Whilst Aeternum Wasteland base were undergoing a massive change, on the other hand, the Stammler City is secretly In a good mood and occasions. Because for the last 4 days, Amalinde Stammler, out of nowhere were suddenly visited by an Aeternum representatives, who just one day just suddenly appeared and in fact, already Purchasing a single building inside the city. To these day, the Stammler City owners were still figuring out just how did Aeternum representative were able to get in undetected and even managed to buy that very building. And so since then, Amalinde Stammler has been going back and forth with Aeternum Representative called Agent Smith.“So, Mister Agent Smith…are you saying that His Highness President Mies is already on his way here?..I assumed that the situations on the base as has been fully settled, right?..”. (Louis Stammler)Louis Stammler is the Patriarch of the Stammler family and also the lord of the Stammler Territory, He was a Dark Elf, which is clearly a seas
Like their Representatives that comes and appeared like a ghost, so does their President. That is what everyone in the Stammler Mansion thought at these moment, all of them has been eager to see what kind of King has made such an ideal nation for the non human kind that their sons and daughters has been praising non stop. And naturally as the lord of their own domains they have also heard about the rumour of Aeternum themselves. After all, the wasteland is actually neighbors with Hallerus Kingdom and also 2 of Aeternum allied nation. Above all, they admired the Aeternum king as he was able to threaten the hateful Church of Light in a war and even managed to win against them alone.A nation that has openly against the Human Supremacy teaching of the Church and won, then promoted the harmony of diversity under his ruling. The new up an coming Super power of a country, and that is the Independent State of Aeternum. Everyone were excited to finally meet with the man that have accomplished
When it comes to who have the most legitimacy of a monarch in these hall, is Naturally me, because I am the only Ruler and also a true king of an acknowledge country inside the Central Continent. As for all of them they were just a small territory ruler, it was the same as a king meeting just a normal nobles, like Duke or Baron. Thus the respect must be given from them to me, which they actually acted upon that respect to me. Which rather pleased me quite a lot, usually those that have a power often being too proud of it and act haughty. But not them, they respected me as I deserved, so naturally I too showed them humility and respect these entire time.Then again when I walked in, I can’t help but spread ou my Kingly Aura, as to test all of them. After all, I heard a few information about them, especially Reqkin Rivgog, the lord of the Antfolis City, he was describe as a fighting maniac by everyone, where he often challenges anyone that he felt like doing so. So I did that, but who w
The round of introductions is still continues, but surprisingly Aluthia Alantar goes over and even mentioned the visit of his son to New City, which is quite rare and also rather unnecessary to be honest. But then again, I get why he tried to approached me using such sentences because by now, I am sure that everyone already know about the ratio of Elves in Aeternum, in fact there were 2 Elves inside of Aeternum Royal Family itself. And I am sure that by now, they know just how the only Princess of Aeternum were adored by me and her mothers and also the entire Aeternum. Thus he was trying to attract my goodwill more towards the Aluthia Dark Elves more than ever.To me such things does not impact me or my decisions whatsoever, but such lukewarm attempts is naturally does not goes unnoticed by the other lords. Who is sneering at him secretly, they all felt a little bit threaten by these attempts and even more insecure when I actually replied to his banter. Thanks to my intelligence Netwo
Basically the first round of introduction is just all of us throwing compliment at each others. But in the case for the Mudswan Tribe, I meant it when I said that I wanted to see their craft with my own eyes. Because I have heard about their craftsmanship even from outside the Wasteland, in fact, I know for a fact that the Mudswan tribe didn’t know at all their crafts is actually a well sought and also quite famous in all parts of the Central Continent. In fact one of their famous Leather Armour is actually being sold in New City market, and it attract my interest so much that I began to buy them for research purpose, in order to create a new design for Aeternum Military use tactical combat armor.When I bought the armor in bulk from one of the Merchant group back in New City, I have the A.C.I.A investigate who is the one that created these master piece. And it’s turned out that, almost all major Merchant Groups actually bought them from a suppliers that trades these leather armor fro
I am rather surprise to see that in the Agreement papers, instead of all 4 of them being an individual recipient on the agreement. Instead in these paper they have decided to be group together as one single recipient, father than it was a 5 way trade agreement, it has turned into just 2 side agreements with all 4 of them has merged into a single coalition. Which is rather shocking to see them willing to go to such length in order to make these deal go through, with just these, it was clear that they have put Aeternum at a much higher perspective and status than them.“Ah…about that, I hope these doesn’t offend you in any way, Your Highness…it is just, for us…after we have sat down and discussed everything…we found out that…it seems that compared to Aeternum that has a lot to offer…we at the Wasteland has nothing much to offer to you aside from the Cheaper prices of meat produce..”. (Louis Stammler)“So…in pooling your resource together..it would at least be a balancing prospect for Ae
In another words, even if I put the price at 10% discount, it is still much cheaper compared to the outside market, that is just how bad that these people has been scammed of their money. Those Merchant Groups and Guilds has actually made the purchase price of the Wasteland Products at only 50% of the market price in the common market. A lot of products that were manufactured and sold by the wasteland is all at much higher quality from a lot of products in the market, yet they were swindled so much for such a long time that, these evil people were getting over confident that they can exploit them even the wasteland people even more.Thus when I decided to lighten their pain, by just setting the discounted price at 15% that is more than enough to make all of them felt touched by these gestures and furthermore instill the positive image of Aeternum in their minds. Just with these gesture alone, I wanted to somehow made them think that With them lowering their pride, Aeternum are not so
Another shocking proposal that comes from me that were accepted wholeheartedly by all the lords. The happy meeting has become rather a celebrations thanks to me, surely in their mind that they have never thought that things would turned out these way. I know for a fact the second I established that Aeternum is a better force than anything they have ever known, it would made it easier for them to follow my leads. The reason as to why they agreed instantly to Aeternum being their only buyer for all their produce is because, I know that from their sons and daughter, surely they have tell the tale of Aeternum Super Store to their parents.That just how many Stores that has been opened in many countries that they have passed through before arriving at the New City, that alone has shown them just who profitable it is to be allied with the nation that own the only Super Store in the world. Also the fact that they have been treated badly by these Merchant Groups and Merchant Guilds also help
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.