“Looks like everyone is here…It’s okay…have a seat and get comfortable…no need to stand up for me…”.When the dinner time comes, together with Choi Jin Su behind me, we entered the dining room, inside it seems that everyone were having a good time, having conversations with each others. Catherine naturally were doing just as excellence as she is communications, and making others like her in these kind of setting. As I entered the room, all the attentions turned to me, and like a universal response all of them just started to stands up and greet me. In which I dismissed rather quite fast, although these is my house and also I were the one that hold the power on them. People tend to views people positively when you treated them kindly and with respect.“How’s the dinner?…is it to you all liking?…sorry that I missed it…I have to many matters to attend to today…I hope you all won’t be offended by that..”.I was half a lie, because yes, I were held back because of work and also, when it co
When it comes to the topic of talking about the new terns with me, naturally Choi Han Na would try to be careful of what she were asking for from me, she couldn’t asked for a ridiculous things or more support other than what I have already promised to to her previously. But now things are different, when we made a deal before, it was me who takes the initiative to propose the deals and in returns she comes up with her demands and proposal while I sat there and agreeing to everything. Now the game has changed, she has now bring other people into our supposed to be secret dealings that we are agreed upon before, so, at the moment the power balance has changed.“My..party…will need a bigger support on these election, Mister Mies…but it is without any reason..both Lee Hon Kil and Kim Hyun Nee…has a potential and even a track records of successful elections..now…with the 2 of them on my side and in my party…the prospect of me winning the presidential elections…will be brighter than ever b
For those who are outside the sphere looking at these conversations, it might seems like I am threatening them, but actually I wasn’t, because I Choi Han Na really does leaks my identity again, I would have her terminated at once and it would happen faster than she would’ve thought so. I am not playing with words here, and I am sure that both of the two that were beside Choi Han Na understood what just happened, from their face expression it was very clear that they both started to feel fear of me.“If you said so..then, I would hold on to your words once again..Miss Choi Han Na…now, you were planning to win the elections with Mister Lee Hon Kil and Madam Kim Hyun Nee right?…”.“Yes…we have already comes to an agreements…when I run for the presidency…Madam Kim Hyun Nee would run for the Vice President and Mister Lee Hon Kil would run for the Prime Minister….that is the plan…that way…we would occupy all the largest positions in the office at once…securing the Blue House..”. (Choi Han N
Truthfully, Choi Han Na is gambling right now, because I can see that in her eyes and what she’s thinking is that she really thinks about dominating the Blue House for her win. She has took of the considerations of what the resistance that she and her party would be facing at that time, still she have high expectations that Virtue Financial can make that happened for her and everything can be achieved. Sure, Virtue Financial will be able to make that happened, putting her on the presidential seats and also supporting her choice of appointment for her 2 colleagues.But let’s be real, surely when she does that the others can see what she is trying to do. And for sure that everyone would go up against her, they would even united on taking her down no matter what. Just because I can make it happened, doesn’t mean that it was the best choice to do. Her plan were sound, but not accurate, because the consequences is to much to bear for her and for Virtue Financial, if we continues with her p
At times people need some reality check to keep themselves grounded and in line. That is what I’ve done to Lee Hon Kil, and it works like a wonder, with him no longer looking directly at me but rather darting his eyes all over the floor whilst smiling awkwardly. Meanwhile Kim Hyun Nee is also avoiding my attention at her best, she too know that since I can find some dirt on Lee Hon Kill that even herself doesn’t know about. It meant that I also know about her little secrets. Naturally, since she kept herself in check before me, I wouldn’t go as far to humiliate her for no reasons.“i am not saying you cannot dream big…but, if you wanted to do so…do it with your own effort…and don’t piggy backing my plans…One thing that all of you have to remember…you are striking a deal with me….and I and Miss Choi Han Na had a mutual understanding in these agreements….don’t try to take anything more than were given to you…All I need is someone in power….that would do something for me once…when I told
“Well…since you guys brings up that you wanted to monopolize the Blue House…that fact’s alone has tell me a lot of what you wanted to do…So it is rather simple…Choi Han Na will be the president…then one of you will become the Vice President…since it’s already warranted itself…and then…another one of you…should be a little bit farther away…but still hold a positions that can influence a lot of things…and that positions is Ministry of National Defense….which happens…a position that will give you guys a lot of advantages…especially….control..”.Choi Han Na still maintained her calm expression, but everyone can see that her emotional state has changed from downcast to now beaming with excitement. For Kim Hyun Nee, the moment I mentioned the positions of Ministry of National Defense, her eyes already sparkling with anticipation, as if saying that she wanted to hold that office, because, just like I have said before. Holding an office that oversees the nation safety entirely, on top of that
