The only feasible reactions that an Alemia Royal faction loyalist can give when they heard that Duke Oliver Gust and his entire family and vassal is currently in New City instead of dying from the assassination attempts that the Hidden Hands were supposed to be success at, is nothing but slamming a fist on a table to quell their rages. Nicholas were outright baffled at what he is hearing at, Shad isn’t someone that can make mistake, in fact, all of the Hidden Hands Spies weren’t the type that would make a mistake on recognizing the Alemia Nation nobles, especially the one that is the entire nation should be wary and concerned about.“Duke Oliver is here?..what is he doing here?…didn’t he were just in his territory?…all of the runaways were heading to their territory!…so how?!…why?!!….you said that he was at the Government District right?…where is he heading towards to?..”.(Nicholas)Nicholas were on the verge of a break down, questioning everything that passed through his mind. When i
“...Greetings, Director Mot…I never think that we would be found…but…Apparently I were too naive for my own good….how long has Aeternum knows about us?..”.(Nicholas)Calmly and politely, Nicholas stepped forward before Mot and asked, all the Hidden Hands spies shaking their heads for him not to do so, but Nicholas knows that if Mot were here, then it is game over for all of them, and perhaps for Alemia Nation as well.“A polite and civilized leader…interesting….we know from the start….how many of you..what you were doing..who’s the leader and to whom you provide your services to….for a long time, I can’t be bothered of your presence…and we just decided to let you be by your own…but it was a different story now….so, Nicholas, Leader of the Hidden Hands…you know what is to become of you and your men…now..correct?..”. (Director Of the Internal Audit, Mot)Nicholas could only swallow his bitter saliva, as he heard that this entire time, they have been in the mercy of Aeternum hands, and
In the hidden dark of Aeternum sunny sides, a purge were currently in progress. With the Internal Audit Department, getting a direct order from the Ventral Government Ministry. All of Alemia Nation related organization that were working against Aeternum interest, were all being hunted down and destroyed, without any mercy at all and all of them were prosecuted and trial on the spot. Although the order were to simply just kill and purge everything, Mot as the Director of the Internal Audit herself, refuses to just committing mass genocide without a proper protocol, she would follow her rules and the law to the letter, that is just the way she is, Still despite, that legal following protocol, everything still moving on smoothly.“Sister Elijah, my department has purged, hunted down, prosecuted and confiscated, almost all of the Alemia Nation related organization, be it the spies or their dirty Dark Organizations….Seriously sister…why have you decided to let this kind of people in our co
At the Broadcast centre, things is already moving fast, everyone were busy since the President himself has set foot in the building and has been working for a full day and now entering the second day already. There were a lot to do when it comes to convincing a lot of people at the same time, whilst everyone were doing their part, naturally one of the most essential part of the entire thing also had to worked hard. That ‘s why, Paul, Quara Raedrim and President Mies has been working at full capacity. Thankfully the search for the new news anchor that will be colouring the Aeternum new type of entertainment, has already been picked.“Damon Oak is really unexpectedly charming…for a Dwarf he sure is good looking…”.(Paul)“That’s true…I like him…he is what a personification of a Dwarf should be like…Magnificent fiery red beard, rough looks and excellent deep voice…that guy is perfect..”.Me and Paul were talking about the new news anchor that passed the audition today. His name is Damon O
Excessive words and expression weren’t much needed between me and Mot, we both can just sit here at the edge of the studio and looked at people, for hours if we wanted to, She especially loved it. She told me once that she liked being around me, and didn’t mind just be with me all day. But after we got passed our earlier days and now everyone has their own works and responsibility, she limited herself to be with me to at least once a month. Anubis Demi-Human race, is unique, the were emotionless and also do not have any sexual urges at all, they just live In any form and style the like. And apparently, what is better for an Aeternum Anubis race is that, they dedicated their dedication to the benefits of Aeternum, but for Mot, she dedicated her life for me. So the least that I can do for her is fulfill her needs.“Did you already done with cleaning New City?..”.“...Yes, I did…Executed the all leaders, and also 200 members of them…and I also left 30 of them alive…just like Sister Elija
Meanwhile at the Gust Family Mansion, today their day started perfect. In the morning, the whole family, including the vassal and their family were all moving together in a large groups like a tourist groups. Instead of just driving their carriages or take a taxi like they all used to. Duke Oliver Gust went out of his way, to spend his fortune and appreciate and celebrated the momentous day, by renting an Aeternum Double Decker bus, 2 of them in fact, to use as their vehicles for the entire day. They moved like the super rich naturally, but nevertheless it a happy moment for every single one of them because they were now going to be an Aeternum citizen, finally.For Duke Oliver Gust and his family and vassals, this is something that needed to be celebrated. They have dreamed to be apart of Aeternum and it’s culture and now they are finally being accepted into the fold, in the midst of this trying times. It was a great opportunity and honour to them. Naturally the entire thing proceeds
It was definitely an actions that provoked an awkward response from anyone that has to face it upfront. Thankfully, for Duke Oliver Gust, Vice Manager Leah Willow is a person that is well versed in communication with nobles such as duke himself, laughing. Smiling or anything that isn’t a replies to his enthusiasms is something that can be easily led the Nobles to react hostile, thus as always, Leah Willow naturally treated him with utmost professionalism.“..Of course, it is possible, Great Sir…now If you will, please follow me…we have prepared a special venues to accommodates your registry in an utmost comfort..man as your stature in Aeternum is quite rare..it is only appropriate we treated you and your entourage accordingly…”.( ARCB Vice Manager Leah Willow)“..a bit excessive..but I do understand…hahaha..”.(Duke Oliver Gust)To Duke replies, Leah Willow just smiles. They know that nobles are just too arrogant, especially when in a place of high establishment like this bank, the dif
All this time, it can be said that the Gust Family, has been experiencing Aeternum luxurious lifestyles, although they were an Alemia Nation people, they spend their fortune here, in New City most of the time. But even if it was so, they were just experiencing the lifestyles, not truly living the lives, of a true Aeternum high end people. So even if they were rich, there were a lot of services and places that they cannot even enter with just how much prestige they have, no matter how hard they tried to do so, no one would complied to their needs if they didn’t match the qualifications. And Aeternum did not compromise those that do not follow their rules, it as simple as that.One of the privileges that the Gust family has been dreaming of getting for quite sometime, is one of it is owning an Aeternum Magic Vehicles. Since the release and introductions of Aeternum Magic Vehicles to the masses, everyone wants to have them in their possessions. Especially the rich and the nobles, Duke Ol
“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.
“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