The first rays of dawn bathed the port in golden light as the dust settled on the long and grueling night.

  Standing on the wall, Ravenna exhaled sharply, her exhaustion weighing down on her.

  She turo Hughes, who stood at attention beside her, awaiting orders.

  "Alright, round them up." Her voice was firm, yet ced with fatigue. "Throw them in the castle dungeon, ahe sves to the northere. Set up a camp for them—make sure they have food, water, and medical care."

  "Uood, Yhness," Hughes replied with a respectful nod. "I will also send word to the evacuated citizens at the northere, letting them know it's safe to return to the city."

  Ravenna stretched, rolling her shoulders as a massive yawn escaped her lips.

  "Yeah, do that. Once everything is sorted, send word." She rubbed her tired eyes. "I'll be heading to bed—I need sleep."

  She had been awake for three nights straight—two speiculously pnning this battle and one enduring the endless hours of bat. Her mind and body were on the verge of colpse, and now that the fight was over, there was no reason to keep pushing herself.

  A carriage rolled up to the port, its wheels g against the Road.

  Ravenna didn’t waste another sed. She stepped inside, shut the door, a exhaustion take over.

  The midday sun bzed high in the sky, its relentless heat pierg through the ornate windows of Ravenna’s chamber.

  The heat dragged her from the depths of sleep, pulling her inty sciousness. She shifted beh the silk sheets, eyes squinting against the golden light flooding her room.

  Her body still felt heavy, but her mind was already tig away with thoughts.

  "I o make electricity as soon as possible." She groaned, rolling onto her back, already feeling the unbearable heat of the day.

  [ Reputation System v0.1 ]User: Ravenna Sorius / Joy Cha KimReputation Level: 61 (4032/9400)Curreation Points: 22,621Titles: Raven of the Sun Pace, Unruly Princess{ View Reputation Log } { Speation Points }

  She checked hooints she had gained after the battle then with a cp of her hands, she summoned her maids. Moments ter, Alitered, followed by a few others carrying fresh garments.

  As they helped her dress, Ravenna g Alice. "Ah, so the evacuated citizens have returo the city?"

  Aliodded as she tied the ces on Ravenna’s sleeves. "Not all of them, but most have. Carriages have been running bad forth since m t them home. The more important figures, including myself, arrived first to assist with resettlement."

  Ravenna gave a satisfied nod. "Good. Now, I need a letter drafted immediately. To tact the Mert Association and request a ship rge enough to transport the risoners. There are some important discussions I o have with the Ronin Family."

  Alice bowed slightly. "I will see to it right away, Yhness."

  With her preparations plete, Ravenna made her way to the dining hall, where Marie was already waiting.

  "Master! gratutions on defending the city!" Marie greeted her enthusiastically.

  Ravenna smirked as she sat down, pig up her utensils. "What’s there to gratute? The oute was obvious from the start."

  As they ate, Ravenna casually dropped a bombshell. "Marie, you will be addressing the sves we rescued from the pirates."

  Marie froze mid-bite, eyes widening. Alice, too, seemed taken aback.

  "M-Master? What do you mean?" Marie stammered, l her fork.

  Ravenna calmly cut a piece of her food. "The sves fear me," she said, voice even. "Uandable, given their spineless inferior nature. If I were to address them directly, my words wouldn't be reassuring. However, you, my disciple and a former sve yourself—are the perfect person for the job."

  Marie swallowed hard, still stunned. A nervous look crossed her face. "I... I will do it."

  Ravenna finally smiled. "Good. I’ll give you some pointers on what to say, so don’t overthink it."

  Once lunch was over, Ravenna made her way to the city's church, where High Priest James awaited her arrival.

  As she stepped through the entrahe st of inse filled her senses. James emerged from within, greeting her with a warm nod.

  "Wele, Yhness. I heard the defetle went smoothly, and the city is returning to normal?"

  Ravenna chuckled, a smirk pying on her lips. "Those sons of whores had no idea who they were fighting. Of course, it went smoothly, Your Holiness."

  They moved to a private chamber, where Ravenna handed James a thient.

  "I need you to accelerate the stru efforts," she stated. "With the influx of new residents, we need more housing as soon as possible."

  James flipped through the pages, nodding. "I uand. However, we will have to postpohe ritual ceremony nned."

  "That’s fine by me," Ravenna said dismissively. "We duct it after we've built enough housing to aodate everyone. In the meantime, I'll be traveling to the mainnd to discuss certain matters with the Ronin Family. I expect progress to be well underway by the time I return."

  James gave a small bow. "It shall be done, Yhness."

  With business cluded, Ravenhe churd headed back to the Lord’s Castle.

  Ihe castle, Ravenna strode purposefully toward the dungeons.

  Alice rushed to her side, a part in hand. "The letter for the Mert Association is ready, Yhness."

  Ravenna took it, sing the tents before signing it with the imperial seal. "Have it sent immediately."

  Alice bowed and hurried off to carry out her orders. Meanwhile, at the dungeorance, Hughes was already waiting.

  He straightened as she approached, bowing slightly. "Yhness, all prisoners have been secured in their cells. Captain or has been pced ierrogation chamber as per your orders."

  Ravenna gave a slow nod, her expression unreadable.

  "Good," she said, her voice cold and sharp. Her heels clicked against the stone as she stepped forward. "Let's go have a chat with him, shall we?"

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