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
From a simple coincidence meeting with the Princess Yggdrasil and then moving to bringing her to Duke Oliver Gust mansion were all just happens to be. Duchess Cassi Gust never really think that such thing would happened to her, for her to meet personally with Aeternum royalty, when she haven’t really meet with the President and the ministers as of yet. And now on her lap, is the Princess of Aeternum, which is she were naturally taken care of, serving her every whim. Yggdrasil were a good girl, naturally she doesn’t like to cause inconvenience to others, but when someone she likes were around her, she would be beaming with energy. That is what she is essentially, also to be quite honest, she dislike being at home, especially on a day time, and not on weekend, because by then, her father and mothers were busy working.Yggdrasil knows that her parents were the leaders of the nation so, she can’t be ungrateful and asked for too much. Originally her father and mothers doesn’t want her to r
The extent of Aeternum strength is something that many has wondered about before. No one really knows just how capable they are, but at the end everyone knows to just do not assume anything and just assume everything, Aeternum is strong and powerful and they can just do some unimaginable things if they wanted to. That perception alone is enough for many to fear and respected Aeternum governance and naturally the Aeternum Royal family as well. So at the moment, when Knight Mathild Hindergrass said, that she does not care at all what is going on with the Ducal family matters, that means, that is to be the case.The Aeternum Secret Service especially those that are protecting the Princes safety does not cared about anything other than the happiness and the safety of the Princess. Even so, for Baron Erwin Sutton, he needs to be careful of his steps and actions right now, in fact the entire Gust family has to be careful at the moment. In a messy moment’s like this it was easy for anyone to
When everyone is back at the Gust Mansion, immediately an urgent meeting were held by the Duke himself. He went off to explained to everyone about the current situation of how he meet with Director Mot and the information that he received from her. How they were being tailed by their own nation spies, that he doesn’t know the origin of and belongs to which factions, and then what will this incident be for all of them. Everything is worrisome for the Gust family, they are just barely stepping into the door of Aeternum and now, their old sides, is already smearing the Aeternum house, and surely such things would damaged their image.Duke Oliver Gust believed that if this incident were to be of the worse, then it will not only be of some kind of problem to them. But also to the Countess Jelina, who supporting him, not to mention the few Ministers that were also supporting him in his nomination and elections. To him, it is fine if he was only the one that got implicated, but to also drag
As Countess Sarra Gust pointed at the Garden below, she pointed at a cute little girl that are running around, picking flowers in the garden together with his wife, Duchess Cassi Gust. The little girl were all happy without any care in the world, and so did the Duchess who clearly showers her with her maternal love. Duke Oliver Gust were beyond disbelief at the moment, as to why a little girl were in his house at this time, as clearly it was an emergency situation in the Gust family. Not only that, the maids and the butlers were all readying the Garden for a small tea setup, clearly for the Duchess and the little girl.“Who is that little girl?…and why is Cassi with her like that?..”.(Duke Oliver Gust)“Well…she is Her Highness Princess Yggdrasil…the only princess of Aeternum…Sister Cassi found her in the mall…and then started to just follows her around, playing with her..they started to bond, and Sister Cassi promised to play with her today…thus, the princess demands her to fulfill h
Governor Countess Jelina right now, can be considered as the Gust Family biggest benefactors, ally and also backers in Aeternum. Gust Family, relies on her to relay any information that is considered secrets within the Government and also they relied on her judgement in many matters, whilst also learned the ways of navigating inside of Aeternum governance. The way of Aeternum governance runs things are very different from any method that the Gust Family knows. Favour is barely working, becoming a lackeys doesn’t work at all, kissing up is doing nothing at all. The way things works is very different, and it takes times to full understand the new ways. That is why, no matter what it is, Duke Oliver will always think the bad first before the goods. And today that is the case of it.“[What do I think about your situation?….well…first of all…what did Director Mot said to you when you meet her?..]”.(Governor Countess Jelina)“Well…she doesn’t really say much…she just told me there is Alemia
