"Nice room….I guess it's given, with dukes status he at least needs to reach this standard…".
"They should at least send someone by now..should I tell Mina to drag the Dukes here?…". (Elijah)
"There's no need, just let them take their time….let's just rest a bit….".
The guest room was quite luxurious, crystal chandelier, comfy leather sofas, it looks like a 5-star Presidential suite. I, Elijah, and Mina was sitting on the sofas, making ourselves comfortable while waiting for Duke to come. I was enjoying the bland warm tea that was prepared for us, since it was too bitter, even for me, I took out chocolates from my newly obtained platinum storage rings. The rings were quite fancy, it was quite a spectacle to see an empty space hovering before you, and as you plunge your hand in it chocolate or anything you want can be brought out from it, well that's magic. Mina was splurging on the chocolates as she tastes them, Elijah was restraining herself and enjoying it
Duke Merrica was surprisingly quite proficient in handling this covering-up stuff, by the time he got back to us, His wife and the dead body were already being removed from the room. Although he has a hard time processing in this matter, I had to step in and explain to him once again (without including the Principality of light schemes). Luckily, he agrees with me, saying that finally, his wife's changes make sense. "Your Excellency….thank you for, once again helping me..". (Duke Merrica) "Don't sweat it, I just like to keep things simple…just take care of your wife…..I guess it's time for us to leave..". As we leave the room, Duke also comes with us to send us off. He engages in a light talk with Elijah whilst we are on the way to the entrance. "Lady Elijah, I suggest that you should take this time to sightsee Merrina…although it doesn't compare to Hallerus capital, it was the biggest town in northern Hallerus..". (Duke Merrica) "Thank you, S
"Your Excellency, Here…". (Elijah)Coming to my side in Mina's arms, was Elijah she gives me the 3 gold coins that Old Grimm gave to her just before. "Hn?…No, Keep them…you're the one who translated the book for him just now not me…just keep it…don't forget to give 1 to Mina, she's, after all, have been carrying you the entire time you know…". I refused to take the money and put it back in her palm. making a big deal out of 3 coins wasn't my style, I'm not that petty. she tried to protest, I simply ignored her and tell her to use the coin for herself and buy anything she wants with it. "We're here...". (Baroness Lydia) Stopping right before a large store called 'Dragon Blood', Baroness Lydia turned to us and opened the door. The storefront was extravagant, big double door, golden decorations, for a potions store it was certainly over the top. We were greeted by 2 women wearing maid clothes (Like the cosplay) before Baroness Lydia immediately called
Leaving the Green Hive, The sun is already halfway down on the horizon, it is already 3 pm."Sire, Madam….You can expect the slave to arrive, 2 weeks from now…". (Madam Hive)
-Maidens POV- "Come have breakfast with us…Mina is His Excellency still asleep?..". (Elijah) Seeing Mina finally come down from the stairs, Elijah, Andrea, Bina, and Rafaela were already around the table enjoying their pleasing breakfast meal in the dining hall along with several other maidens. If this was before, at this time all of them were probably still be starving and naked, but ever since the new master saved them, their lives have changed completely. they probably have a far better lifestyle compared to any commoners and nobles in Fantasma. "Yes Sister Elijah, Although His excellency looks very occupied by something, he's been writing a lot for the last 2 days..also, Sister Andrea His Excellency wants his morning coffee..". Hearing Mina, Andrea Leaves her seat and starts making the instant coffee, she knows her master always drank coffee in the morning, that's why she already has the hot water on standby and ready. "By the way Sis, how
After waiting at my house for 30 minutes, Ken Finally showed up with his trucks. At this moment, both of us were on the way to the Old Terry store in downtown."Old Terry was still alive and kicking,..as usual, he's still working at his store…anyway you're looking good though…..". (Ken)"Thanks for the compliment Ken…but, stop it…it's Getting kinda creepy….".As soon as I step into his car, Ken doesn't stop saying how different I look. I'm sure that I look different, but I don't expect my visual would be this distracting."Hey, I'm just telling you what I saw...Hey, I got certain Villian Costume that suits your whole appearance..would you…". (Ken)"No…now Shut up and Drive..".Seeing that I already getting annoyed by his antics, Ken shrugs it off and turns back to focus on his drive.After 30 minutes of driving we finally arrived at Old Terry Shop, Located at the edge of
After waiting at my house for 30 minutes, Ken Finally showed up with his trucks. At this moment, both of us were on the way to the Old Terry store in downtown."Old Terry was still alive and kicking,..as usual, he's still working at his store…anyway you're looking good though…..". (Ken)"Thanks for the compliment Ken…but, stop it…it's Getting kinda creepy….".As soon as I step into his car, Ken doesn't stop saying how different I look. I'm sure that I look different, but I don't expect my visual would be this distracting."Hey, I'm just telling you what I saw...Hey, I got certain Villian Costume that suits your whole appearance..would you…". (Ken)"No…now Shut up and Drive..".Seeing that I already getting annoyed by his antics, Ken shrugs it off and turns back to focus on his drive.After 30 minutes of driving we finally arrived at Old Terry Shop, Located at the edge of
