The Standing ovation for Miss Renee Coral lasted for a full 3 minutes, everyone were on board with her idea and she is basically were approved and acknowledge as a true patriot right now. Her speech were already over but thanks to the crowds she lingers around the stage a for a little bit and this time in was Elijah time to walk up to the stage in the midst of everyone clapping and celebrating the young patriot. Elijah stopped and shakes hand with Miss Renee on her way to the podium, and Miss Renee were then escorted to be seated at the sitting area where the guest of the cabinet would be seated at. After a solid 30 seconds of calming down, the cabinet hall once again settled to a silence and ready for the next speaker, which is Vice President Elijah turns.“Ladies and Gentlemen of the Cabinet…I can say that I am very proud, to be here today…and able to listened and see our younger generation has produced a brilliant patriotic soul…I felt rewarded to see that our people has now come t
Once I stood up and walked towards the stage, everyone were keeping their silence, I can feel that everyone were looking at me with respect and also worries, I supposed my last appearance contributed to this kind of outlook. But then again, it is fine as it commanding a focus and also respect from my people, as always, Sareen, Andrea and Elijah that were already on the stage helped me move carefully, of which I don’t really need their help but, since I am practicably still in recovery, it helps with the acts, making it looked more convincing to everyone that were watching me.“Good Afternoon, Everyone, Cabinet members and attendees…and People of Aeternum…it is a pleasure to be here…and I must say…that in the last few days…as I followed the minutes of the meeting closely…and I can say for certain…that you all should be proud of yourself…because you all has done what you all should have done….not rushing into a decisions…but instead discussing every option that there is out there…That..
At this point in the meeting, it was already very clear of what the end decision would be, as by now everyone understand that war with Alemia Nation is no longer can be avoided, the Citizens has been asking for it and they were showing reasons and enough evidence. Vice President Elijah has also shown her non rejection comment too, and when it comes to the President he also has taken the stage and never said about not going to war at all, but rather were talking about the war and what it would bring to the nation a a whole. Since by now no one has stood up and voiced that the war should not happen, it was safe to say that the war will happen and it would be something that were done by Aeternum with a convictions and a moral high ground.“What the president just said were true…we should not be consumed by anger and rage…”.(Suchong)As if only realizing that their anger for all this time has been rather misdirected, All of Aeternum citizens started to calmed themselves down. Clearly thei
Whilst I were on the podium, I still pay a close attention to everything, especially the people reaction to me calming them down. All of Aeternums were tend to be a little bit to passionate when it comes to me and my words, their ridiculous loyalty and devotion made them the way they are, that is what the best for them and also a little bit tiresome to deal with. I have Mina who is on the desk to keep an eye on her monitor to observed the crowd outside reaction, as I already told her to pay a close attention to it before I went up to the stage. And now seeing that she is giving a thumbs up, I know that the situation outside were under controlled and the reaction that they were giving is just like I wanted them to be.“...My people…although war…is not something that I fond of…but at the end of the day…it is also something that we cannot be avoid of…we are after all…a sovereign nation..we have our belief, standing and reputation to uphold….a responsibility to keep our land and people sa
Now that I am the one that is saying blatant truth about the Alemia Nation, everyone can finally be safe and at ease, after all, everyone in the cabinet hall just wanting to say the same thing as me, but they were being careful about it as they didn’t want to appear disrespectful or even just anti-Alemia Nation and thus provoke some dissatisfaction amongst the Ex-Alemia Nation people and also the antagonizing the Alemia Nation directly. Now that I finally said it, everyone can now finally stop tip toeing their words and just blasted it away the next time.“But still!…despite everything shady and just outright evil..many of the leaders and nobles of Alemia Nation were….I believed that there is also some that were kind, upright and also dutiful to their lands and people…after all…if their leaders were all so evil and we were just right next door…I am sure that many would already left that nation and be with us…and that nation should already be empty…correct?….”.Once again, everyone nod
In today Cabinet meeting there were already many shocking moments that has shook the world of Many Aeternum. From the start everyone were glued to their seat to see what would to day meeting bring to their lives, but until now, no one has ever been able to see where this moment would take them. And just now, the President of the nation has said something that brought everyone shocks to the point that they were gaping their mouths and bulging their eyes in disbelief, one of the 3 Dukes of Alemia Nation,name were said inside the Aeternum Cabinet hall.“[As I were contemplating in many things…an ally has come to me, from Alemia Nation…one that knows of how the nation is in peril…he knows what is going on in his nation and to it’s people..he had enough of it..he saw his nation divided, war erupted, crimes went our of the scale…he learned and knows of what the current nobles and leaderships has done to the nation…and it brought nothing but destruction's to his land and nation….Through him
As his name were already being mentioned, and finally he was being introduced by the President himself, Duke Oliver Gust is now finally made his appearance officially inside Aeternum Cabinet Hall. A Prestigious place in Aeternum governance constitution, as the double door entrance were swing opened, Everyone saw the dashing middle aged man standing outside, and truly he does live up to the expectation, he walked with a proud manner, like a true knight, proudly oozing his Tier 3 knightly aura all over the place, that can be felt by everyone right now. Naturally if this were any other places, or just even any other palace in the world, his aura would put anyone into fear. But this is Aeternum Cabinet Hall, everyone here were strong, so his aura affect no one at all.All eyes were on him as he made his way towards the stage and walked up to it. Although the President announced that he was an ally, still his appearance, carries with his oozing Aura, made everyone in the hall were wary of
Seeing the Duke just slowly lose his nervousness on stage as he started his speech, I can’t help but find him a little bit comical at this like these. He is a true fan of Aeternum, and naturally being in the Cabinet Hall that is one of the iconic settings in Aeternum governance is his dream, and now that it comes true, everyone can see that everything that he was showing were genuine. Though at time like this it would help him a lot, if he doesn’t stuttered as much as he is right now.“He can be a little bit calmer, when he entered though…thanks to his nerves, coming inside the hall blaring with his Aura..everyone were on their toes..”.“It can’t be helped…I supposed..I already told him that the meeting that he would be attending would be filled with all the Cabinet Members and attendee…so there will be a lot of people that were watching him…”.(Elijah)“I heard that he practiced a lot before coming here….I supposed that practice didn’t helped much…luckily, his aura were not a threaten
“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