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 turned to Hughes, who stood at attention beside her, awaiting orders.

  "Alright, round them up." Her voice was firm, yet laced with fatigue. "Throw them in the castle dungeon, and get the slaves to the northern estate. Set up a camp for them—make sure they have food, water, and medical care."

  "Understood, Your Highness," Hughes replied with a respectful nod. "I will also send word to the evacuated citizens at the northern estate, 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 spent meticulously planning this battle and one enduring the endless hours of combat. Her mind and body were on the verge of collapse, and now that the fight was over, there was no reason to keep pushing herself.

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

  Ravenna didn’t waste another second. She stepped inside, shut the door, and let exhaustion take over.

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

  The heat dragged her from the depths of sleep, pulling her into groggy consciousness. She shifted beneath the silk sheets, eyes squinting against the golden light flooding her room.

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

  "I need to 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 Solarius / Joy Cha Kim

  Reputation Level: 61 (4032/9400)

  Current Reputation Points: 22,621

  Titles: Raven of the Sun Palace, Unruly Princess

  { View Reputation Log } { Spend Reputation Points }

  She checked how many points she had gained after the battle then with a clap of her hands, she summoned her maids. Moments later, Alice entered, followed by a few others carrying fresh garments.

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  As they helped her dress, Ravenna glanced at Alice. "Ah, so the evacuated citizens have returned to the city?"

  Alice nodded as she tied the laces on Ravenna’s sleeves. "Not all of them, but most have. Carriages have been running back and forth since morning to bring 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 Contact the Merchant Association and request a ship large enough to transport the war prisoners. There are some important discussions I need to have with the Ronin Family."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Ravenna calmly cut a piece of her food. "The slaves fear me," she said, voice even. "Understandable, 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 slave 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 entrance, the scent of incense filled her senses. James emerged from within, greeting her with a warm nod.

  "Welcome, Your Highness. I heard the defensive battle went smoothly, and the city is returning to normal?"

  Ravenna chuckled, a smirk playing 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 thick document.

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

  James flipped through the pages, nodding. "I understand. However, we will have to postpone the ritual ceremony we had planned."

  "That’s fine by me," Ravenna said dismissively. "We can conduct it after we've built enough housing to accommodate everyone. In the meantime, I'll be traveling to the mainland 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, Your Highness."

  With business concluded, Ravenna left the church and headed back to the Lord’s Castle.

  Inside the castle, Ravenna strode purposefully toward the dungeons.

  Alice rushed to her side, a parchment in hand. "The letter for the Merchant Association is ready, Your Highness."

  Ravenna took it, scanning the contents before signing it with the imperial seal. "Have it sent immediately."

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

  He straightened as she approached, bowing slightly. "Your Highness, all prisoners have been secured in their cells. Captain Connor has been placed in the interrogation 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?"