"Please Sign over here, please...Thank you sir..have a nice day..". (Delivery Man)"Thanks..you too have a nice day…".For the last 3 days, all I do was waiting for a delivery at my home. at this point the 20K I have, already dwindle down to 5K. All the items on my list already purchased, Be it Tampons or foods I already have them stock up for 6 months of use for 300++ people. It's surprising how cheap things are if you buy them In bulk on the web, Luckily I live near the forest far from anyone, if not people might be worried seeing countless lorries coming in and out, moving mountain of boxes. At this point, my garage and living room to the kitchen was already filled with boxes, I can't store them inside the storage rings, because it still filled with gold bars.That's right, I spend 3 days not only receiving delivery but also melting the gold coins into gold bars, using the small smelter I borrow from Ken, it took a while but I manage to sme
Before the situation turned worst Lee Ha Feng stood up and shoot a fierce glare towards her daughter."Han Na!!…control yourself!… I apologize for my daughter's unruly behavior, Mr. Mies..". (Lee Ha Feng)"Don't Mind me.....Anyway, Hello there Derek Krawoski…It's been a long time…"."Ah!...Yes, yes it is Mr. Mies…it's an honor to see you again..". (Derek)Looking at him, I can see fear mixed with excitement in his eyes which is a bit freaky for me. As for Lee Han Na, She seems to be embarrassed as her grandfather reprimand her in public.I stand up and change to Terry table, then sit next to Terry, Lee Ha Feng also follow the suit and sit down next to Lee Han Na and Derek. Instead of going straight into the conversations, I sit there silently sipping my coffee."I have to say, I've been waiting to see you Sir…Ever since the last time…Thanks to you I was able to claim th
The project would take time—perhaps years—but its impact would begin in weeks.“Once the roads are in place,” Merrica said, entering her chamber with a report in hand, “we’ll be able to move goods faster, respond to crises quicker, and prepare for the second phase: economic zone development.”Helen took the report with a tired, but satisfied smile. “This… this they will see. This they will believe.”“And when they do,” Merrica said, “they’ll follow.”Late that night, as the wind howled against the palace windows, Helen stood in her private study, gazing out at the flickering torches lining the city streets. In her hand was a smooth, curved stone from the first road pile—just a plain stone, but to her, it was the beginning of a foundation.Her fingers closed around it as she whispered to herself, “Let this road lead us to a better kingdom.” And with that, the first steps into a new Hallerus had begun.The throne room had seen war plans, council betrayals, and royal declarations. But on
The ministers eagerly pointed out their favorite places from their student years.“Over there—that café served synthetic ice cream you have to try.”“That’s the district where I first saw a holographic opera.”“This is where I spent hours in the central library—eight floors of pure knowledge.”Helen listened with quiet amusement and growing wonder. These weren’t just stories. This was the future.They stopped first at a shopping promenade, where modern boutiques lined the plaza. Aeternum fashion—streamlined, elegant, tailored for form and comfort—was on full display.Helen tried on a pale blue dress lined with iridescent threads that shifted color slightly under different lighting. She admired herself in the mirror. Regal, yet free. She hadn’t felt this light in years.Merrica chuckled as she twirled slightly. “Careful. You’ll make the palace tailors obsolete.”Next came the Aeternum cuisine district. The aroma of spices, imported meats, baked delicacies and exotic fruit blends filled
Meerkat sipped from his flask; eyes gleaming. “Monster cores alone could offset our collective energy reliance on Aeternum’s hybrid reactors. If those dungeons are stabilized and regulated under UNA protocols, we’re looking at a resource boom.”Angela arched an eyebrow. “All that assumes stability. A kingdom can’t regulate dungeons if they can’t regulate their own court.”“Well,” Meerkat said with a shrug, “that’s what Merrica’s for, isn’t it?”They all laughed lightly—because it was true. The man’s reputation preceded him. Hallerus may have signed with a queen, but Merrica had built the bridge.Kaneda leaned forward. “It’s risky, but it’s a calculated risk. We’re not signing blind loyalty here. We’re watching. Evaluating. But make no mistake—if this works, Hallerus becomes the keystone of continental connectivity.”Redwall drummed his fingers on his knee. “I suppose that’s why we’re here. Not to clap at the signing. But to see if the queen is truly changed.”“She is,” Angela said qui
