The Villainess's Reputation [Kingdom Building]

Alice burst into the office like a summer storm, her slippers slapping against marble as she took in the scene: Ravenna sprawled in her chair like a contented predator, last night's translucent gown doing absolutely nothing to conceal the evidence of her... activities. A half-empty wine glass teetered precariously near important documents, it's rim stained with lipstick.

"You couldn't even summon a robe?" Alice hissed, snapping her fingers at the blushing maids. "Twelve Gods, you're still glistening! I can see your nipples through the silk!"

"It's Kim City, Alice," Ravenna murmured, her voice still rough from lack of sleep. "Not the Imperial Court. Herptian's fashions are meant to tempt, not conform."

Ravenna only smirked, watching through half-lidded eyes as the maids stripped away the offending nightgown and replaced it with something far more befitting her station—yet no less daring.

The gown they laced her into was a masterpiece of calculated provocation: deep obsidian silk, fitted to her torso like a second skin, embroidered with golden raven motifs that coiled around her ribs as if in flight. The neckline plunged daringly low, secured only by delicate gauze sleeves that shimmered with every movement—transparent enough to hint at the skin beneath, yet structured enough to mimic the dignity of a noble's robes. The midriff was left entirely bare, drawing the eye to the lean muscle of her waist, while the asymmetrical skirt—split to the hip—revealed one long, toned leg with every step.

Alice adjusted the neckline with violent tugs. "I'm not asking you to dress like a Solious nun. But must you receive petitioners smelling like sex and sin?"

"Would they believe me, Herptian's chosen if I didn't?" Ravenna purred, fastening a dagger garter high on her exposed thigh. "I needed to focus," Ravenna said at last, rolling her shoulders as the final touches were secured. "Work clears my head."

Alice adjusted her glasses with a sigh, the fight draining out of her. "I understand that, truly. But you're not just an Apostle —you're a princess, a duchess. The people look to you." She stepped closer, straightening a stray thread of gold embroidery. "Be a temptress if you must, but at least pretend to care about appearances when you're meant to be ruling."

A knock interrupted them. Alice stepped back, smoothing her skirts with exaggerated dignity. "After your audiences," she said through clenched teeth, "you will bathe. Thoroughly."

Ravenna chuckled, leaning down to press a kiss to Alice's forehead. "Fine, fine. After the meeting, I'll bathe."

Alice swatted her away, but the ghost of a smile tugged at her lips as she turned to the door. Seeing the old playful, spoiled Ravenna return made her feel relieved.With a deep breath, she squared her shoulders, the picture of perfect composure once more.

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"Let them in," she announced, her voice ringing clear through the chamber.

The heavy oak doors swung open, revealing Nille and his team of blacksmiths alongside Sarah's administrative staff, all of whom had been waiting patiently since she had called them at dawn. They entered in unison, bowing deeply as their voices echoed through the chamber.

"We greet Your Highness!"

Ravenna waved a lazy hand, the obsidian silk of her gown shimmering under the morning light. "Let's discuss the prototype trains first," she said without preamble, her tone leaving no room for idle chatter. With Aurora's entourage and military commanders awaiting an audience later, she intended to clear these smaller matters efficiently.

Nille stepped forward, his calloused hands clasped respectfully. "As I previously reported, the multi-stage steam expansion prototype is fully operational. We've integrated all the safety mechanisms you mandated—pressure valves, emergency brakes, reinforced boilers. No incidents during testing."

Sarah flipped through her ledgers, adjusting her spectacles. "With consistent funding these past weeks, most development projects are progressing smoothly. However—"

"—we're still short on manpower," Ravenna finished, her fingers drumming against the armrest. "I'm aware." Her gaze sharpened, lingering on Sarah just long enough to reinforce the unspoken warning: No recruiting from the mainland labor guilds, no matter how dire the need. "This will be resolved soon. Until then, manage."

The blacksmiths nodded, though Nille's shoulders tensed slightly at the implication of further delays.

Alice cleared her throat, shifting the conversation. "High Priest James has inquired about preparations for this year's Festival of Lust. Winter begins in days, and the celebrations traditionally commence mid-season."

"We'll address the financial allocations after this meeting," Ravenna said, glancing at Sarah, who immediately noted it down. Then, turning back to Nille: "What of the flamethrowers?"

"The drills and supply chains are established," Nille replied. "We begin assembly today. A working prototype within the week, if nothing interrupts production."

Ravenna leaned forward, the golden ravens embroidered on her bodice catching the light. "Delay the train trials and minor projects. Accelerate the flamethrowers."

Nille didn't argue. With their limited workforce, something always had to give.

"Is that all for your report?" Ravenna asked.

"Yes, Your Highness." Nille bowed again, signaling his team to retreat. The blacksmiths filed out, their boots scuffing against marble.

Once the doors shut, Ravenna swung her legs onto the desk, the slit in her skirt revealing the dagger strapped to her thigh. "Now. How do our finances stand?"

Alice produced a parchment, her voice crisp. "The Merchant Association has been doing some small-business deposits however they have recently opened a large holding account. As of yesterday, we have at least fifteen thousand mana coins liquid and ready for allocation."

Sarah's breath hitched. To her, that sum was staggering—enough to rebuild entire regions. But Alice and Ravenna didn't so much as blink living in the imperial palace such numbers were quite common for them.

"Impressive," Ravenna mused, "and we haven't even expanded the casino branches yet." She plucked a grape from a nearby tray, rolling it between her fingers. "Allocate funds across all sectors—including a discretionary sum to the Herptian Church for the festival."

Alice's quill scratched across the page. "Already drafting the orders."

Ravenna stood, stretching until her spine gave a satisfying pop. "Good. Now let me have breakfast—and summon Hughes, John, Aisha, and Aurora's guard captain after. We have an Order of Expansion to finalize."