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
Aeternum citizens were not easy to fool, as they all have experience in life of hardship and struggle, and to Aeternum Citizens that are from the Alemia Nation they were even more hard to fool when it comes to their old nation history, as they all have experienced it themselves and some just escaped that life of hardship only a few weeks ago. Before in their time of struggle they can’t even speaks of it, now they can, and when there is something off in the story they will voiced it out, as now that they were in Aeternum and this country treated them well, they will never let anything harm this nation that they now called home.“Young Jackson..is that true?…you are from the Central Region of Alemia Nation right?…have you heard about this?..”.(Suchong)“Hmmm…well I heard that before there were some noble wanted to act all righteous and even went as far as warring against a few noble family….but they were called to face the Queen and being told to sit still….I guess that is the Duke and
Right now, everyone were rather confused all thanks to the Duke Oliver recollection. Sure there is many things that Aeternum had done that causes waves of changes in Alemia Nation, but no one would’ve thought that he would speaks of the Civil War that Aeternum were involved in. For Many Alemia Nation Immigrants that were in Aeternum, naturally many remembers these incident, as there were a lot that happened at that time. But what is striking the most about that particular incident is just how many lives that has been lost in that war, and how it causes trauma for many. And thus everyone were a little bit taken aback from Duke Oliver story at the moment.“Of all things that he can brought up for this particular time…he chose that moment….aren’t it a bit hard also for the entire nation at that time…I remember that time in the news that there were a lot of nobles that were angry at our military..right, Suchong?..”.(Old Corg)Old Corg and Madame Betty at the time of that war were happeni
Inside the Cabinet Hall everyone were listening to Duke Oliver speech at the moment, and thanks to him a few of the members and attendee were brought down the memory lane, as quite a few of the people inside the Cabinet hall were there when it all happened. Some were inside the Battalion that defeated the Duke Oliver army and march into his territory.“Who would’ve thought that another nation army coming into your territory would be bring nothing but a good thing, correct?…..but to me, my people and also my land…that Is what had happened…as the nation were engulf in war…Aeternum military brought peace into my land….Right after me and my people surrendered….I Still remembered that day…Major General Lucas were there before me and my men as well as my family…right in the middle of the Gust city….Mind you we were already defeated that day….we all thought that, that day would be the day we all died…..”.(Duke Oliver Gust)Duke Oliver Gust expression were reminiscing of that day that had lon
The Duke Recollection of what he had gone through is a story that all of Aeternum were proud to hear. By now it was already clear as a day of just how different Aeternum military are. And just how worst the Alemia Nation situation were, for an influential Duke of another nation to say such thing, is unheard of. Saying that Aeternum saved him and his people when the nation were failed at doing so for many years until now, that just show just how the Alemia Nation has fall and now, are an unreliable ally and are no longer qualified to be helped if the one that were currently in power stayed the same. All the Cabinet Attendee were all thinking of everything along this line of thought right now.“..Many of the Nobles after the civil war and the peace come were all just blatantly complaining about a lot of things,Naturally….but when the war passed they all went back to their original color…fighting for land, oppressed their own people…doing all kind of crimes….But unlike all of them….Me, M
“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