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
When the altered Agreement clause were being finished made copies off ans distributed to all the lords including me. At that time too,the Trade and Alliance Agreements were signed by all of us, with a smiles on our faces. After all for the Wasteland coalitions these signed agreements will be the end of their suffering and also perhaps the beginning of a new prosperous era for the entire wasteland. As for me, with the signed of these Agreement, thus these will officially starts Aeternum expansion is the Wasteland, these will marked the moment in Aeternum history where I will created my true looks of Aeternum.If the current Aeternum were the face of the kingdom then, the Aeternum Territory in the Wasteland will be it’s body. These place is suitable to be turned into an essential parts of Aeternum itself. These is the place categorized at the end of the Continent itself, there is nothing behind, under and up of the Great Southern Wasteland. A perfect places to developed my ideal strong
The ballroom festivities mode, suddenly come to an halt, as Reqkin Rivgog the Lord of the Antfolis City noticed, a rather complicated looks on the Aeternum President after he was being whispered by the Well known Aeternum representative beside him, Agent Smith. After all they just signed a big cooperation and in a good mood, what has made the friendly President looks so serious all of a sudden and also seems to be in a little bit troubled. At these point for all the Lords, no matter what, the mood of the President of Aeternum should not and cannot turned sour, if there is any issues especially when it was related to the wasteland, they all need to solved it, to make sure that the President and also Aeternum constantly happy with them.“Oh…it is nothing much I supposed…don’t worry about it..”.Actually the me being frowned is actually just a ploy from me, I already planned with Agent Smith to do such plays. After all, inside these room I know everything about the Wasteland Situation th
Everyone were shocked to hear that news comes from me, to hear that the disaster that they thought happened to the entire world were actually maybe just happened to them. And when I were the one that said such things it was natural for them immediately catch up with it. After all nowadays it was already well known that Aeternum is not some small time traders in the Central Continent, but in fact one of the largest traders that can compared to even the Merchants Guilds itself, and they all knew these facts already. Therefore, Louis Stammler shocked were just limited to him but everybody else in the room.“What do you mean that there is no Famine or even shortage of supplies, Your Highness?..because for over years now..the Merchant Groups and even the Merchant Guilds that were in our city and traded with us said the same thing…The reason as to why the quality of the foods was low and the price were high is because everywhere else the situations were more or less the same…”. (Reqkin Rivg
“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.
“Accepted,” Helen said firmly.Andrea paused. “You are aware that this pricing is higher than what our allied nations pay?”“I am.”“And that it reflects the cost of your past decisions.”“I am aware.”Andrea’s expression didn’t soften. But there was a shift. A sliver of respect, perhaps.“We also request that Queen Helen and her full court travel to New Concordia,” Andrea said. “To sign the official alliance treaty in Aeternum, under President Mies' direct oversight.”That stung.A silent reminder: You no longer stand as an equal.But Helen did not flinch. “We will come.”Merrica remained quiet beside her, eyes locked forward, proud but weathered. He knew this was necessary. He knew, like her, that survival always demanded a cost.And this was the only path forward.Andrea stood, signaling the end of the meeting. “Then prepare your delegation. You have one week.”As Andrea and her entourage exited, Helen remained still, her hand brushing the edge of the map of Hallerus that lay on th
“I can prep the full economic framework in three days. I’ll soften it slightly—give them just enough dignity to sign without choking.”“Good,” I said. “Let them keep their crown and their pride, as long as we own their economy.”Andrea gave a subtle nod. “Then I’ll schedule the official visit. They’ll come to us.”“And when they do,” I said, voice cold and precise, “we’ll welcome them with smiles. And let them know who holds the scales now.”Andrea paused. “Anything else you want me to add in the background?”“Yes,” I said after a moment. “Tell them we’ll open an Aeternum Super Store in the capital as a gesture of goodwill. Make it sound benevolent.”Andrea smirked. “And on the inside?”“It’s a spearhead,” I said. “Once we’re in, we don’t leave.”“Understood, Mr. President.”The screen blinked as the call ended. I turned to Elijah, who was already compiling the summary.“Draft the formal invitation,” I ordered. “Summon Queen Helen and her full court to New City. They’ll arrive as sove
