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
When they asked me for help naturally, I am more than happy to assist them. After all, currently their sentiments has completely made them abandoned the Guilds and also the Merchant Groups that they have hailed as their ally. At time like these Aeternum has to swoops in and made sure that they would be relying on Aeternum no matter what and make them feels comfortable to do so. It was very apparent that even now, they still have some consideration and careful around their approach towards me and Aeternum, after all, at the end of the day, Aeternum is a new force. The only credibility that they can trust is their Children accounts and also the fact that Aeternum has just unraveled their biggest concerns for them. But then again, such stable relationship can be pursued in a long period of time. Right now it was important for me and Aeternum as a whole to take a careful approach.“To be honest with you all, there were a lot of approach that these people would take in all difference circu
As I were developing Aeternum to the level of it is right now, naturally along the way I have to make a non profits policy, and one of them is The Bad Harvest Help Packages policy. Which is a policy that is only for the small time local farmers of Aeternum, Sure the Aeternum Resource Ministry is the largest agricultural monopoly of the entire Aeternum, monopolizing the 70% of the Agricultural produce in Aeternum, but about 5% of the remaining 30% is actually belonged to the Aeternum small time farmers, that are belonged to Aeternum citizens, mostly to those that were the families that have land of their own.These local farmers were the one that has been selling their produce In the local village markets, and some of them were even coming together to make a Trading Company that sells their produce in the Supermarket as the local produce suppliers. I allowed such practice after all, the 5% produce of vegetables and grains is also quite big, beside it encourage Aeternum to be competitiv
The suggestion for the lords to lower their pride and literally asking Aeternum for their good will at the very first day of both party were just about to become friends, clearly upsets all the Lords. Seeing their child stood up and speaks of such embarrassing actions angers all of them enough for them to really shows their furry before their guest which is me. Reqkin Rivgog did not held back at all as he shows his Aura, that easily engulfing the entire Ball room, to the point all the young leader were force to kneel on the floor.“Is this how I raised you, Qekin?!…even if the time is hard, is these they way that Rivgog family members should act?!!..”. (Reqkin Rivgog)“But, Father!…the time has warranted us to act like so!..We cannot let our people suffers anymore!…this is an opportunity that we should grab onto right now!!…Beside, we don’t supposed to just asking for aid blatantly!…we can come up sit some suggestions too…but we really are desperate from changes right now!!!..”. (Qeki
When I simply stated to everyone that, although I can’t fully give them what they wanted. Which clearly what they all also need and looks very much wanting it, but can’t because of their pride. When I provided them with another options naturally everyone would agreed to it in an instant. Sure they are prideful of themselves, but at the same time they were already suffocated with no other options left, after all, the Demi-Human race is innately honest and also prideful, that is just their natures. Thus when there is no other option, and the option that I provides allowed them to keep their little sliver of their pride intact, naturally they would jump on it and agreed to it immediately.Thus, another options has been made, and I called these impromptu agreements as the Aeternum and Wasteland Settlement Good will Act. Aeternum will acquire all the stocked piled foods, that they bought from the Merchant Guilds and the Merchant Groups, at half price that they bought them. But instead of b
Thanks to the signing of the successful alliance and on top of that a way out of their current predicament, the vibes within the Ball Room, is rather light and filled with positivity, all the lords has started to opened up to me about various of stuff, they even went ahead and introduced me to their wives and children. Surprisingly these people really do take care of their linage very well, all of them can be considered an elite on their own levels. For example the Lady of the Stammler Family, Elondia Stammler, is a Winter Fox Demi-Human, naturally her beauty is top notch. But at the same time what impressed me about her is her ability as a politician.In a secret, Agent Smith told me that it was Elondia Stammler who pushed her husband and send Amalinde Stammler towards Aeternum. She even the one that warned her husband to keep a clear line between the Wasteland powerhouse and the Guilds and Merchant Groups. But unfortunately, In the Wasteland and also the Demi-Human culture, a marrie
Although the Wasteland people didn’t particularly eager to leave the Wasteland, it cannot be said that they didn’t want to do such things at all. The living condition in the wasteland is harsh so naturally there were those that wanted to find opportunity elsewhere. Instinctively the Wasteland people knew that Wasteland is the safest place for them to roam around, as there were less racism here than any other places. But as people they yearned freedom to do whatever they want thus venturing out of their home is something that they wanted to do. In actuality, there is no such thing as travel ban that were put against the wasteland officially by any nation at all. But everyone knows that Demi-Human and non-Human race were nearly all of them flocked and exiled at the Wasteland.Thus the naturally Humans who felt superior to these other races wanted them to stay there and also with the influence of the human supremacist like Church of Light enforcing the thinking that Humans should be kept
“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
"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