Ravenna climbed the cement steps of Alice’s home—one of the newly completed apartment complexes that now stood tall against the desert skyline. The buildings had their arched windows and curved domes designed to combat the oppressive desert heat. Though still fresh with the scent of dried cement and polished wood, the structure already felt lived-in, a testament to how quickly Jola was evolving from a barren city into a thriving city.

  Yet, despite the progress, Ravenna found her thoughts drifting elsewhere.

  Her footsteps slowed as she exhaled sharply, a twinge of unease settling in her chest. Her emotions were uncharacteristically turbulent—anxiety, worry, even fear—all for Mina’s well-being. But what unsettled her more than the concern itself was the realization that it might not even be her own.

  “Since when did I start feeling Ravenna’s emotions?”

  It had been some time since she had taken on the persona of the original Ravenna, carefully shaping herself into the woman everyone expected her to be. Yet, despite knowing that her own memories and identity remained intact, the emotions, instincts, and even habits of the former Ravenna seemed to bleed into her thoughts, intertwining with her own like creeping vines.

  She clenched her fists. “I should stop thinking about it.”

  Pushing aside the unsettling notion, she reached the top of the stairs and stepped forward. Marie and Hughes followed closely behind as they entered the flat, the cool interior providing a brief respite from the desert’s heat.

  Inside, the room was simple yet well-furnished, its wooden beams and sandstone walls giving it a sturdy, homely feel. The apartment, like many in the complex, was built with high ceilings and strategically placed windows to allow natural ventilation, a necessity in Jola’s unforgiving climate. A woven rug covered the floor, and a small dining table sat in the corner, but Ravenna’s gaze went immediately to the cradle near the window.

  Alice sat nearby in a sturdy wooden chair, her posture weary yet attentive as she watched over her daughter. At the sound of footsteps, she turned, her eyes widening in surprise.

  “R-Ravenna?” Alice’s voice wavered slightly. “When did you return?”

  Before Ravenna could answer, Hughes moved past her, stepping toward the cradle where his tiny daughter lay. He gently cupped her small hand, his expression softening with a mix of concern and relief.

  Ravenna crossed her arms. “Just now,” she said simply. “I heard Mina was sick.”

  Alice sighed, rubbing her temples as if the weight of the past few days had finally caught up to her. “Yes… The healer from the church came by earlier. From what they told me, it’s the heat. Apparently, young children in Jola tend to fall sick from it now and then. It’s a common occurrence.”

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  Hughes, still looking down at Mina’s sleeping form, frowned. “And what did they say about treating it?”

  Alice’s fingers brushed against Mina’s forehead as she adjusted the damp cloth resting there. “They recommended keeping a wet cloth on her head and ensuring she stays cool. The healer also used some minor healing spells, but they said she should recover on her own in a few days.”

  Ravenna’s sharp gaze drifted around the room before settling back on Alice and the sleeping child.

  “I see…” she murmured, almost to herself.

  She turned toward the window, where the bright desert sun streamed in, casting long golden rays across the floor. Even with the architectural adaptations, the heat was relentless.

  “So the weather really is becoming a problem…” she muttered.

  Jola had grown rapidly and while they had overcome many obstacles, they had yet to truly address the harsh realities of their desert environment. If even the local children were falling ill from the heat, how would newcomers fare? What about the workers, the elderly, or those with weaker constitutions?

  Her fingers lightly tapped against her arm as thoughts churned in her mind. This was another challenge to overcome.

  Sun Palace, Capital City, Ancorna Empire

  In a secluded corner of the Sun Palace, a hidden courtyard flourished, untouched by the outside world. Unlike the rest of the empire—where strict laws forbade the cultivation of certain rare flora—this garden was an exception, a secret oasis of forbidden beauty. Enclosed within a dome of shimmering magical energy, the air was thick with the fragrance of exotic blossoms, their petals glistening with an unnatural radiance. Deep violet roses, golden lotuses, and silver-leafed vines climbed gracefully along the carved stone walls, thriving in a space where magic itself kept them in bloom year-round.

  At the heart of the courtyard, a fountain stood—its marble surface carved in the image of Goddess Solious. Water cascaded gently from the statue’s open palms, trickling into a crystal-clear pool below, where koi fish of shimmering gold and silver swam lazily. The serene atmosphere made it easy to forget that beyond these walls lay the vast and turbulent world of politics and power.

  A man sat at the edge of the fountain, his posture relaxed, yet there was an undeniable aura of authority about him.

  Though well into his late sixties, he retained a youthful vitality that defied his years. His raven-black hair, streaked with only the faintest hints of silver, reflected the soft glow of enchanted lanterns, giving him an almost ethereal presence. His eyes—piercing gold, like the sun itself—held the weight of decades of rule, countless victories, and unspoken burdens. This was Andrew Solarius, Emperor of the Ancorna Empire.

  As he absentmindedly trailed his fingers through the water, the quiet of the courtyard was broken by the sound of approaching footsteps.

  A man of advanced age, dressed in luxurious silk robes of deep crimson and gold embroidery, entered with careful steps. His whitening hair and the slight weariness in his movements hinted at the burdens of decades spent in service to the empire, yet his sharp eyes still gleamed with intelligence. This was Frank Eldric, one of the Emperor’s most trusted ministers, a man who had served the Solarius dynasty loyally for decades.

  The moment he stepped into the courtyard, he bowed deeply. "Your Imperial Majesty."

  Andrew looked up and smiled. "Ha, Frank. Come in." His voice was warm yet carried the weight of command.

  Frank stepped forward, his movements precise and respectful. “I bring the latest reports on the status and activities of your children, Your Majesty.”

  Andrew’s golden eyes flickered with a mix of amusement and intrigue as he leaned back against the fountain. "Ah, my troublesome brood. Let's hear it, then."