The Infamous Internal Audit department, is only famous within Aeternum only, and not to the outside world, after all, it was a domestic department after all, their existence should only be knows to only Aeternums only, but it was all thanks to this department that Aeternum is basically corruption free. Everything were kept in order and made sure that everything were moving well, without any issues at all. Duke Oliver considered this as his new lesson as he know were going to work for Aeternum, after all once he became the governor, whether he wanted it or not, the Internal Audit Department is one of the many department that he has to work with.“Thank you…Jelina…if it’s not because of your reassurance…I might still be in panic because all of this fiasco that those Alemia nobles and royals doing….”.(Duke Oliver Gust)“[Don’t mentioned it….it was my pleasure to do so, to my new colleague after all….also, so..now you already brave enough..to use the words ‘those’ for the Alemia people hu
“Does Princess Yggdrasil really that influential?…”.(Duke Oliver Gust)“[The Aeternum Cathedral of Faith appointed her as the High Priestess, The first and largest shopping mall were named after her, and the President and the Ministers created a cafe and restaurant just for her…so…that alone explained how she were dotted by not just her parents but the entire country…if she says ‘you’re bad person’ in public…best belief even an old grandmother would beat you with her cane to death..she is that much powerful…]”.(Governess Countess Jelina)“Oh…that is…something to take note of…”.“[Of course…but don’t worry, she is still a kind hearted child…often sees everyone in a good light no matter what…she often comes to my office to play, in the Black House…so..for that words…you can think of it as you like…..oh make sure that she is happy with you…don’t feed her to many sweets…if you do, then Minister Rafaela will be angry at you…and make sure to escort her back to the Aeternum Royal Palace befo
The project would take time—perhaps years—but its impact would begin in weeks.“Once the roads are in place,” Merrica said, entering her chamber with a report in hand, “we’ll be able to move goods faster, respond to crises quicker, and prepare for the second phase: economic zone development.”Helen took the report with a tired, but satisfied smile. “This… this they will see. This they will believe.”“And when they do,” Merrica said, “they’ll follow.”Late that night, as the wind howled against the palace windows, Helen stood in her private study, gazing out at the flickering torches lining the city streets. In her hand was a smooth, curved stone from the first road pile—just a plain stone, but to her, it was the beginning of a foundation.Her fingers closed around it as she whispered to herself, “Let this road lead us to a better kingdom.” And with that, the first steps into a new Hallerus had begun.The throne room had seen war plans, council betrayals, and royal declarations. But on
The ministers eagerly pointed out their favorite places from their student years.“Over there—that café served synthetic ice cream you have to try.”“That’s the district where I first saw a holographic opera.”“This is where I spent hours in the central library—eight floors of pure knowledge.”Helen listened with quiet amusement and growing wonder. These weren’t just stories. This was the future.They stopped first at a shopping promenade, where modern boutiques lined the plaza. Aeternum fashion—streamlined, elegant, tailored for form and comfort—was on full display.Helen tried on a pale blue dress lined with iridescent threads that shifted color slightly under different lighting. She admired herself in the mirror. Regal, yet free. She hadn’t felt this light in years.Merrica chuckled as she twirled slightly. “Careful. You’ll make the palace tailors obsolete.”Next came the Aeternum cuisine district. The aroma of spices, imported meats, baked delicacies and exotic fruit blends filled
