The echoes of yesterday’s discussions lingered in Ravenna’s mind as she awoke. The familiar heat of the desert sun was already beginning to seep into the stone walls of the castle. Stretg nguidly, she muttered to herself, “Of course, there’s a logical reason for tralization. The narcissistic dispys and grandiose decrations? Those were just to farm points.” A sly smirk pyed on her lips as she cpped her hands, summoning the maids.

  Alice arrived promptly with the other attendants, and together, they helped Ravenna prepare for the day. Her bath was infused with cooling herbs, a small luxury to stave off the relentless heat. Ohed, she was dressed in her usual attire—a flowing dress of light silk desigo reveal enough to keep her cool while maintaining an air al elegahe fabric shimmered faintly in the sunlight, its hues remi of molten gold and the deep purple of the imperial fg.

  Ravenna strode into the dining hall with the anding presence she was known for. Her beauty was both captivating and dangerous, like a sharp bde cloaked ihe servant’s movements grew noticeably more cautious as they pced her breakfast before her. A pte of golden-brown fried potatoes, delicately seasoned with salt and a touch of pepper, sat waiting. The careful arra of the dish spoke of the care taken to impress her.

  Her gaze lingered oe as she picked up her fork and knife. “Hmm, this looks promising,” she remarked, her voice calm but ced with expectation. These weren’t just ordinary potatoes—they represehe first successful harvest from the seabed soil farms established in Jo. The farms, located on the eastern side of the city within the ruins of the old noble’s estate, were kept indoors to protect the crops from the harsh desert sun. Other experimental farms, such as those he bcksmith workshop, had also yielded results. This dish was a milestone for the struggling city.

  Ravenna sliced into the crisp outer yer, revealing a soft, golden interior. She took a small bite, her expressioraying ion as she chewed. The fvors melded perfectly: a bance of crispness and softness, simplicity elevated by expert execution.

  “These are excellent,” she decred, her tone carrying a rare note of approval. She set her utensils down momentarily and addressed Alice. “Incorporate these potatoes into the food relief program. We’ll gradually expand the crop produ to ensure a steady supply. If everything goes as pnned, hase out the relief program entirely within two months.”

  Aliodded quickly, her hands csped tightly in front of her. “Uood, Yhness. I’ll ehe orders are reyed immediately.”

  With a light cp of her hands, Ravenna signaled for the dish. This time, it was a small bowl taining bread and chi breast fried alongside vibrant, sautéed vegetables. She took a measured bite, sav the fvors while her mind drifted to more pressing matters.

  Ravenna activated her Reputation System, the glowing interface appearing before her eyes.

  [Reputation System v0.1]User: Ravenna Sorius / Joy Cha KimReputation Level: 60 (6210/8200)Curreation Points: 20,432Titles: Raven of Sun Pace, Unruly Princess{View Reputation Log} {Speation Points}

  A small smile tugged at the ers of her mouth as she sed the numbers. “Quite the haul,” she murmured, her voice barely audible over the faint ctter of her utensils. The new administrative and eic policies she had introduced were yielding more than just strategiefits, they were a treasure trove of reputation points. Every versation, every debate sparked by her pns, fed introwing reserves of influence.

  “This is goier than expected,” she thought, taking another bite of her meal. The satisfa of her success mingled with the deeper gratification ress. While the city still teetered on the edge of colpse, each step forward brought them closer to stability.

  Men Dukedom, Kingdom of Estra, Vassal Kingdom to Ana Empire, Far South from mainnd Ana b ley Empire.

  Far to the south of the Ana Empire y the Men Dukedom, a rugged territory in the Kingdom of Estra, one of four vassal kingdoms f the Ana’s cil of Vassal States at the South of Mainnd Ana. Estra, led within t mountain ranges, served as a natural bulwark against the ley Empire, a southern rival with whom Ana had shared a te bloodless rivalry for over a tury. The sheer, inhospitable terrain of the Estra Mountains ehat direct military incursions were as impractical as they were dangerous, effectively preserving peace betweewo empires.

  Men Dukedom, perched at the southernmost tip of Estra, bordered the ley vassal state of Axisum Kingdom. This strategic position afforded Men signifit political influence, but it also bore the brunt of southern winds and storms. Yet even by Estra’s frosty standards, the uing cold of this summer was unnatural, an ominous blizzard howled through the mountains, its icy breath defying the season.

  Disturbed by reports of the unnatural weather and strange howls emanating from a secluded region in the mountains, Duke Kevin Men mobilized a small army of knights to iigate. Mounted on his bck steed, Kevin led his men through the biting winds, his crimson cloak snapping against the icy gusts. The snow seemed to bite at their exposed skin, its sharp chill cutting deeper with each step forward.

  “My Lord!” the knight captain shouted over the howling wind, his voice strained with . “We ot press on any further! The advance scout unit is most certainly lost! If we tinue, we will meet the same fate!”

  Kevin reined in his horse, turning sharply to gre at the captain. His blue eyes burned with determination, unyielding against the cold. “Are you listening to yourself?” he bellowed. “Your rades may still be alive, and you would abandoo save your own skin? Whether you follow me or not, I will uhe source of this blizzard!”

  Chastened by their lord’s vi, the knights exged uneasy gnces but ultimately pressed on, their loyalty pelling them forward despite the gnawing fear in their hearts. The path ahead grew narrower and more treacherous, the snow deepening until their horses struggled to find footing.

  Hours seemed to stretto ay as the wind screamed through the peaks, carrying with it a bone-chilling howl that seemed almost alive. Suddenly, a faint light flickered ahead, bobbing in the swirling storm like a ghostly bea.

  Kevin raised his arm to signal a halt. “Men, stay sharp!” he ordered, his voice cutting through the wind. “Mages to the front! This could be a trick by the ley Empire!”

  The knights and mages scrambled into formation, the tter readying spells to defend against any ambush. As the light drew closer, its source became clearer—a lone figure stumbled toward them, the armor of a Men knight. His armor was smeared with blood, his face pale ached with terror.

  “Hold!” Kevin shouted, his horse stamping impatiently as he waited for the man to approach.

  The knight staggered forward, clutg a torch that flickered desperately against the blizzard’s onsught. His eyes were wide with fear, his voice raw as he screamed, “Turn back! Turn back! It’s a dungeon! A-floor dungeon!”

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