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
As soon as the meeting ended, rather than staying at the Stammler Mansion, as Louis Stammler invited and insisted that I stayed there for a night and enjoyed their hospitality. I declined their invitations, stating that I can’t do so, because I have a lot of jobs to do at the moment, so instead, once again, Aeternum appearance made an uproar in the Stammler City as Aeternum Airship landed right outside of the city wall. A lot of people went rather crazy with the latest technology appearing before their eyes, thankfully all the city guards were already informed about these matter, if not there will be an endless trouble for me.“How’s your visit there, Master….is it good?..”. (Colonel Yvone)“It went as we expected…it is going great,…now that they have leaved everything to us…it will be much more easier for us to deal with everything…”.As the Airship flew on route to the Aeternum Wasteland Base, I am resting inside the Airship pilot cabin. To me I liked these place, because I can see
All of Maiden Unit as well as all of Aeternum upper echelon that has been working together with me since the start, all of them were not normal at all, sure they looked like they were on the outside, but when it comes to me, they all were like a zealous pious believer, that believes truly that if anything that is against me or anything that does not followed my will, all of them should be eradicated at once. Although I like these kind of thinking from all of them, at times it kinda feels scary too. After all, they often leaned towards the extreme first rather than thinking like an average people, that is why Yvone said something so ominous easily like that.Because she knows that if I were to just said, to conquer everything in the bloodiest manner, even Elijah and the sisters would say yes and be the first one to arrived here. Their devotion to me is unshakable at all, but right now for the current me, I don’t feel like spilling to much blood like I used to before, sure, with Aeternu
To be honest, I am not entirely shocked that Colonel Xing would be here standing and walking with me, what shocked is Student Adriana Jelina. I never thought that she would be cleared to be here these quick, actually a few days ago, as soon as the situation has been stabilized here at the base, I already cleared the base to be able to be visited from Aeternum. I know to open the travel path to here, would help boost the base developments, but all the clearance can only be given by Aeternum Homeland Defence Ministry and only those organization that affiliated with the government would be granted access to these privileges.“Yvone, Alessia…how that that kid were able to get here?…I assume there is also a bunch of students here right?..”.“Oh that?…well, she received the permission from Vice President herself..she also got a written recommendation from the University Dean…Apparently the Cabinet were in session yesterday and since you have lifted the ban of travel to here….the Cabinet alr
Adriana Jelina enthusiastic response and reactions is rather too much for me, to entertain so instead I just told her to do her own assessment on her own job, after all that is her task here. As for me and the others we headed straight to the Command Center Building, since it was newly finished everything is more comfortable right now. Currently it was also the busiest place in the Base. All the soldiers and the staffs of the base move back and forth to these base to get their works. Yesterday, the building has also finished installing the first ever Magic Radio tower on the rooftop of the building.From now on, be it the signal from the radio or even the direct communication to Aeternum, everything will be much more clearer and no more delays. And also, it will no longer required, T.A.S to strengthen the signal, and instead right now, the computer in the base can now be connected to Aeternum main database. Making it easier for everyone to work and any documentations to finished much
Right after the meeting with the Aeternum President, Unlike the Aeternum President who hurried left the Stammler City, all the lords still decided to stay in the hospitality of the Stammler Family, all of the 4 lords right now, were in an informal setting where they were enjoying what they considered the first calm nights that they have experience after years of headache because of the Wasteland worsening situations. It was a seldom occasions to see all the 4 lords sat down on a single balcony in peace, after all, all 4 of them never really do be in a good terms with each others, each and single one of them has a history of battles against one and another.“Those Merchants made it seems like Aeternum is the worst type of people out there…whilst the truth is…they were the one that with the black heart…..”.(Reqkin Rivgog)“I know right?…When Little Lobelia told me that she wanted to go to Aeternum…I rather reluctant…but now, letting her go was the right decisions after all…Seeing
“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