Ravenna woke to the bzi of the desert sun streaming through the open window of her bedroom. Even dressed in an almost sheer, loose-fitting nightgown that g to her skin, the relentless heat of Jo Isnd 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 ied her refle iall, 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 al sophistication. Intricate embroidery, interwoven with fine golden threads, shimmered uhe room’s soft light, atuating the deep royal purple of the garment. The color was a striking trast to her midnight-bck 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 uated allure.

  Today marked three weeks since Ravenna had found herself in this unfamiliar world—and two weeks since she’d arrived on Jo Isnd. Acc to Light’s quest'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 pns.

  Still, she couldn’t dey 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 ter, 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—she would not remain a passive pyer in this story waiting to be sughtered. It was time to act.

  After a quick breakfast, Ravenna strode fidently to the castle’s entranear the stables. The intense sunlight reflected off the white stone walls, making the air shimmer. Her knights, statio the gates, stiffened as soon as she approached. They bowed deeply, their postures rigid under her sharp, anding gaze. With her pierg eyes and natural air of authority, Ravenna had a reputation for looking both captivatingly beautiful and dangerously unapproachable—a bination that earned her the niame “Seductive Demon” among her subjects.

  Her eyes fixed on Vice Captain John, and with a voice as firm as steel, she anded, “Get the carriage ready. I want to see the current state of the city.”

  John saluted sharply and sprio carry out her orders. Watg him hurry away, Ravenna sighed inwardly. My vilinous appearance really works wonders, she thought, almost amused. She was as beautiful as a model, but her intense gre often made her seem like a creature born to intimidate. It wasn’t something she was very fond of, but she had learo use it to her advantage.

  Within mihe 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 borers to haul soil from the seabed onto dry nd. If successful, the seabed soil might serve as a foundation for cultivating potatoes and other hardy crops, providing a mueeded solution to the isnd’s food crisis.

  The streets of Jo bustled with energy as the carriage moved through the city. Ravenna noticed the ge 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—it seemed unnecessary to bow so deeply—when suddenly, a translut notification s appeared in front of her.

  [Reputation Points System]

  Earned 2 Points: Left an unfettable impression on Citizen Henry. (Effect of Title: Raven of Sun Pace)Earned 2 Points: Left an unfettable impression on Citizen James. (Effect of Title: Raven of Sun Pace)Earned 2 Points: Left an unfettable impression on Citizen Maria. (Effect of Title: Raven of Sun Pace)The points kept stag, lier line, as her carriage moved forward. She raised an eyebrow in surprise. Reputation points? she thought, the er of her mouth twitg 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 influeo stack more points.

  The carriage finally reached the southern region of the city, where smoke rose in thin wisps from a rge ate. Ravenna reized it immediately—Hughes had mentiohat the bcksmiths had repurposed the estate into a workshop to build equipment for transp seabed soil. The smoke was likely from their furnaces, w 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 he estate. The sight of it made her heart skip a beat. The experimental potato pnts were growing i rows, their verdant leaves a stark trast to the surrounding arid nd. It wasn’t much yet, but it was a symbol of hope—a 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 make this work, we’ll turn this isnd into a pce 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 ters, each waiting their turn for a steaming bowl of pe. This estate, previously a grandiose noble’s residenow served a nobler purpose—feeding 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 gnced in her dire, their eyes fixed on the lifeline of food before them. For a brief moment, she sidered simply walking past the crowd to ihe bcksmiths w in the backyard. After all, that was her inal purpose here. But then a sly thought crossed her mind.

  How I let su easy opportunity to gaiation points slip away?

  “John,” she called sharply, her pierg gaze nding on the viight captain. “Why don’t these peasants reize my imperial carriage or, more importantly, me?”

  John, already nervous from her intimidating presence, visibly gulped before responding. “Yhness, how could they possibly fail to aowledge yal and dazzling appeara must be the dusty air obsg their vision! Allow me to rectify this insult immediately!”

  Before she could reply, John and a group of knights hurried toward the distribution ters. 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 otion, turoward Ravenna. Realizing her presehey quickly dropped to one kheir 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—of how she had brought stability and food to the isnd 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, desding smile. Her pierg 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 Jo Isnd, at least, have a sembnce of gratitude.”

  Her words, delivered with an air of superiority, sent a ripple through the crowd. Some of the Citizens trembled under her gre, while others looked on with a mixture of fear and admiration. Her beauty, both dazzling and menag, left an impression that would not be fotten.

  As the Citizens remained in their humbled poses, a familiar notification panel appeared in Ravenna’s vision.

  [Reputation Points System]

  Earned 2 Points: Left an unfettable impression on Citizen Daisy. (Effect of Title: Raven of Sun Pace)Earned 2 Points: Left an unfettable impression on Citizen Himal. (Effect of Title: Raven of Sun Pace)Earned 2 Points: Left an unfettable impression on Citizen Jessica. (Effect of Title: Raven of Sun Pace)Satisfied, Ravenna raised her hand in a dismissive wave. “Return to your tasks,” she anded, her tone dismissive yet ced with authority. “Do not waste time lingering.”

  The Citizens quickly obeyed, resuming their positions in line or tending to their bowls of pe. As the crowd dispersed, Ravenna turned and made her way toward the backyard of the estate. The g of hammers and the hiss of steam greeted her as she approached the bcksmiths’ workshop.

  In this once-grand ate, now a ter of industry, the bcksmiths were hard at work. Smoke rose in thick plumes from several fes, 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 isnd.

  Ravenna’s steps were deliberate and slow, eae eg her calcuted authority. Her bck hair shimmered uhe 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.

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