light¡¯s Conquest''s narrative, Eugene and Prince William would soon be embroiled in a new crisis. That meant, for now, she had a window of time where they would be too preoccupied to interfere with her plans. Still, she couldn¡¯t delay much longer. Hiding behind the guise of illness had bought her some time to assess her situation, but it was no longer viable. Sooner or later, William would learn that she was alive and well. When that happened, he would undoubtedly redirect his focus to eliminate her from his path. However, Ravenna was resolute¡ªshe would not remain a passive player in this story waiting to be slaughtered. It was time to act. After a quick breakfast, Ravenna strode confidently to the castle¡¯s entrance near the stables. The intense sunlight reflected off the white stone walls, making the air shimmer. Her knights, stationed at the gates, stiffened as soon as she approached. They bowed deeply, their postures rigid under her sharp, commanding gaze. With her piercing eyes and natural air of authority, Ravenna had a reputation for looking both captivatingly beautiful and dangerously unapproachable¡ªa combination that earned her the nickname ¡°Seductive Demon¡± among her subjects. Her eyes fixed on Vice Captain John, and with a voice as firm as steel, she commanded, ¡°Get the carriage ready. I want to see the current state of the city.¡± John saluted sharply and sprinted to carry out her orders. Watching him hurry away, Ravenna sighed inwardly. My villainous appearance really works wonders, she thought, almost amused. She was as beautiful as a model, but her intense glare often made her seem like a creature born to intimidate. It wasn¡¯t something she was very fond of, but she had learned to use it to her advantage. Within minutes, the carriage arrived, a polished vehicle adorned with modest embellishments that reflected both her rank and the imperial prestige. Ravenna stepped in gracefully, settling into the plush interior as her knights formed a protective formation around the carriage. As the wheels began to turn, Ravenna¡¯s thoughts drifted to the progress Hughes had reported. He and several knights were down at the docks, coordinating with fishermen and laborers to haul soil from the seabed onto dry land. If successful, the seabed soil might serve as a foundation for cultivating potatoes and other hardy crops, providing a much-needed solution to the island¡¯s food crisis. The streets of Jola bustled with energy as the carriage moved through the city. Ravenna noticed the change immediately. Where there had once been hollow-eyed citizens dragging their feet, there was now life and movement. Men, women, and children stood at the edges of the road, their faces brighter than she remembered. They bowed low or fell to their knees as her carriage passed, their gratitude palpable. Ravenna gazed out at them, momentarily unsure how to respond. She was about to tell them to rise¡ªit seemed unnecessary to bow so deeply¡ªwhen suddenly, a translucent notification screen appeared in front of her. [Reputation Points System] The points kept stacking, line after line, as her carriage moved forward. She raised an eyebrow in surprise. Reputation points? she thought, the corner of her mouth twitching in amusement. If merely riding through the city could garner so many points, perhaps she should make a habit of dramatic appearances. It seemed like an easy way to build her reputation and strengthen her influence to stack more points.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. The carriage finally reached the southern region of the city, where smoke rose in thin wisps from a large noble estate. Ravenna recognized it immediately¡ªHughes had mentioned that the blacksmiths had repurposed the estate into a workshop to build equipment for transporting seabed soil. The smoke was likely from their furnaces, working tirelessly to produce the mud cages and other tools required for the farming initiative. As they drew closer, Ravenna noticed a small patch of greenery near the estate. The sight of it made her heart skip a beat. The experimental potato plants were growing in neat rows, their verdant leaves a stark contrast to the surrounding arid land. It wasn¡¯t much yet, but it was a symbol of hope¡ªa sign that her gamble might just pay off. She stepped out of the carriage, her gaze fixed on the greenery, and a rare smile tugged at her lips. This is only the beginning, she thought. If we can make this work, we¡¯ll turn this island into a place where no one has to kneel for food ever again. Her attention shifted to the crowd gathered nearby. Long lines of Citizens stood patiently outside makeshift food distribution counters, each waiting their turn for a steaming bowl of porridge. This estate, previously a grandiose noble¡¯s residence, now served a nobler purpose¡ªfeeding the people. Men, women, and children held bowls in anticipation, their expressions a mixture of hunger and gratitude. Ravenna noticed how focused the Citizens were. None had even glanced in her direction, their eyes fixed on the lifeline of food before them. For a brief moment, she considered simply walking past the crowd to inspect the blacksmiths working in the backyard. After all, that was her original purpose here. But then a sly thought crossed her mind. How can I let such an easy opportunity to gain reputation points slip away? ¡°John,¡± she called sharply, her piercing gaze landing on the vice knight captain. ¡°Why don¡¯t these peasants recognize my imperial carriage or, more importantly, me?¡± John, already nervous from her intimidating presence, visibly gulped before responding. ¡°Your Highness, how could they possibly fail to acknowledge your regal and dazzling appearance? It must be the dusty air obscuring their vision! Allow me to rectify this insult immediately!¡± Before she could reply, John and a group of knights hurried toward the distribution counters. With loud, authoritative voices, they announced, ¡°Her Royal Highness, Princess Ravenna, has arrived!¡± Their voices carried over the murmuring crowd like thunder rolling through the desert sky. The remaining knights stationed around the estate bowed deeply, signaling the people to follow suit. The Citizens, startled by the sudden commotion, turned toward Ravenna. Realizing her presence, they quickly dropped to one knee, their heads bowed low. For most of them, this was the first time they had seen the princess in person. Word had already spread of her generosity¡ªof how she had brought stability and food to the island during a time of desperate hunger. Many had felt gratitude toward her even before this moment. Now, seeing her regal figure in person, their awe multiplied. Standing tall amidst the reverent silence, Ravenna¡¯s lips curled into a small, condescending smile. Her piercing gaze swept across the kneeling crowd like a raven surveying its prey. ¡°My, my,¡± she said, her voice cool yet cutting. ¡°I had thought all peasants were tasteless, mannerless hoglings. It seems I was mistaken. The people of Jola Island, at least, have a semblance of gratitude.¡± Her words, delivered with an air of superiority, sent a ripple through the crowd. Some of the Citizens trembled under her glare, while others looked on with a mixture of fear and admiration. Her beauty, both dazzling and menacing, left an impression that would not be forgotten. As the Citizens remained in their humbled poses, a familiar notification panel appeared in Ravenna¡¯s vision. [Reputation Points System] Satisfied, Ravenna raised her hand in a dismissive wave. ¡°Return to your tasks,¡± she commanded, her tone dismissive yet laced with authority. ¡°Do not waste time lingering.¡± The Citizens quickly obeyed, resuming their positions in line or tending to their bowls of porridge. As the crowd dispersed, Ravenna turned and made her way toward the backyard of the estate. The clang of hammers and the hiss of steam greeted her as she approached the blacksmiths¡¯ workshop. In this once-grand noble estate, now a center of industry, the blacksmiths were hard at work. Smoke rose in thick plumes from several forges, and the air vibrated with the rhythmic pounding of metal. Craftsmen toiled tirelessly, shaping mud cages and other tools essential for harvesting the seabed soil that was giving new life to the island. Ravenna¡¯s steps were deliberate and slow, each one echoing her calculated authority. Her black hair shimmered under the harsh desert sun, her embroidered royal garments flowing like liquid silk as she moved. The knights followed closely, ensuring no one dared approach her without permission.