The Villainess's Reputation [Kingdom Building]

As the sun dipped low on the horizon, the sky above Kim Island was bathed in hues of amber and dusky rose. The final rays of golden light stretched long across the sea, glinting off the waves as the last of the Imperial Navy ships vanished into the distance, sails lowered, flags of surrender still fluttering weakly in the wind as they retreated toward the mainland.

Back within the stone walls of the lord's castle, warmth spilled from the grand dining hall. The day's chaos had settled, replaced by the clink of plates, the quiet murmur of conversation, and the comforting aroma of freshly cooked food drifting through the air.

Marie sat at her usual place near the end of the long wooden table, shoulders slightly hunched, still feeling the weight of the day's events. Her appetite had returned in full force now that the adrenaline had passed, and she couldn't deny the cravings for something warm and rich. Still, beneath that hunger was a dull knot of anxiety, the truth about her identity as the Saintess had been revealed in the most public and blinding way possible.

Even so, she smiled faintly when Ken, small and determined, struggled to climb into his seat. The chair was far too tall for him, and his feet dangled awkwardly off the floor, but he refused to complain. Aurora, having just entered the room, helped him settle in with a small, amused sigh before taking the seat beside him.

"Ravy isn't here yet?" Aurora asked, glancing around.

Marie shook her head, setting down her spoon. "No, not yet. But… Master probably has a thousand things to deal with after everything that's happened. She might still be going over the battle reports or talking with Hughes."

"Maybe," Aurora replied thoughtfully, resting her chin in her palm. "But I heard she already returned to the castle."

Before Marie could respond, the sound of the large oak doors creaking open echoed through the dining hall.

Ravenna stepped in.

She was still dressed in the same dress from earlier, dark, sharp-lined, with just a touch of dust clinging to the hem. A calm expression rested on her face, though her eyes flicked over each of them with quiet intensity, noting everything as always. Her hair had come slightly loose, the wind likely having played with it on her walk back.

"Yeah, I'm back," Ravenna said, offering a tired but subtle smile as she approached the table.

She walked past them and sat down at the head, her usual spot, her posture relaxed but unmistakably noble. "I do have a lot to take care of, aftermath reports, resource counts, some very awkward letters to draft for the Empire and others." She let out a small, almost laughless chuckle. "But for now... I think I've earned a quiet meal."

Aurora leaned forward, eyes studying her. "You look like you've had revelations thrown at you from five different gods."

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"You're not too far off," Ravenna replied with a smirk, reaching for the breadbasket. "But none of that changes the fact that I'm starving."

Marie, still anxious but comforted by her master's usual sharp composure, exhaled softly and picked up her spoon again.

Whatever came next, imperial backlash, divine attention, political shifts, they would face it together.

For now, in the golden glow of the castle's chandeliers and the comfort of good food, it was dinner.

Royal Palace, Capital City of Hliem, Hliem Kingdom, Ancorna Vassal States Region, a landlocked kingdom renowned for its vast mineral wealth.

In one of the many gilded rooms tucked high within the sole, towering spire of the Hliem Royal Palace, Prince Landon of the Ancorna Imperial Family sat reclined on an opulent velvet sofa. The ceiling above was a dome of gold-trimmed frescoes, and the walls bore tapestries depicting Hliem's mining conquests and legendary smiths.

Across from him, seated with a posture equal parts wary and polite, was one of Hliem's highest-ranking nobles, a duke whose family held substantial sway over both the kingdom's internal politics and the empire's supply of minerals.

"I'm not asking you to fully involve yourself," Prince Landon said smoothly, his fingers tapping lightly against the porcelain cup in his hand. "All I need is a symbolic gesture. Send a reasonable-looking unit from your personal forces. Just enough to make it seem like your house supports my claim."

The noble's brow furrowed. "But if your campaign fails, Your Imperial Highness... that puts a target on my house."

Landon laughed softly, swirling the amber liquid in his cup before taking a sip. "Which is exactly why I'm asking for a token force. Just a sliver. If things go south, you can disavow it entirely. Say the contingent went rogue. You'll remain squeaky clean either way."

The noble hesitated, considering. But before another word could be exchanged, the chamber doors swung open with a loud thud.

A messenger burst into the room, breathless and urgent. "Your Highness Prince Landon! A sealed message from Ser Marco Deltan!"

Landon raised an eyebrow, his amusement clear. "Marco already has news for me? That man doesn't waste time."

But the messenger wasn't finished. "Your Highness, along with the commander's letter, we've also received a coded urgent report from our informants inside the Imperial Palace!"

That piqued Landon's interest. "Both? Well then, let's have a look," he said, gesturing for the letters as he handed his empty cup to a waiting servant.

He opened Marco's message first, eyes scanning the contents quickly. A slow grin formed across his face, one that was both pleased and tinged with amusement.

"Hah. Eldest Brother Nolan… is dead?" he murmured, half to himself. The Hliem noble stiffened. "Dead?"

Landon chuckled, setting the letter aside with a dramatic sigh. "good lad. I sent him to offer support to my dear sister during her little battle, just a minor gesture of goodwill since her disciple saved my niece during that magical beast attack."

He leaned back, voice light but laced with a subtle cunning.

"But wouldn't you know it? He went above and beyond… sent my brother right into the grave. One less rival for the throne. The goddess is efficient today."

The noble's eyes darted to the second unopened letter still in Landon's hand. "And the other message?"

"Let's see what secrets our friends in the capital are whispering…" He broke the seal and unfolded the parchment. As his eyes danced over the words, his expression froze. The playful amusement drained from his face, replaced by startled calculation.

"What is it?" the noble asked, sensing a sudden shift in the room. Landon's voice was barely more than a breath.

"The Saintess of this era… she's been revealed." He looked up, eyes sharp with disbelief.

"She appeared on the battlefield… in Kim Dukedom."