“This city is broken,” she said at last.“Which means it’s ripe,” Jessica added with a glint in her eye. “Imagine if we opened Aeternum Super Store branches here. Not just in the capital—but in every major city.”Robert nodded. “We’d dominate the market before they even knew what hit them. Food, tech, textiles. We could monopolize the entire consumer chain.”Andrew chuckled, finally seeing the silver lining. “We’d be heroes to the people. And villains to the nobles—well, if any are still left standing.”“People like what fills their stomachs,” Jessica said. “Right now, they’re starving for quality. They’ll welcome us like saviors.”Andrea folded her arms, surveying the square again. She could already envision the clean, modern storefronts replacing the crumbling stalls. Self-sanitizing kiosks. Subsidized food packs. Nutritional water stations. Supply chains optimized by Aeternum AI logistics.“This city’s a blank slate now,” she said softly. “Their failure is our opportunity. And this
“Minister Andrea, Her Majesty sends word. She invites you to join her in the council chamber once your tour is complete.”Andrea nodded without looking at him. “Tell her I’ll return shortly. Let her know the city has spoken louder than any court could.”The young man paled but bowed again and hurried off.Andrea resumed walking. “They’re ashamed. Helen saw the city, I’m sure. She knew I’d see this mess.”“She should be ashamed,” Jessica said. “But she’s trying. And she listened to her uncle, at least.”“Yes,” Andrea admitted. “That’s the only reason we’re even here.”They continued walking in silence until they reached the edge of the once-thriving industrial sector. The machinery was still, some pieces looted, others rusting like ancient bones. Andrea crouched beside a discarded engine part, running her fingers over the insignia stamped on the metal.“Aeternum-built,” she whispered. “We left it here. And they left it to rot.”She stood, her voice tightening. “No more gifts. No more r
“I come bearing news from President Mies,” Andrea said. “He has authorized me to reestablish economic relations between Aeternum and Hallerus.”The words fell like rain on droughted soil. Gasps. Whispers. And then—cheers stifled by etiquette.Helen blinked. “You’re serious?”Andrea raised a brow. “I don’t waste time, Your Majesty. Our logistics and trade units will begin routing initial shipments within two weeks. In exchange, we’d like preferred trading status for key Hallerian exports. Wheat. Marble. Blackvine spices.”Helen nodded rapidly. “Of course. Anything.”Andrea turned her gaze slightly. “Be aware: the initial tariffs will reflect… the past breakdown in our diplomatic relations.”A slight smile touched her lips. Not warm. Calculated.Helen bowed her head, just enough. “A fair penalty. One we accept.”Andrea’s expression softened—barely. “Good. Then consider today the first page in a new chapter.”Helen stepped forward. “Minister Andrea, may I speak plainly?”Andrea nodded on
“We’re sending an envoy,” I said. “I want a diplomatic team ready to leave within the week. Formal clothes, soft language, but firm posture. They’ll deliver the proposal to reopen channels with Hallerus.”Andrea raised an eyebrow. “And if they hesitate?”“They won’t,” I said. “Helen’s smarter than she was. She knows what Aeternum means now—not just power. Stability. Progress. A future. Her people know it too. They’re already lining up to buy our products again. Her economy needs us more than she’d ever admit.”Andrea took notes. “Do we offer full partnership or just trade?”“Start with trade. Let her work for the rest.”Elijah crossed his arms. “You’re playing the long game.”“Always,” I said. “She showed backbone. Now she has to show consistency. If Hallerus stays clean, stays reformed, we talk alliance in two years. Maybe joint ventures. Maybe intelligence sharing.”Andrea looked up. “And if they regress?”“Then the gloves come off,” I said. “I owe Merrica nothing now. The ledger is
“Shadow diplomacy?”“Shared progress,” I corrected. “No puppet states. No conquest. We build allies, not subjects.”“And if she fails?”“She won’t.”“You trust her?”“I trust momentum.”Silence settled between us. Weighty. Calculated.“She came to the edge,” I said. “She looked down. She chose to climb.”I placed my palm on the table. Pulled up the interlink data from the last ACIA relay. A still frame of Helen and Merrica, standing beside a new council—half of them former commoners. Not a single noble.“She’s rewriting the code of kingship,” Elijah said.“She’s writing history.”Elijah nodded. “I’ll alert the Council of Governors. Phase One integration can begin. Cultural exchange programs. Civil training volunteers.”“Quiet. Measured.”“As always.”I watched the horizon past the glass. My reflection stared back. Older now. Sharper.“Hallerus lives,” I said.Elijah placed the closed folder back into his case. “And Aeternum listens.”I sat behind the presidential desk, sunlight spilli
"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