It was great to have everyone on the same page, thankfully our little meetings has set every single essential people on track and understand their roles. Like we have agreed for the final times, Choi Han Na would run for the presidency, and Lee Hon Kil would run for Vice President and meanwhile Kim Hyun Nee would run for the Minister of National Defense. Some of the positions would be appointed, but one thing that is for sure for them is that they all have to win their elections first. That part would be arranged on my part, now that everything is in order, it was time for Virtue Financial to make use of it’s hidden power.“Choi Jin Su…proceed with the propaganda mission, start from the social medias…I want a special team assigned for each one of them…Like we have agreed on, the send our specialist to their side…make sure that none of them posted something idiotic on the social media…especially that Lee Hon Kil…he looks like he is someone that would do something like that…”.“...Under
Back at Seoul, Choi Han Na, Lee Hon Kil and Kim Hyun Nee just arrived at their office after staying 2 days at the Virtue Island. For some reason, when they entered their office they felt more tired than they have been, working for a one week straight has never been these exhausting than meeting the Virtue Financial top echelon. But thankfully their meeting has brought them some closure to their sponsor. And that is, Virtue Financial isn’t just some rich everyday company that were filled with endless greed. Rather it was a scary powerhouse that had enormous force that can bend anything to their will, and what they were after, Is not something that Lee Hon Kil and Kim Hyun Nee could understand.“FUAH!!…ah finally comfort of a sofa….geez…I never felt these comfortable sitting on a cheap sofa like the ever before….”. (Lee Hon Kil)Lee Hon Kil clearly looking lively than he was when they were on the island. The second he sat down it was as if he felt like he can fall asleep safely like it
"Your Majesty, to attempt full restoration in so short a time—""Will cost," she interrupted. "Yes, I know. But the people have paid enough. Now it’s our turn."What followed was a flurry of action unlike anything Hallerus had seen in decades. Labor crews moved out in droves. Merchants were granted tax reprieves to reopen. Public works officials received emergency authority. For once, the gears of governance turned swiftly.But still, the people watched with wary eyes.In the village of Elbarrow, a merchant shook his head as soldiers repaired a broken bridge."They say it’s Queen Helen’s will," he muttered. "But we've heard such promises before.""Aye," replied a farmer, watching with folded arms. "But maybe this time it sticks. She walked among us, didn’t she? My cousin swears she saw her with the duke."Rumors of the queen’s journey spread like wildfire. With them came cautious hope.One evening, at a small gathering hosted by village elders in Merrowind, Helen removed her hood and
"Transparency will be paramount. Council sessions will be documented, and decisions made in conjunction with the Crown will be communicated openly. This is not a move to consolidate power, but to distribute it wisely, ensuring that the governance of Hallerus reflects the will and welfare of its people."Lord Dallren, who had been silently observing, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, such a council could indeed bridge the gap between the Crown and the nobility, fostering unity. I support this initiative."A ripple of agreement spread through the assembly.Helen continued, "Furthermore, to address the grievances of our citizens and promote economic growth, we shall implement reforms aimed at equitable taxation and the eradication of corrupt practices that have long plagued our administration."Duke Merrica added, "These reforms will not only strengthen our internal stability but also enhance our standing among neighboring realms, fostering alliances and trade relations."Viscount Rellan,
A murmur of agreement rippled through the assembly.Helen's gaze swept over the room, her eyes meeting those of each noble in turn. "I have summoned you here not only to reaffirm our unity but to propose measures that will ensure the stability and prosperity of Hallerus for generations to come."Viscount Rellan, his earlier defiance now replaced with a veneer of compliance, inclined his head. "Your Majesty, what measures do you propose?"Helen took a measured breath. "Firstly, we shall establish a council comprising representatives from each noble house. This council will serve as an advisory body, ensuring that all voices are heard and that governance is conducted with transparency and fairness."Baroness Yvette Darrow, her scepticism barely concealed, arched an eyebrow. "And what powers would this council hold, Your Majesty?"Helen met Yvette's gaze unwaveringly. "The council will have the authority to propose legislation and oversee its implementation. However, ultimate executive p
