It takes quite a while for Duke Oliver Gust and his entire company to realized what just happened, and the information that happened to land in his hand in that brief encounter with Director Mot. He learned that basically, Alemia Nation has an intelligence networks inside of Aeternum and in the New City, to make matter even worse is that, the said Intelligence Network is actually been spying on him and following whilst he was in the New City. Meaning that they know that he was here and his whole family and Vassal were here as well. Now not only their safety were in concerns but also the information that they were here too.The fact that he as the duke of Alemia Eastern region were in Aeternum by the time of the war were still raging isn’t something that anyone would take lightly, especially for the Queen and also the Prince. Without even saying anything those two would definitely be able to draw a conclusion that were against the Gust family, and no matter what kind of scenario that t
“Mothers…everyone in Aeternum can read and writes…it was normal…everyone were educated to the point that they were able to do even simple calculations…the education level in Aeternum is very high..even Alemia Nation can’t compare…the only place in the world that can compare to Aeternum education level..is probably the Institute of Artemesia..but nowadays even they themselves come here to learn…”.(Francesca Oliver)“Really, that is very remarkable…surely Aeternum is really different…while everyone were struggling to have any commoners to be able to read…Aeternum got them all over the places…also, aren’t you the best, My daughter Fran~…she knows everything about Aeternum..I am so proud of her..hehe”.(Duchess Cassi Gust)“Please stop it, Mom…”.(Francesca Oliver)“Aww…I just complimenting you~”.(Duchess Cassi Gust)“She sure is our Gust family pride….then should we buy something at the store?…their books were looking rather interesting…I can’t wait to check them out…”.(Countess Sarra Gust
The little girl replies, is not a true rejections or curt at all, but rather it was a determination from her. She is trying to reach the book that she wanted by herself, Duchess Cassi Gust is a sensible person and also have a very keen eyes, and she knows for sure that the little girl identity is not common at all, because she is not only dressed nice, but also, she had a Tier 3 bodyguard that were watching over, and that bodyguard has a constant looks on her, and noticed the Duchess approach on the little lady. Yet the Bodyguard instantly knows that the Duchess would not bear harm to the little lady and let her be.“But, Little lady…it is unlady like if you are continue to tip toes and jumps like this…don’t you think?..also, if you land on a wrong foot…you might also get hurt..”.(Duchess Cassi Gust)“But..but…I want that book…and I want to get them with my own effort…also, if I keep challenging myself by reaching up…maybe I will get taller…”.(Silver haired cute girl)Duchess Cassi Gu
“Thank you, Auntie Cassi…thanks to you..I am able to get the book and buy a present for father all by myself…hehehe…”.(Yggdrasil)“You’re welcome, young lady..eat slowly, here let me wipe that smudge on your cheeks..there we go…Yggdrasil..why are you out here alone?..didn’t your mother and father be worried if you were not home?..”.(Duchess Cassi Gust)Duchess Cassi Gust were happy looking after Yggdrasil as if she were her child, they rested at the bench outside the Bookstore, after getting Yggdrasil an ice cream. Her maternal instinct just went wild when she were around her and looking after her, as if it was only natural, but at the same time seeing this child by herself, made her felt worried.“Mothers and father were busy these days….beside I got, Mathild with me…also, father said as long as it was New City…i will be just fine…but I have a curfew…I have to get back home before 4 in the afternoon…right now..it is just 12 and it was just after school…so I can go anywhere I want…fat
Once Duchess Cassi Gust heard what Mathild said, she was rather taken aback, to think that she were able to take out the spies that were spying on her and also perhaps the many that is currently spying on the other Gust family members that were in the mall, that is simply an amazing feat. Also on top of that the reason that she did so, is because she were really treating the young lady well. It was like she were doing her a favour just because she wanted to, this is simply something that she can no longer decided that it was a simple matter, Yggdrasil is not some small figure in Aeternum at all.Meanwhile, inside the Bookstore, Baron Erwin Sutton finally meet up with Francesca and Countess Sarra, Knight Arnan and Viscount Crisp is naturally were gathering the rest of the groups by themselves after all their wife were also in the crowds. So Baron Erwin is huffing and puffing, breathless as he ran with all of his will, seeing the 2 ladies of the Gust family were fine, he was relief.“LA
No matter how strong you are, or how you are a noble of high status, when someone appears right in front of you suddenly and also carrying a deadly killing Aura that you have never felt before in your life. You would stop and listened to their words no matter what, that is what happened to Baron Erwin Sutton right now at the moment, before he were even able to get within 20 steps in front of the Duchess, Knight Mathild Hindergrass wearing a menacing looks staring not only right at him, but also, towards Francesca Oliver and also Countess Sarra Gust. Making them stopped on their tracks and sweating cold sweats.“State your name right now…please..”.(Knight Mathild Hindergrass)“umm..umm…I am Baron Erwin Sutton…v..vassal to Alemia Nation Duke, Duke Oliver Gust…I am also a follower of that Duchess over there….umm…c..can…milady please move this dagger from my neck..please?..”.(Baron Erwin Sutton)Anyone can notice, just how lazily and annoyed Knight Mathild spoke the word ‘please’ at the e
As the got closer to the group of 4, they started to noticed a little bit of the awkwardness between Francesca groups and Knight Mathild. Yggdrasil being a sensible child that she always is, immediately looked at Mathild who’s have that usual unemotional looks that she always wears, as she glance over that the Baron, the man were practically showing an awkward smiles.“Did sister Mathild, show you her dagger?…I’m so sorry Mister Baron…sister Mathild is a good sister…she just love to show her dagger to people sometimes…”.(Yggdrasil)Everyone except Mathild were instantly taken aback by this sudden apology, especially for the 3 of them because they know who is Princess Yggdrasil and for an Aeternum royalty to actually asked for their forgiveness, that is something that they did not dare to ask nor received at all, they who are now a subject of Aeternum, they should be the one that felt sorry about the entire thing, that is what it should be.“Your Highness!..we..…”.(Baron Erwin S
Duchess Cassi Gust, Countess Sarra Gust and Baron Erwin Sutton right at this moment, were left, with a big baffling moment as they learned who Yggdrasil was. For Francesca Oliver she knows and already acquainted with the Princess through Adriana Jelina, which they happened to come across each others at the Yggdrasil Cafe, that the Princess owned in the city. So they are more or so friends. Naturally Francesca Oliver who is always being on toes around the princess never really dared to say that she is a friend to the princess, as she often then to be the princess attendance whenever they cross paths.But even so, Princess Yggdrasil is rather unique, she isn’t like any other princess at all, she is kind and playful like any children of her age, she is mindful of her status and never abused her power against other. She is well beloved and respected by all Aeternum, this is also include Francesca Oliver. But everyone knows that she is still a child, and she needs to be looked after, and f
“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