“And now, a major announcement: With the signing complete, Hallerus Kingdom is formally inducted into the United Nation Alliance as its thirty-first member. This marks a turning point—not only for Hallerus, but for the entire Central Continent.”“The UNA, now composed of thirty-one sovereign nations, officially becomes the largest unified alliance in the world’s history—its reach, economic power, and strategic cooperation unmatched by any prior coalition.”“Following this event, Aeternum has confirmed it will begin a nationwide rollout of its Super Stores, factories, and humanitarian infrastructure in Hallerus territory. In exchange, Hallerus will provide critical resources and cultural integration into the alliance structure.”“Public reaction is already beginning to surface—here in New City, spontaneous celebrations have begun in the multicultural districts where former Hallerians live. Meanwhile, markets across the UNA are surging in response to the stability this alliance signifie
“I don’t forget betrayal easily,” I said. “And Aeternum doesn’t forget pain lightly. What happened between us—it scarred people. People who trusted Hallerus. Soldiers who bled for your freedom. Civilians who saw us pulled out overnight.”“I know,” Helen said. “And I accept the cost.”“But,” I said, letting the word hang before softening my tone, “I do respect accountability.”Her eyes met mine. “Then we start again?”“We do,” I said, extending a hand.She took it. Her grip was firm.“We bury the hatchet,” I added. “But let’s be clear—this is not a return to old friendship. This is a new foundation. One built on lessons learned.”Helen nodded. “Agreed.”Merrica exhaled, satisfied. “It’s what both sides need.”I looked at Helen, voice calm. “You have a second chance now. Few leaders get that. Don’t waste it.”She nodded again, quietly this time. “I won’t.”“Good,” I said. “Because your people need you more than ever. Rule wisely. Rule well. Let this alliance be your legacy.”For the fir
“We’ll export more to Hallerus—especially food. You’ll need it. In return, we’ll import more raw ore and minerals. Your mining sector’s still decent, right?”“It is.”“Then let’s grow that. More volume, more jobs, more imports on both sides.”He beamed. “Thank you, my friend.”I smiled back. “You’ll find I don’t just use the whip.”“A carrot, then?”“Always. A balanced hand is how you keep control. Too much punishment, and you push people away. Too much reward, and they forget who they owe.”Merrica nodded slowly. “You’ve become a real ruler.”I stood, offering my hand again. “I became what this world needed.”He shook it. “And I’ll make sure Hallerus becomes what Aeternum can trust.”We stood in silence for a moment longer. The sound of cheering still floated in faintly from the streets below. Somewhere out there, Queen Helen was being paraded through New City—through a modern marvel built from vision and precision. Through a world she couldn’t have imagined a year ago.And now, she’
“They’re… happy to see us?” she asked, disbelief in her voice.Duke Merrica gave her a half-smile. “Some of them, yes. The others are watching. Judging. As they should.”One young woman in the crowd, her hair wrapped in Aeternum’s signature style, waved a small Hallerus flag and called out, “Welcome back! My family’s from Archenport—we’re with you!”Helen felt a warmth rise in her chest. Her lips curled, hesitant, but sincere. She lifted a gloved hand and waved back.Her ministers behind her smiled with relief. The people hadn’t forgotten them. Or maybe… maybe Aeternum’s citizens were willing to forgive, even if their leaders were not.Still, with each new marvel the city revealed, her pride took another small wound.Digital traffic signs shifted in real-time. Elevated walkways moved gently above the streets. Tall towers bore solar glass and climate control systems beyond her comprehension. Everything was clean. Efficient. Vibrant.Hallerus, by contrast, was still struggling to clear
“But that’s not all,” he said. “We’re not just building stores. We’re buying land.”Elijah’s eyes narrowed. “Land?”Andrea arched a brow. “Personal Aeternum-controlled territory?”“Exactly,” Mies said. “We’ll negotiate the purchase and designation of sovereign Aeternum land within Hallerus. Locations where we will build permanent structures—embassies, farms, factories. Property they can’t touch. Not legally. Not politically.”Andrea crossed her arms. “You want to turn this alliance into territorial leverage.”“I want security,” Mies said. “We trusted them once. And they betrayed us. This time, we own the pieces on the board. If they want access to food and prosperity, they give us something real in return. Soil.”Elijah nodded. “No oversight from their monarchy. No interference. Full extraterritorial jurisdiction.”Mies smiled. “Exactly. We build an Aeternum that lives inside their walls. One they can’t tear down without declaring war.”Andrea added, “And when we build those farms and
“We’re proud Aeternians now,” said one local organizer. “But we remember where we came from. If we can help fix the old home while serving the new one, why not?”In university lecture halls, students debated passionately.“Strategically, re-integrating Hallerus into Aeternum’s economic sphere is a no-brainer,” one economics major argued. “We’ll be able to shape their policies from within.”“But trust is a currency too,” another replied. “If we spend it on the wrong partner again, we might pay more than we think.”In a small park in the east district, a group of Aeternum veterans sat on a bench, medals on their coats, eyes on the screens showing news footage of Andrea’s visit.“You remember that street?” one said, pointing.“I remember clearing it house by house,” another replied. “They cheered us one day. Chased us out the next.”The youngest of them, silent until now, finally spoke.“We gave them peace once. Maybe it’s time to give them a future.”Silence followed. No one disagreed.