The Villainess's Reputation [Kingdom Building]

Alice flipped through the pages of her ledger, the soft rustle of parchment filling the quiet study. The glow of the oil lamps cast long shadows across the room, illuminating the determined set of her features as she spoke.

"I've contacted as many adventure and mercenary guilds as possible within our budget of four hundred mana coins," she reported, tapping a line of figures with her finger. "Most have already confirmed—their ships will be sailing past Ronin Town's port by tomorrow morning."

Ravenna, seated at her desk, continued scribbling notes on a document without looking up. The scratch of her pen was steady, deliberate. "Good," she murmured. "If we're estimating the attack to happen this week, then holding the enemy fleets at bay for even a few hours will be enough. Once they're engaged, our hired mercenaries can close in from behind and trap them."

Alice nodded, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "The Blacksmith Workshop has also been making progress," she added. "They've been experimenting with fuel burn rates to fine-tune the timing for the hot air balloons, just as you requested. Nille mentioned they'd appreciate your input—he asked if you could visit tomorrow."

Ravenna finally set down her pen, leaning back in her chair with a faint sigh. "We'll go first thing in the morning." She stretched her fingers briefly before standing. "For now, I'll be heading to dinner. You're dismissed."

Alice bowed slightly and turned toward the door, but just as her hand touched the polished handle, she paused. "Ah—one more thing," she said, glancing back. "High Priest James sent word. He wanted to know if the Festival of Lust should proceed as scheduled next week or if it should be delayed until after the battle."

Ravenna's gaze drifted toward the window, where the moon hung like a silver coin against the deepening twilight. A cool breeze slipped through the open pane, stirring the edges of the curtains. "Tell him there's no need for delay," she said, her voice calm but edged with steel. "By the time those ships reach us, they'll be nothing but kindling. The festival will go on as planned."

Alice then added, "He also requested that you review a document he sent, Brothels and Prostitution in Kim City."

Ravenna exhaled through her nose, a quiet sound of exasperation. "Of course he did."

With that, Alice dipped her head once more and slipped out, the door clicking shut behind her.

For a long moment, Ravenna remained by the window, her reflection a ghostly outline against the glass. The moon bathed the city below in pale light, the rooftops and winding streets stretching toward the distant silhouette of the harbor. Somewhere out there, ships were moving, men were plotting—and soon, they would learn the cost of going after her.

Her fingers tightened briefly around the windowsill before she turned away.

The grand table was already occupied when she arrived. Marie sat perched on the edge of her seat, gesturing animatedly about something to Aurora, whose weary smile didn't quite reach her eyes. Ken, meanwhile, was practically vibrating with restless energy, his hands gripping the edge of the table as if to keep himself from bouncing out of his chair.

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Ravenna took her seat at the head of the table. "I owe you an apology," she began, her voice quieter than usual. "I know I promised we'd discuss your situation in more detail during lunch, but—"

Aurora waved her off before she could finish. "No, no, it's fine, Ravy," she said. "If anything, the distraction was welcome. Marie gave me a proper tour of the city—far better than sitting around brooding over my… terrible circumstances." She shot Marie a grateful glance before turning back to Ravenna. "And given the incoming attack, I'd hardly expect you to prioritize my problems over the safety of your people. The Cult of Absolution can wait until the dust settles."

Ravenna nodded, picking up her fork and twirling it absently between her fingers. The meal before her—roasted lamb glazed in pomegranate reduction, served alongside spiced lentils and warm flatbread, was one of her favorites.

"So," she said, glancing between them, "what did you think of my city?"

Ken exploded before Aurora could even open her mouth.

"It's amazing!" he burst out, his voice cracking with excitement. "The market was amazing, clean water was coming out of iron rods, and these little fried dumplings that—" He broke off, gesturing wildly with his hands as if trying to conjure the memory into existence. "And the library! It's got more books than the entire monastery back home! And the printing press! how did you do all this, Your Highness?!"

Aurora chuckled, shaking her head as she watched her son's unrestrained enthusiasm. "As you can see," she said dryly, "he's been thoroughly charmed."

Marie grinned, leaning forward. "Oh, but you haven't even seen the best parts yet! The Herptian Statue near the—"

Ravenna held up a hand, though her lips quirked in amusement. " hmm"

Next Morning, Ravenna's Bedroom, Lord's Castle, Kim City, Kim Island, Kim Dukedom, Ancorna Empire

The first golden rays of morning sunlight spilled through the arched windows of Ravenna's bedchamber, painting the silk sheets in warm hues. The air was thick with the lingering scent of sweat and lavender, the aftermath of a night spent in tangled passion. Ravenna stirred first, her body still half-draped over Aurora's, their limbs entwined like the roots of an ancient tree the warmth of bare skin against bare skin.

Aurora's breathing was slow and even, her chest rising and falling beneath Ravenna's cheek. Ravenna nuzzled closer, pressing a lazy kiss to the curve of Aurora's collarbone before murmuring, "So… what's your schedule for the day?"

Aurora hummed, her fingers idly tracing circles along Ravenna's spine. "I was thinking of heading to the Herptian Church," she said, her voice still rough with sleep. "The priests could use an extra pair of hands setting up for the Festival of Lust. Assuming you haven't changed your mind about holding it?"

Ravenna let out a muffled grunt, burying her face deeper into Aurora's chest. "Mmm. No. " She shifted, rolling onto her back with a sigh, her dark hair fanning across the pillows.

Aurora propped herself up on one elbow, her gaze tracing the sharp lines of Ravenna's profile. "And what about you? Another day of playing the brilliant strategist?"

Ravenna smirked, though her eyes remained shadowed. "Planning a defensive strategy and stuff, against my very responsible brother" she echoed dryly.

Aurora laughed, the sound rich and warm, and leaned down to capture Ravenna's lips in a slow, lingering kiss. Ravenna's hand slid into Aurora's hair, holding her there for a heartbeat longer.

With a reluctant sigh, Ravenna pulled away and sat up, the sheets pooling around her waist. She clapped her hands twice, sharp and clear. Almost instantly, the chamber doors opened, and a trio of maids slipped inside, their heads bowed respectfully as they carried fresh linens, a steaming basin of water, and Ravenna's chosen attire for the day.

Aurora watched from the bed, her expression unreadable as Ravenna stood, her bare skin gilded by the morning light.