Meerkat sipped from his flask; eyes gleaming. “Monster cores alone could offset our collective energy reliance on Aeternum’s hybrid reactors. If those dungeons are stabilized and regulated under UNA protocols, we’re looking at a resource boom.”Angela arched an eyebrow. “All that assumes stability. A kingdom can’t regulate dungeons if they can’t regulate their own court.”“Well,” Meerkat said with a shrug, “that’s what Merrica’s for, isn’t it?”They all laughed lightly—because it was true. The man’s reputation preceded him. Hallerus may have signed with a queen, but Merrica had built the bridge.Kaneda leaned forward. “It’s risky, but it’s a calculated risk. We’re not signing blind loyalty here. We’re watching. Evaluating. But make no mistake—if this works, Hallerus becomes the keystone of continental connectivity.”Redwall drummed his fingers on his knee. “I suppose that’s why we’re here. Not to clap at the signing. But to see if the queen is truly changed.”“She is,” Angela said qui
“And now, a major announcement: With the signing complete, Hallerus Kingdom is formally inducted into the United Nation Alliance as its thirty-first member. This marks a turning point—not only for Hallerus, but for the entire Central Continent.”“The UNA, now composed of thirty-one sovereign nations, officially becomes the largest unified alliance in the world’s history—its reach, economic power, and strategic cooperation unmatched by any prior coalition.”“Following this event, Aeternum has confirmed it will begin a nationwide rollout of its Super Stores, factories, and humanitarian infrastructure in Hallerus territory. In exchange, Hallerus will provide critical resources and cultural integration into the alliance structure.”“Public reaction is already beginning to surface—here in New City, spontaneous celebrations have begun in the multicultural districts where former Hallerians live. Meanwhile, markets across the UNA are surging in response to the stability this alliance signifie
“I don’t forget betrayal easily,” I said. “And Aeternum doesn’t forget pain lightly. What happened between us—it scarred people. People who trusted Hallerus. Soldiers who bled for your freedom. Civilians who saw us pulled out overnight.”“I know,” Helen said. “And I accept the cost.”“But,” I said, letting the word hang before softening my tone, “I do respect accountability.”Her eyes met mine. “Then we start again?”“We do,” I said, extending a hand.She took it. Her grip was firm.“We bury the hatchet,” I added. “But let’s be clear—this is not a return to old friendship. This is a new foundation. One built on lessons learned.”Helen nodded. “Agreed.”Merrica exhaled, satisfied. “It’s what both sides need.”I looked at Helen, voice calm. “You have a second chance now. Few leaders get that. Don’t waste it.”She nodded again, quietly this time. “I won’t.”“Good,” I said. “Because your people need you more than ever. Rule wisely. Rule well. Let this alliance be your legacy.”For the fir
“We’ll export more to Hallerus—especially food. You’ll need it. In return, we’ll import more raw ore and minerals. Your mining sector’s still decent, right?”“It is.”“Then let’s grow that. More volume, more jobs, more imports on both sides.”He beamed. “Thank you, my friend.”I smiled back. “You’ll find I don’t just use the whip.”“A carrot, then?”“Always. A balanced hand is how you keep control. Too much punishment, and you push people away. Too much reward, and they forget who they owe.”Merrica nodded slowly. “You’ve become a real ruler.”I stood, offering my hand again. “I became what this world needed.”He shook it. “And I’ll make sure Hallerus becomes what Aeternum can trust.”We stood in silence for a moment longer. The sound of cheering still floated in faintly from the streets below. Somewhere out there, Queen Helen was being paraded through New City—through a modern marvel built from vision and precision. Through a world she couldn’t have imagined a year ago.And now, she’
“They’re… happy to see us?” she asked, disbelief in her voice.Duke Merrica gave her a half-smile. “Some of them, yes. The others are watching. Judging. As they should.”One young woman in the crowd, her hair wrapped in Aeternum’s signature style, waved a small Hallerus flag and called out, “Welcome back! My family’s from Archenport—we’re with you!”Helen felt a warmth rise in her chest. Her lips curled, hesitant, but sincere. She lifted a gloved hand and waved back.Her ministers behind her smiled with relief. The people hadn’t forgotten them. Or maybe… maybe Aeternum’s citizens were willing to forgive, even if their leaders were not.Still, with each new marvel the city revealed, her pride took another small wound.Digital traffic signs shifted in real-time. Elevated walkways moved gently above the streets. Tall towers bore solar glass and climate control systems beyond her comprehension. Everything was clean. Efficient. Vibrant.Hallerus, by contrast, was still struggling to clear
“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.