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
As everyone were talking amongst themselves, I already instructed the A.C.I.A agents to locked down the entire mansion secretly. The order were simple prevented any sort of leak information from these secret meeting and also captured anyone that is suspicious that is about to come out of the mansion to make their reports. Agent Smith has slightly include the 4 Young Representative in the plans, but rather than just revealing the information that the Guilds and the Merchant Groups were the one that is responsible for the whole disaster, Instead they were told that there were some sinister forces that tried to stop the Signing of the Agreements and they were after the President lives.With that knowledge, naturally the 4 representative were more that happy to let all the A.C.I.A agents that were known to them as a normal Aeternum soldiers to do their work and even went as far as to help them do anything and accommodate them, for these 4 representative they wanted more than anything is t
Clearly once again the angry Reqkin Rivgog were the one that only showed his clear anger to the entire room. As for me, I intentionally made it seems like I have just found out by deducting from all of their information, acting innocent so that I would not look like I overstepping to much into their matter, and appear as if a bit reluctant to share what I have in my mind. These is just usual tactics for me, I wanted everyone here to Understand that Aeternum is not some country that wanted to just dived into other people problems, but also at the same time, I wanted to show that Aeternum were also not the kind of factions that would just witnessed other suffering, I wanted the image were to be of balance perspective. Thus also showed that just how matured Aeternum as a country.“I don’t know if you all have heard about the news…but recently…Aeternum has been in a clash of disagreements with all the 3 Major Guilds…as a matter of fact..we even speaks of these openly at the recently Inter
Once again the entire room were thrown into an uproar because of my confirmation about these matters. After all, it doesn’t takes a lot of thinking to just correlated these facts. Moreover they were also being fueled with the factor of racism that they have face for a long time, it was well known that the Demi-Human were being hated by humans, and often times when exploitation happened it was always them as the victims before anyone else. I on the other hand, my role here is to fuel up the anger and ensuring that everyone is on the same side on eliminating the Guilds and all the major Merchant groups. Before Aeternum truly started trading in wasteland. Therefore I have decided right now, it was time to throw in the chaotic factors, by exposing the truth, that I have selected one by one. And the first one, is to throw the insider inside these room into the fire.“I am sure that these is hard to process..but I believe often times…that money and riches made a lot of people goes crazy…the
Lingard Joel is one of the veteran vassal for the Stammler family, one can say that throughout his service him and his family has been living by the side of the Stammler family ever since they made land in the Wasteland. But at the same time, aside from the Stammler Family, Lingard Joel family also quite well off compared to others as they were a merchant families. Yet the Lingard family has never hungered for the Stammler family crown, instead they have been rather dabbing in the business on the side, as well as working as the Stammler Domain financial Adviser.But one thing about the Lingard family, is that, they are a well known sinners for the entire Stammler Domain history, they have committed a lot of crimes and wrong doing over the course of their lineage. But often time, when a mistake was made, they remedied it and were forgiven by the then Stammler Patriarch at that time, after all, at that time in the previous era, Stammler Family cannot afford losing any vassal or able bod
At these point, when 2 the Elders of the Merchant Guilds were then found and executed on the spot, it has confirmed my speculation for the entire room to see that I have only said the truth these entire time. The made, no matter what Lingard Joel were about to say, or defend himself, it was all useless because the circumstantial has already proved that the sinister plots that I have been saying is true all along. To be honest I never really thought that the situation would progress these fast, instead of suspecting me, all the lords right now, has a new found admiration towards me.“Drag him out of my sight, Now!…also, detained his family and all of his property…don’t let anything get away at all!…”. (Louis Stammler)“Yes, My lord!…..”. (Stammler Family Knights)“Nooooooo!!…my lord!..please don’t do this to me!!…NOOOOO!!..”. (Lingard Joel)Despite his resistance and pleads, the Stammler Family Knights that has been guarding their lords behind the throne, immediately dragged Lin
When someone in doubt about something that may cause them discomfort, they tend to interpret everything that is bad happened to them to be of the same nature, that is basically what all the Lords are trying to rationalized in their mind right now. As for me, since their perceptions towards others has drop down, these was naturally the time for Aeternum to swoop in as their saviour and be the one that would help them when they were downed. When it comes to things like these what is important, is to appear as amiable as possible, also I don’t want to reveal everything to them, doing that would only make looking more suspicious. Thus, the appropriate approached that I can do right now is just tell them about the History of the Merchant Guild infamous scheme.“When the last time they tried to pull off something massive like these…naturally they have a lot of schemes in their plans…sometimes they faked the empty markets…at times they even went as far as selling only bad products like what
“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