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
A few minutes ago, the entire Gust Family were in chaos, all thanks to their own jumping conclusions and panic attacks. But now right after the call with the Governess Countess Jelina everything were alright, everyone were calm and already back to their routine. They know now to not panic and rather than just assume something, they learned to wait and actually finds out what is going on properly, doing thing the Aeternum kind of way. Since everything has calmed down, the Duke, Countess Sarra and Francesca Oliver came down to the Mansion Garden to meet with Princess Yggdrasil. After all they as the now loyal subjects has to introduced themselves to her, because now, it was their duty to protect and served their new lords and family.Duchess Cassi were attending Princess Yggdrasil really well, she almost like her temporary baby sitter right now, caring her with attention and love, she played along with her, in whatever she does, and not only that. The 2 of them were becoming quite close
At this point, whenever something profound comes from the Princess mouth, is something that no one would take lightly at all. They all knew that the Princess is someone that is truly befitted her place and crown, although she was a little bit innocent all the time, her words carries some weight. And when she speaks about death, she really meant it, she is warning Countess Sarra Gust about her behaviour towards her. She knows that the Countess did not meant ill will towards her, and she knows what the Countess is trying to do, which is determining her values in Aeternum, and she straight up told her not to do it to her.“Princess, What do you mean, that Vice President Elijah loves, Snakes minded people?..”.(Duke Oliver Gust)He knows his second wife, is a calculated and also knows how to scheme, but nevertheless she is a great wife, woman and mothers. She is kind and gentle, only acted hostile to her enemies. And such classification from the princess is not a harmful words to her or th
As soon as the car pulled over in front of the Palace entrance, Knight Mathild, were fast to opened the door to the Princess side, has her habit were to jumped out as soon as she arrived as she always does. As a great bodyguard she knows this as a part of her routine, and never wanted to impede her mood at all. 2 rows of professional butler and maids were lined up on the both side of the red carpet leading to the Palace front door, a magnificent shows and tradition. That shocked the Gust family as soon as they saw this views.It is not easy or cheap to have a professionally trained maids and butlers, with a perfect aspect on all of their profession aspect. It was a perfect display of not only servitude but also professionalism, even most royals did not have this kind of wealth to have such privileges. This naturally stunned the Gust family, moreover for Duke Oliver Gust, Duchess Cassi and Countess Sarra, they were stunned when they saw, an old gentleman waiting at the door. The man we
The Gust Family is currently enjoying their time, visiting the Aeternum Royal Palace, everyone were welcoming to them and what is more that, the Palace head butler, Alfred Monticello were there to accommodate them entirely, letting them know and learned about the Royal family and history. It was like a study visit for everyone, since the palace has a lot of Aeternum historical artifact of display, which most of them is Aeternum earliest developed tech items. Everyone were peeling their eyes with amazement the entire time, it was certainly enjoyable, but above all, Duke Oliver Gust he come here actually in hope of meeting with the President.Since he was here, why not speaks with him about the earlier matter, and clear everything up. It is much better this way rather than assuming things and hoping everything to be just fine. But, even if this was the Aeternum Royal Palace, meeting a royalty that lived in it, is not so easy, it was the same as every royal family out there, Aeternum als
For the Gust Family, who is now in audience with the President of Aeternum, they were all on their toes, after all this is their new lord. For President Mies, this is a rather surprising situations, for them to actually meet with Yggdrasil and bring her home. Earlier today, this family were the target of assassination of their previous nation, intelligence organization. The Intelligence organization that hailed from Alemia Nation were already being squashed by now, all the Alemia Nation intelligence network in New City has all been destroyed just a few minutes ago, and now the operation has spread to all over Aeternum, which a full complete elimination might be done in tomorrow or the day after.“Seeing you here, Duke Oliver..is rather surprising to me…I never thought I would see you today…oh, Student Treasury Francesca..it’s nice to see you again, young lady….did, our Princess being a troublemaker today as well?..”.“It is nice meeting you again, Your majesty…Princess Yggdrasil is al
After all the pleasantries is passed with, it was time to get into the true conversation that seems to have been bothering Duke Oliver Gust quite a lot. I noticed his rather odd behaviour from before, from the moment I saw him he seems a little bit off, his usual confident self is somewhat waver. Also both of his wives, is also quite shaken a little bit, so does Student Francesca, she is usually mirrors my behaviour, being objective and unfazed, I sees Francesca a lot in this mansion of mine, she and Adriana Jelina often sent Yggdrasil home. Turns out, both her and Adriana Jelina is already close friend with Yggdrasil, so in returns I usually teach Francesca Oliver a few things and guided her and give her a chance to grow into a fine future leader.But today, she seems a little bit shaken, like she were worrying about something and I am sure it was because of her family. Now that I remember what Mot said to me earlier, she had met with Duke Oliver whilst she was hunting down the spies
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.