Amidst the turmoil, Duke Merrica found himself face-to-face with Lord Dallren."Merrica," Dallren sneered, blood trickling from a wound on his brow. "Betraying your own kind for that girl?"Merrica's grip tightened on his sword. "My loyalty lies with Hallerus, not with those who would see it rot from within."Their blades met in a fierce exchange, each strike echoing their clashing ideologies.Nearby, Baroness Yvette confronted Queen Helen."Your Majesty," Yvette began, her tone almost mocking, "you've become quite the thorn in our side."Helen met her gaze unwaveringly. "And you, Baroness, have leeched off this kingdom for too long."Yvette smirked, drawing her dagger. "Let's see if you're as formidable with a blade as you are with words."As the battle raged on, it became evident that the Queen's Faction held the advantage. The support of the common folk had bolstered their numbers, and the corrupt nobles' forces began to waver.Count Vorell, witnessing the disarray, turned to his r
A trusted royal scribe—a man who had served the palace for over a decade—was found dead before sunrise. A dagger coated in poison was discovered strapped to his leg. The second attempt followed soon after.A servant carrying tea for the Queen was intercepted before she could enter the throne room. Hidden beneath the silver tray was a vial of deadroot extract, a lethal poison. The servant, after interrogation, confessed that her family had been taken hostage by nobles who ordered the hit.Then came the third, fourth, and fifth attempts. Archers on rooftops. Explosives set along the Queen’s carriage route. Blades hidden in the folds of a courtier’s robes.Each time, the assassins failed. Each time, they disappeared without a trace. Helen knew who was behind it. But rather than show fear, she faced the storm head-on.Seated in her war room, Helen traced her fingers along a map of Hallerus, where red ink circled enemy strongholds. Duke Merrica stood beside her, arms folded, his sharp eyes
Aeternum had taught her a valuable lesson—control is not about force, but manipulation. So, she would make them turn on each other.Helen began summoning the nobles one by one, speaking to them in private meetings. She whispered honeyed words into their ears.“Viscount Talis, I need a reliable man. Duke Rehn is plotting against me, and I require your loyalty.”“Countess Ferros, your influence is invaluable. I fear Duke Rehn is siphoning funds, and I need someone I trust to investigate.”“Duke Rehn, the other nobles are moving against you. You must act swiftly before they remove you from power.”With every meeting, seeds of distrust were sown.The nobles—drunk on greed—were too blind to see that they were being played.And so, one by one, they began to conspire against each other.As the nobles scrambled to destroy each other, Helen’s true loyalists made their move.Under the cover of darkness, handpicked assassins carried out eliminations with precision.Duke Rehn?Found dead in his s
“Then Mies will destroy Hallerus.”Helen turned sharply toward him. “You think he would go that far?”Merrica didn’t even hesitate. “Yes.”Helen stared at him, searching for a lie. A hint of hesitation. But there was none.“He will not give you mercy a second time, Helen,” Merrica said. “If those nobles push for war, if they even dare to challenge Aeternum—you will lose.”He took another step forward, his voice heavy. “And I will not be able to protect you.”For the first time in their conversation, Helen looked away. Merrica saw it. The fear. The realization.She already knew everything he was saying was true. She had just been too proud—too trapped—to admit it.Silence hung between them. Then, at last, Helen spoke.“…What do you want me to do?”Merrica finally allowed himself a small sigh of relief.“You already know what must be done, Helen,” he said gently. “You must take back your court.”Helen slowly nodded, though her expression remained grim. “Those nobles will not leave peace
“Merrica understands that if Hallerus moves against Aeternum, we won’t hold back.”Kasuma gave a knowing smirk. “And you won’t hesitate to destroy them.”I met her gaze, unblinking.“No.”A heavy silence fell between us.Kasuma leaned forward, her voice softer but firm. “You don’t want war with Hallerus.”“No, I don’t,” I admitted. “The people of Hallerus don’t deserve to suffer for their queen’s mistakes. Merrica doesn’t deserve to be put in that position.”Kasuma studied me for a moment before sighing. “Then let’s hope Duke Merrica succeeds.”I ran a hand through my hair, my thoughts swirling. Visma was controlled. Chaos was their prison, and we held the keys. Hallerus, however, was different.It was once an ally, a friend, a brother. But betrayal had shattered that bond. Still… I didn’t want to be the one to crush it completely. I drummed my fingers on my desk. If Helen could be saved, then perhaps—A knock interrupted my thoughts.“Enter,” I called.An ACIA officer stepped in, bowi
The Merchant Guild Leader, Darvio Vinn, who had profited the most from blocking Aeternum trade. His warehouses stored inferior goods at premium prices, keeping the economy strangled in his grip.The General of the Royal Army, Lionel Ferin, who had bled the treasury dry with excessive military spending, preaching about “independence” while weakening their forces with outdated tactics.They had to be removed. One by one, quietly, without causing suspicion. But how? Merrica could not simply accuse them—Helen trusted them. If he moved too boldly, she would see him as the enemy.No, he had to be careful. He had to play the game. Merrica stood, pouring himself another glass of wine. He would begin by exposing the corruption—turning the people against the parasites that fed on Hallerus.The merchants would learn how Darvio Vinn had been overpricing basic goods. The military officers would see how General Lionel Ferin had been wasting funds on obsolete strategies. The court would hear whisper