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78. The Imperial Family of Ancorna

  The first rays of morning sunlight streamed through the massive windows of the imperial bedroom, casting golden hues across the opulent chamber. Ravenna, still wrapped in the soft silk sheets of the royal bed, sat up with a gasp.

  First thing’s first.

  [ Reputation System v0.1 ]

  User: Ravenna Solarius / Joy Cha Kim

  Reputation Level: 61 (7,834 / 9,400 EXP)

  Current Reputation Points: 47,454

  Titles: Raven of the Sun Palace, Unruly Princess

  { View Reputation Log } { Spend Reputation Points }

  She opened the Reputation System, her fingers gliding through the translucent interface hovering in front of her. Without hesitation, she navigated to { Spend Reputation Points }

  [ Spend Reputation Points ]

  


      
  • Access to the Internet: 100 Points per Hour


  •   
  • Access to Magic Spell Library: 100 Points per Hour


  •   
  • Geographical Scans: 5 Points per 1 Kilometer


  •   
  • Nullify Minor Poison Damage on Self: 250 Points


  •   
  • Nullify minor Poison Damage on Others: 350 Points per Entity


  •   
  • Minor Heal: 1,000 Points per Entity


  •   
  • Major Heal: (Locked)


  •   
  • Lie Detector: (Locked)


  •   


  and quickly tapped into the Internet function.

  For the hundredth time, she frantically re-read the novel.

  The familiar words blurred before her eyes, the pages filled with the story she had once devoured for entertainment. But now? Now it wasn’t just a story—it was her damn reality.

  Slamming the system shut with an aggravated sigh, she fell back onto the bed.

  "I can’t believe a literal goddess summoned me just to shove me into the main story," she muttered, her voice dripping with frustration.

  Everything had been going so well.

  The island she had painstakingly built was thriving. A few more months, and she could have lived the rest of her days in peace—far from the chaotic power struggles of the imperial court. She had meticulously planned her low-key existence, only stepping into the main story when necessary.

  But now?

  "Now, I have to fight for the throne?" Ravenna groaned, dragging her hands down her face. "Of all things, why the hell is that Ravenna’s greatest desire?"

  She didn’t get an answer, of course. Just the mocking silence of her grand surroundings.

  A sharp knock on the door pulled her out of her thoughts.

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  "Your Highness, it’s morning. I will be assisting you in getting ready for breakfast."

  Ravenna sighed.

  The voice belonged to one of the palace maids, a woman assigned to serve her in the imperial household.

  "Come in," she called reluctantly, pushing herself up.

  The door creaked open as the maid entered, her head respectfully lowered as she moved to prepare Ravenna’s morning routine.

  Ravenna let out another deep breath.

  Her original plan had been simple—keep her head down, lay low, and wait for Serena’s wedding to pass before slipping away. Once the Imperial wedding was over, she could have returned to Jola, and spent the rest of her days in peace.

  But now?

  Now, she had no choice.

  Now, she had to step back into the succession race.

  Ravenna stood before the grand mirror of her chamber, her gaze trailing over her new attire—a striking departure from the simpler garments she favored in Jola’s heat.

  She wore a dark, commanding ensemble inspired by the sleek elegance of a raven. Made of rich, black velvet, it hugs the figure with a fitted corset bodice, its neckline a sharp, plunging V that exudes confidence and authority. The corset is adorned with intricate silver embroidery, featuring feather-like patterns that fan out like wings across the chest and waist, catching the light with every movement.

  The sleeves are long and fitted, made of sheer black fabric dotted with subtle raven feather motifs, tapering into pointed cuffs that resemble sharp talons. The skirt is high-low, with a front slit that reveals sleek, onyx-black boots. The back flows into a short, layered train, each layer edged with delicate silver trim that mimics the sheen of raven feathers.

  A high, structured collar rises behind her neck, its edges tipped with silver spikes, evoking the image of a raven's crown. A thin silver belt cinches her waist, its buckle shaped like a raven in mid-flight. The overall look is sharp, sophisticated. Totally different look compared to her attire in Jola.

  Ravenna stepped into the marble-lined corridor, the soft click of her boots echoing through the palace halls.

  As she moved forward, a familiar figure rushed toward her.

  Marie. Her disciple was dressed in a striking ensemble, a perfect counterbalance to Ravenna’s dark elegance.

  Marie was wearing a very different dress, The base of the dress is a deep, midnight blue, reminiscent of a raven’s iridescent feathers, but it’s accented with striking silver and pops of crimson to symbolize her fiery energy. The fitted bodice is adorned with shimmering silver embroidery in feather-like patterns, but the design is looser and more playful, with asymmetrical lines that give it a dynamic, almost rebellious feel.

  The neckline is an off-the-shoulder design, revealing a hint of collarbone and adding a touch of youthful charm. The sleeves are short and puffed, edged with silver trim and sheer black fabric that flutters like raven wings when she moves. The skirt is full and flared, ending just above the knees for a more energetic look, with layers of tulle that shimmer in shades of blue and silver. A high slit on one side reveals sleek, silver-lined boots, adding a touch of practicality and edge.

  "You look beautiful, Marie," she said, a rare warmth in her tone. "The perfect image of my disciple."

  Marie beamed, clearly pleased by the praise, and fell into step beside Ravenna as they made their way toward the imperial dining hall.

  As the heavy golden doors to the dining hall swung open, the court announcer’s voice rang out through the chamber.

  "Her Highness, Princess Ravenna Solarius, and her disciple, Lady Marie."

  The moment Ravenna stepped inside, she braced herself.

  The dining table was already filled with her family—each facing a potential rival in the battle for succession.

  The air was thick with underlying tension, masked by polite smiles and calculated glances.

  Dining with the imperial family was never a simple affair.

  It was a battlefield.

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