3. Planning for Future

Seated in the luxury of an upscale inn, Ravenna leaned back in her chair, feeling the soft silk of her attire against her skin. She wore a sleeveless crop top crafted from a light, breathable silk, intricately embroidered with fine threads and hints of gold that shimmered under the inn’s warm lighting. The top was a deep, royal purple, an elegant contrast to her midnight-black hair. Paired with it was a high-waisted, flowing maxi skirt that allowed her both freedom of movement and a subtle elegance, with side slits adding a hint of allure. In the sweltering heat of the northern Ancorna Empire, this ensemble felt both luxurious and practical—suitable for both her noble status and the climate.

Ravenna’s sharp gaze swept across the room. Her knights and servants were seated nearby, engaging in casual conversation. The entire inn was filled with her entourage, leaving no space for regular patrons. Despite his distaste for Ravenna, the local lord had grudgingly arranged this accommodation. Although as a member of the imperial nobility he was obligated to host her, he had subtly expressed his displeasure by hosting them at the inn instead of his grand manor.

It had been three weeks since Ravenna and her entourage had departed the capital, eventually arriving in the coastal town of Ronin. Their objective now was to find a ship willing to carry them to the island city of Jola. But so far, no captain had dared agree to sail to the so-called cursed land, leaving Ravenna and her people stranded here.

She turned her gaze to the large window beside her, watching the ocean’s restless waves. The sun was high, and its brilliant light danced across the water, casting a mesmerizing display like glimmering pearls scattered on the waves. With a soft sigh, she dismissed the view and refocused on the system panel in front of her.

Daily Points: 600 PointsEarned 2 Points: For making an unforgettable impression on the nobility.Earned 1 Point: For causing an unforgettable annoyance to the Imperial Prince.Spent 1200 Points: Emergency Nullify Major Poison Damage on SelfSpent 300 Points: Access Internet x 3 hours

Ravenna had already checked the panel several times in the last weeks, but she did so again, selecting the log entry for the 1,200 points spent on poison nullification. A more detailed description unfolded before her eyes.

Spent 1200 Points: Emergency Nullify Major Poison Damage on Self

The system detected a slow-acting poison, secretly administered by order of Prince William Solarius of the Ancorna Empire. Upon activation, emergency measures were taken to prevent further harm. Auto Emergency Spending can only occur twice per year.

The truth behind the original Ravenna’s fate before her starkly clear. Prince William had orchestrated more than her exile; he had intended her to die along the journey. The poison would have done its work by the time she reached Jola, ensuring she never returned. It explained why, in the original novel, Ravenna had vanished from the story, quietly erased by a deadly scheme.

A shiver ran through her as she thought of how close she had come to a similar fate. If she hadn’t stumbled upon the East Wing’s hidden chambers or the Imperial Museum of Ancient History in her search for the secret vault, she might have perished unknowingly, just as her last life. But luck had been on her side— she unlocked the Reputation System that had now saved her life.

Her gaze flickered back to the panel, lingering on another entry that documented her use of points to access the internet yesterday. Curious about the feature, she’d tested it, though there had been disappointments. Rather than providing the vast, ever-updating resource she had known, the "internet" here was more like a time-locked archive, seemingly frozen on the day of her death in her original world. Still, Ravenna found a silver lining; although not as comprehensive as she'd hoped, the archive was far from useless.

But the reprieve was brief, as her mind returned to more pressing matters. Someone must have planted spies among her entourage. After all, Prince William wouldn’t have bothered poisoning her unless he had a way of confirming whether his plan succeeded or not. Her suspicion was growing, but the question of who or how they might be reporting back was still unanswered.

As she mulled over this, her Knight Captain, Hughes, approached with news. “Your Highness, a merchant has agreed to ferry us to Jola,” he announced, a touch of excitement in his voice. “But, he’s asking for double the usual fee—a full mana coin to transport all 360 of us.”

Ravenna sighed. She had no room to haggle. The merchant was their only option, the only one brave enough to sail to the so-called cursed island. “Very well, let him have it,” she replied. “We leave as soon as everything’s ready.”

After sending off letters and arranging final preparations, Ravenna boarded the ship with her retinue. Standing in her private cabin, she let her gaze drift over the waves outside the window, steeling herself for the last stretch of their journey.

After an hour, She summoned Hughes to her quarters. Moments later, he knocked, entering with a respectful bow. “Your Highness, you called?”

“Yes, Captain. Take a seat.” Ravenna’s intense gaze fixed on him as he sat across from her, visibly nervous. The ship gently rocked with the waves, adding to the tension in the room.

Ravenna leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with quiet determination. “There’s a high chance there are spies in Jola,” she said.

Hughes blinked, a bit puzzled. “Your Highness, why would they send spies? You’re already being exiled to that forsaken place. Surely they don’t need anyone watching you now.”

She smiled—a beautiful, moonlit smile, but one that carried a dangerous edge, like a raven circling its prey. “Someone attempted to poison me before we left the capital,” she revealed.

Hughes’s face paled. “Your Highness, I assure you, no assassin or spy will get within reach of you. I won’t fail in my duty to protect you,” he promised fervently.

But Ravenna waved a dismissive hand. “That’s not why I called you here, Hughes. I want you to spread a rumor,” she said, her tone calm but her eyes sharp. “Tell everyone that I’m gravely ill and will be confined to my quarters once we arrive. They need to believe I’m on the verge of death—or already dead.”

Hughes’s brow furrowed, but he kept his silence, nodding attentively.

“This way, whoever tried to kill me will think their plan succeeded,” Ravenna continued, her smile becoming more unsettling. “And if there are spies, they’ll reveal themselves, thinking they’re safe.”

Her head tilted slightly as her smile grew, a haunting expression that made Hughes’s blood run cold. “Then we simply wait for them to report back… or we catch them in the act.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Hughes stammered, springing to his feet and bowing repeatedly as he left the cabin in a hurry, eager to carry out her orders.

When he was gone, Ravenna exhaled with a faint smirk, admiring her reflection in the window. “This face is truly beautiful,” she mused. “But one beautiful smile is all it takes to scare the life out of anyone.” Ravenna taking in the effects of real Ravenna's reputation.

A familiar panel blinked into view.

Earned 2 Points: Left an unforgettable impression on Knight Captain Hughes. Effects of title : Raven of Sun Palace

Ravenna raised an eyebrow, amused. “What do you mean? I was only having a conversation…” she sighed, shaking her head.