The Villainess's Reputation [Kingdom Building]

Camila drew a breath, steady and measured, before delivering her proposal.

"What I suggest is the implementation of a Mandatory Social Service Program for all students who graduate from the Church's educational institutions."

She gestured to an assistant, who began distributing pamphlets to the jury. "Under this system, every graduate would contribute six months of service to essential city functions before pursuing their chosen careers."

A sharp intake of breath came from somewhere in the audience. The patrol officer's eyebrows shot up. "You're suggesting we compel our youth to labor?"

"Not labor— Education," Camila corrected firmly. "Rotations would include fisheries, city sanitation, hospital orderlies, construction assistance, all vital roles currently facing shortages. In return, participants would receive housing assistance and preferential consideration for future employment."

The elderly scholar's eyes lit up. "It would give young people exposure to different trades before committing to a path!"

"Exactly," Camila nodded. "And more importantly, it ensures our city's essential services remain staffed even as more citizens pursue higher education.

Marie was practically vibrating in her seat, gripping Aurora's sleeve. "See? Isn't she brilliant? This solves everything!"

Aurora studied the woman on stage with newfound respect. The proposal was bold, potentially controversial but undeniably clever. She could already imagine Ravenna's reaction to such a pragmatic solution.

As the debate continued, Aurora noticed Ken his young face alight with inspiration. The sight made her smile, this was Ravenna's Kim City, where former slaves could stand before councils and shape policy, where even children felt inspired to engage with civic matters.

The patrol officer leaned forward, his voice carrying a note of challenge. "And how would you enforce this mandatory service, Miss Drew? Not everyone will embrace being told where to work."

Camila didn't flinch. "The same way we enforce mandatory education, housing and littering laws, respected council. Through civic duty, peer pressure..." A sly smile touched her lips. "And perhaps a hold on diploma issuance until service is completed."

Laughter and scattered applause broke out across the hall. Aurora joined in, her gloved hands clapping softly. This was something very in line with how Ravenna would deal with policy implementation so it was like a perfect proposal.

"We would have forwarded it to the administrative staff at the lord's castle and await any revisies" The old man said. With that Camila's turn ended and another person took the stage.

Marie guided Aurora and Ken to the exit as they left the innovation convention hall, Aurora adjusted her gloves absently as they descended the sweeping stairs, her mind still turning over what she'd seen. "That was...remarkable," she admitted, her voice carrying a note of genuine admiration. "Not only did a common citizen identify a systemic issue, but she proposed a comprehensive solution—and your council debated it with actual seriousness."

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Marie practically skipped down the steps, her braids bouncing with each eager movement. "Miss Camila worked on that proposal for months! She came to three different sessions before getting approval to present today." She spun around to walk backward, facing Aurora with bright-eyed enthusiasm. "The fisheries overseer helped her draft the budget projections, and one of the higher education priests reviewed all the possible consequences!"

Ken trotted alongside them. "Did you see how the patrol captain started out skeptical but then asked about implementation details? That means he was really considering it!" His voice cracked with excitement.

Aurora smiled, reaching out to steady Marie before she tripped over her own feet. "In Ancrona, a proposal like that would die in some minor functionary's office before ever reaching noble ears." She shook her head, marveling at the difference. "Here, they debated it on its actual merits."

As they emerged into the bustling plaza outside, the sounds of the city wrapped around them—street vendors calling out their wares, the distant clang of construction, children laughing as they darted between the crowds. Marie pointed toward a nearby café with a striped awning. "Can we stop for honey cakes? I want to hear Ken's thoughts on the presentation!"

Aurora nodded, still processing what she'd witnessed. The system wasn't perfect, she'd noted how the council still held final approval power but the mere existence of this channel between citizen and ruler was revolutionary. As they settled at a wrought-iron table, the scent of spiced tea and fresh pastries mingling with the sea air, Aurora found herself studying Marie's animated face with new appreciation.

This was Ravenna's true innovation—not just the physical city rising around them, but the invisible framework that let a former slave stand equal before her peers and shape policy. The realization settled in Aurora's chest like a warm ember.

"How are the members for the jury of councils selected?" Aurora asked, stirring her tea thoughtfully. "It seems like they hold significant power during the sessions—couldn't that become a flaw?"

Marie, ever eager to explain, leaned forward, her voice bright with excitement. "Oh, it's a brilliant process! Since All the businesses in the city are under Master's control, the administrative staff evaluates individual employee's performances every quarter. They compile a draft list of the top hundred most capable and dedicated workers!"

She paused to take a sip of her tea, the steam curling around her face before she continued. "Then, a survey is sent out to all industries. Employees are asked to rank the candidates in order of preference from most to least preferred numbering them from one to a hundred."

Aurora frowned slightly. "Won't that just turn it into a popularity contest?"

Marie shook her head vigorously, her brown curls bouncing. "No, no! The ranking isn't to select the jury members outright. It's part of a culling system to narrow the pool down to a more manageable thirty or forty candidates." She gestured animatedly, her fingers tracing an invisible arc in the air. "Then, a steam-powered machine, we call it the Randomizer. assigns each candidate a schedule, determining which month they'll serve on the jury. That way, no single group can dominate the selection process."

Aurora's eyes widened in understanding. "So, the final jurors are still among the most qualified and respected citizens, but the randomness prevents any pre-existing biases from taking root. That's… remarkable."

Marie beamed. "Exactly! Of course, there are a few safeguards in place. For instance, at least two of the jury members must be administrative staff, their role is to present Master's perspective, so people don't waste time on proposals she would outright reject."

Aurora leaned back in her chair, gazing out at the sunlit harbor where ships bobbed gently on the waves. The system was far more intricate than she had first assumed, layered, deliberate, and designed to balance merit with fairness.

"This truly is a great system," she murmured, more to herself than to Marie. Not

perfect, perhaps, but a bold step toward something better.