16. Resources On Jola Island

As the sun rose over the city of Jola on the island that bore its name, golden light streamed through the tall windows of the royal study. Ravenna sat at her desk, dressed in an elegant gown that, while far from modest, conveyed an air of both authority and sophistication. Her sharp eyes were fixed on the detailed results of the geological scan she had accessed through her reputation system. The scan presented a three-dimensional visualization of Jola and its surroundings, revealing untapped resources, hidden pathways, and even the locations of key individuals.

Ravenna knew that once she closed the scan panel, she would lose access to this invaluable information unless she spent more points to reopen it. Determined to make the most of this opportunity, she diligently marked every critical detail onto a large map of Jola. The room was silent save for the scratch of her pen as she worked swiftly yet meticulously.

After half an hour of focused effort, a soft knock on the door broke her concentration. “It’s Alice, Your Highness!” called a familiar voice from the hallway.

Ravenna’s expression softened, and a rare smile graced her lips. “Come in, Alice!”

The door opened to reveal Alice Gatve, Ravenna’s childhood friend and trusted accountant maid. Alice had been on maternity leave for the past few months, a leave Ravenna had personally insisted upon. Now, two months after giving birth, Alice had returned to her duties. She stepped into the room, wearing her customary maid’s uniform—slightly modified for Jola’s sweltering climate. The breathable fabric and open design allowed for better comfort in the heat, a practical adjustment Ravenna had ensured for all her staff.

Alice’s brown hair was neatly combed, and her glasses framed her sparkling eyes, reflecting her joy at reuniting with Ravenna. Her demeanor, refined and poised, hinted at the influence of growing up alongside Ravenna in the palace, though Alice was not of noble birth she carried herself as one. The intimidating aura that usually accompanied Ravenna seemed to dissipate in Alice’s presence, a testament to the bond they shared.

“It’s wonderful to see you again, Your Highness!” Alice exclaimed, her voice filled with warmth. Without hesitation, she crossed the room and embraced Ravenna tightly.

Ravenna, who was known for her fiery temper and formidable presence, returned the hug with a gentle smile. If anyone else had witnessed the scene, they might have thought their eyes were deceiving them. Such displays of affection from Ravenna were rare, but with Alice, it felt natural.

“It’s good to have you back, Alice,” Ravenna said as she stepped back, motioning for Alice to sit. “How is Mina? I’ve heard she’s in excellent health.”

Alice beamed at the mention of her daughter. “She’s absolutely adorable! When she holds my hand while she sleeps, it’s almost too much for my heart to handle. And Hughes—he can’t wait to see her every evening after his duties. She’s the light of his day.”

Ravenna’s smile widened. “I’ll have to visit her sometime. I’d love to see her.”

Alice hesitated for a moment, her smile faltering slightly. “Y-yes, that would be wonderful, Your Highness,” she replied, though her voice carried a hint of unease.

Ravenna noticed immediately. She understood Alice’s hesitation—bringing a princess into the modest home of a commoner, especially in a city like Jola where most buildings were in disrepair, could be overwhelming. Ravenna made a mental note to address the housing conditions in the city sooner rather than later.

Changing the subject, Alice straightened in her chair and placed a neatly bound stack of account books on the desk. “Well then, shall we begin?” she asked with a professional smile.

“Let’s begin,” Ravenna said, leaning forward.

The room fell silent as Alice delved into the books and documents Ravenna had prepared. Half an hour passed, and Alice's usually calm demeanor cracked. She looked up sharply, her brow furrowed in frustration. “What the hell were you thinking, Ravenna?! We barely have enough money to pay the volunteers who are helping with food distribution, yet you decided to implement an entirely new administrative and economic system?!”

Anyone else speaking to Ravenna like this would surely have met a fiery end, but Alice was one of the few who could get away with such bluntness. Her unique relationship with the princess, forged through years of friendship, gave her a rare immunity to Ravenna's wrath.

Ravenna met Alice’s incredulous gaze with a defiant smirk. “I wanted the island for myself,” she declared, her voice unwavering, though her eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief.

Alice sighed heavily. She knew Ravenna’s ambitions all too well. The princess had always been headstrong, used to getting her way ever since they were children. While Ravenna often treated Alice like an older sister, it didn’t change the fact that she was still royalty—and royalty rarely took no for an answer.

“Fine,” Alice relented, adjusting her glasses as she tried to compose herself. “So how exactly do you plan for us to sustain ourselves? What’s the endgame with this new economic model?”

Before Ravenna could answer, a soft knock interrupted them. “Y-your Highness, it’s Sarah, Richard, and High Priest James,” Hughes’ voice called from the other side of the door.

Ravenna’s lips curled into a pleased smile. “Perfect timing,” she said. “Let them in.”

The door opened, and three figures entered the room. Each took a seat opposite Ravenna. Alice observed them closely, her analytical mind already assessing their roles.

“Allow me to introduce everyone,” Ravenna began, gesturing towards a young woman with an air of efficiency about her. “Alice, this is Sarah. She’s been managing the accounts for the food distribution efforts and maintaining detailed population databases.”

Alice nodded, offering Sarah a polite smile. “It’s nice to meet you. I’ve heard good things about your work. Keeping this city running is no small feat.”

“Thank you,” Sarah replied, her voice steady yet humble.

Next, Ravenna gestured towards the older man seated beside Sarah. “And this is Richard, the fisherman, our temporary logistics coordinator. He’s been overseeing resource allocation and ensuring supplies are distributed efficiently.”

Richard gave a slight bow. “An honor to meet you,” he said simply.

Finally, the High Priest stepped forward, his robes pristine and his demeanor calm. “And I, of course, am James,” he said, his voice smooth and measured. “So, Your Highness, what might be the reason for this gathering?”

Ravenna’s smile deepened as she reached for the map of Jola she had been working on earlier. She unfurled it on the table, the markings she had painstakingly added standing out in bold strokes.

“To discuss the untapped resources of the island,” she said, her tone brimming with confidence.

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