I really want a high reputation so that people like me. I have tried being exceedingly modest and everything but it always goes down to 33 after the first chapter ends. How can I keep it high?
Alas, once you become the Monarch’s new bit-on-the-side, your reputation will take a severe hit, there’s not much you can do about that. You’ll have the opportunity to raise it again in the following segments.
It is possible to maintain a high reputation by conducting yourself modestly/subtly, and refusing to become the monarch’s lover until you kill/discredit the consort. The monarch will then marry you and progress to the next chapter, with everyone none the wiser about your behaviour. It can be a little difficult to maintain a high relationship stat with the monarch while also preserving your reputation, but it is possible.