The sun dipped below the horizon, casting golden-e hues across the sky as Ravenna sat iudy, the flickering dlelight illuminating the part spread across her desk. A warm cup of tea rested in her hands as she meticulously reviewed the deferategy for the impending attack. The subtle bitterness of the brew grounded her thoughts, allowio focus.

  Just as she reached for another sip, a translut panel materialized before her eyes, its ethereal glow casting a faint shimmer across the wooden desk.

  [ Reputation Points System ]+2 Points: Sve Max is terrified of being your subject.+2 Points: Sve Jack is terrified of being your subject.+2 Points: Sve Brandon is terrified of being your subject.

  Ravenna’s brow lifted slightly as she set the teacup down. “Oh? What’s this?” she mused, her fingers lightly trag the floating words before her. Expanding the log for further details, she examihe entry.

  [ Reputation Log ]

  Title: SveName: Brandon FreemanReason: After overhearing that the ship he and his family were imprisoned on was bound for Jo Isnd, he became terrified of being your subject—the unruly and ruthless princess of Ana. He fears that you will be his new owner and that the men transp them are selling him and his loved ones into your hands.Background: Brandon Freeman was a simple farmer from a remote vilge near Nexus Town, located on the Ana-Estra border. Several months ago, a series of brutal raids swept through the region, leading to the mass capture and e of its inhabitants. Brandon and his family were among those unfortunate enough to be taken.

  Ravenna tapped her finger against the woodehoughtfully. "I wonder how the system determiitles for individuals..." she murmured. The information within the log was highly useful—it not only provided her with insight into how her reputation erceived but also firmed that the ship carrying the sves was en route to Jo Isnd. That meant the attack could e any time.

  “They’ll likely sail slowly uhe cover of darkness,” she specuted. “The best time for an ambush would be when I’m expected to be in the lord’s castle.”

  With that thought in mind, she rang a small brass bell on her desk, summonirusted knights and advisors. As she waited for them to arrive, she sidered the meics of the reputation system further. "The st time I tested it, I mao bait it into revealiails about Jessica Ronin…"

  It was clear to her now—this log information wasn’t random. It provided her with precisely the information she the right moment. Was it a built-in fun? A protocol that ensured relevance? If so, she could manipute it to gain more intelligence.

  The more she pohe more certain she became. "If I replicate this effetentionally, I turn this into a powerful tool fathering information."

  Her musings were interrupted by a firm kno the door. "e in," she called.

  The door creaked open, and fures stepped inside—Hughes, John, Alice, and James. Their faces bore the weight of unspoken s.

  Ravenna wasted no time. She reyed the intelligence she had gathered and shared her analysis of the attack’s probable timing. The room fell into intense discussion as they pnned termeasures and strategies to fortify their defenses. Oheir meeting cluded, the group dispersed, each with their own tasks to attend to.

  As they exited the study, John turo Hughes and asked, "Captain, how exactly does Her Highness know about the attack’s arrival?"

  Hughes, hesitated slightly. "She must have a spy work feeding her information."

  John, arms folded behind his head as he walked, scoffed. "If she has spies, why didn’t she use them ba the capital? Something feels off. Ever since we arrived at Jo Isnd, she’s been full of surprises—making ice, produg that bizarre material she calls 't' for stru, even crafting intricate things like those clocks. It’s like she has knowledge beyond our uanding."

  Hughes exhaled sharply, gng at the fading light in the corridor. "I won’t deny it—I’ve had my own doubts. But questioning her directly? I wouldn’t dare. And frankly, I doubt any of us would."

  James, ever the religious one, chimed in thoughtfully. "Perhaps she is blessed by the Goddess Herptian and has received divine knowledge."

  Alice chuckled at the notion. "Ravenna? The same Ravenna who never once prayed at the temple, who scoffs at religious traditions? Goddess Herptian would sooner bless a beggar than her."

  Hughes stroked his . "Still… don’t you think it’s strange?"

  Alice ceded with a sigh. "Strange, yes. But fronting her about it? That’s airely different matter."

  As they spoke, a cheerful humming echoed down the corridor. Marie, Ravenna’s young apprentice, skipped toward them, her auburn curls boung with each step. Upon seeing the group, her face lit up.

  "Whoa, all the important people are gathered here!" she chirped. She curtsied toward James. "Greetings, Your Holiness!"

  Alice, ever the strict tutor, pced her hands on her hips. "Marie, how many times must I remind you? A dy must greet people properly. How do you expect to duct yourself at tea ceremonies or herings with Her Highness iure?"

  Marie pouted. "S-Sorry…" She then tilted her head curiously. "What were you all talking about?"

  Hughes exged gnces with the others before replying, "We were discussing whether or not Her Highness has been blessed by Goddess Herptian."

  Marie blinked in fusion. "Oh? But isn’t that obvious?"

  John raised a brow. "What do you mean?"

  Marie nodded enthusiastically. "Master told me herself that she is!"

  A collective silence fell over the group. "She did what?" they echoed in unison.

  Marie, oblivious to their shock, reted, "When she first made iron from bck sand, she told me, 'The nd speaks if you know how to listen, Marie. And sometimes, the answers are hidden in history, waiting to be rediscovered.' Doesn’t that mean she’s been blessed with divine wisdom?"

  Without waiting for a response, she cheerfully added, "Well, I mustn’t keep Master waiting! I have to help her iudy." With that, she skipped past them and disappeared into Ravenna’s office.

  The corridor remained eerily silent as the group stood frozen ihe weight of Marie’s words settling upon them. Each of them wrestled with the same thought—just how much did Ravenna truly know, and what was the source of her boundless wisdom?

  Read 12+ Advance Chapters by being Patron :47. spired art 1: Strategic Arrival