As days passing by, every industry in Aeternum were on full swing and working at full capacity, after working for 7 days continuously, every industry from foods all the way to ammunition has already achieved their quota and even reached surplus of supply, that will all be designated as the resource for the war campaign, and thus for some industry their workload has returned to normal. Though at the moment since the excitement of the aspect of war were still something that keep everyone anxious, the environment in the work place were just as the same as it was when they were chasing the deadline. But none of the factory superior that were belonged to the Resource Ministry ever clarified the situation, so at this moment the workers didn’t even know that if they are working on the war supplies or not.“Madam Minister, all of our industry has reached their quota and all the surplus has been transferred at all of our military resource depot…ready to be utilized at any moment…”.(Resource Mi
When it comes to Aeternum business, It was safe to say that thanks to the President devise, the Aeternum Resource Ministry owned business and industry were treated like a mega corporation, doing business and transaction with business minded approach rather than representing a nation industry. This is why Aeternum were always profitable and easy to accumulate wealth, unlike any other nation, Aeternum does not, openly using it’s nation power to perform a business, and also opened to do transaction not just to the other nation but also to many of the independent merchant group. Usually for many nation in these era, the government of a nation rarely doing business directly to with the merchant group, as many views the Merchant were just some lowly money grubbing bunch that does not have any honour and loyalty.In some way, that sentiment were true, these merchant groups were rich, and they aren’t that loyal either and as always they gained their position of power by buying their position.
For Andrea, she had already have a detailed category of type of people that would never betrayed Aeternum and their nation agreements, and as always those that were of Non-human nation is always be the one that is trustworthy. Mountain Kingdom of Froatlan, Kingdom of Nirewin, Grand Coastal City of Meerkat are the nation that is confirmed to never take advantage of Aeternum misfortune and honesty. These is the small nation that got their status alleviate thanks to Aeternum and thanks to their nature they would always be someone that is easy to speaks too. On the other hands the Nation of Humans and the merchant groups were the one that need to be handled with more finesse, as they greed just like right now were clearly apparent in their face as they were waiting from Andrea for the Minister Kenny Questions.“I hope there would be no issues with the supplies….right?.”.(Mountain Kingdom of Froatlan, Finance Minister Kenny)“About the availability of the supplies….I assured you that there
By now it was already clear to many that the way Aeternum does things is very starkly different from any other people or nation in power do their business. One of the most obvious is that, Aeternum has never been a nation that has it’s people or officials goes around to another nation or organization and begged them to do something for Aeternum benefits. Aeternum never beg, never flatter nor never ever do anything that would put them into a disadvantages. Yet despite the shows of an obvious difference, a lot of people still considered Aeternum to be just like any other nation out there. And at the moment, there is one person in the meeting room before Andrea, who actually thought that Aeternum would need any of these people to thrive.The Swingbell Merchant Group, is definitely a giant in Central Continent economic landscape, they had business that spans all over the continent, with an history that dated back for over 100 years old. Thanks to their enormous wealth and history, they we
Although everyone before Andrea were wearing their best ‘shocked’ expression on their face, all of them were more or less the same as the current Marcus Swingbell. They all have also tried to do the same thing as the Swingbell group in their business, charging price as they pleased the farther away from Aeternum, and sometimes, they even blamed the Aeternum for the price hiked. Such tactics is normal, but for something like these, such practice as long as you don’t get caught, it was all free game for everyone, Aeternum also knew this and doesn’t really nitpicking with any of them, but when someone is trying to irritate, the Aeternum, then they would be just like Marcus Swingbell, everything was peeled opened. Marcus Swingbell has overstepped his boundaries, and when that happened, the first one to cut the rope with him, is Dukedom of Angela Finance Minister Jeremy.“Defamation?!…Dear Lord!…Marcus Swingbell!…is that true?..”.(Dukedom of Angela Finance Minister Jeremy)“What?…Minister
Closing in on the end of the first weeks after the Cabinet decision broadcast, there was a lot already happening. One being, that many of the allied nation government were already already informed and in the know that, Aeternum would soon be launching it’s war against the Alemia Nation. Certainly, when the news reaches to them in an official letter signed by me and delivered personally by the Aeternum ambassador in their nation, the reaction were mostly varied, but it boils down to everyone didn’t said a single word, against Aeternum effort and just rather took a tactics of standing by on the side line and watched. Most of the other government concerns is that would there be any complication on the economic side, naturally it would be none so everyone just settled down and keep quiet, aside from Dukedom of Angela.“I heard that, Queen Duchess asked you a favour?….”.(Andrea)“yeah…apparently it was like that…according to her, some of her nation merchant has been too overbearing recentl
At the seventh day of the week, Sunday, after the 7 days of the Cabinet Meeting broadcast, the populace of New City were all spending their morning at the Largest Cathedral of Faith, In New City, it was the Cathedral were named as, The Royal Kaiser Cathedral, named in honour of the Aeternum Royal Family named. Unlike the usual morning sermon at the Cathedral, where each religion would be separated on their own hall of beliefs. Today the Morning Sermon or Morning Prayer, were being performed at the Centre Hall, it was safe to say that previously this Centre Hall were just a massive area for the Cathedral management to do their business and the faithful to rest and waited to enter their house of belief and worship.Yet today, the Centre Hall were furnished and set up to become the Sunday Morning Sermon area, with all the religious head come together in harmony and in faith for today event. It was a big sermon event safe to say, and even the Cathedral entrance door were opened and conf
Aeternum is a nation that has achieved a true compromise and respect in between different religion. No one were allowed to insult and disregards another person belief, and such offence can even be brought to court for trial. It is not some empty words that Aeternum government were very strict in upholding this beliefs, hence this is why, for many religion inside of Aeternum, rather than feeling repulsive of Aeternum, they instead were very grateful and cooperative to preserved such nation and society that allowed coexistence at this degree. Only an Aeternum that an Orc that worship their tribal gods were not labeled as heretic and barbarians by anyone, not even human races that used to insult them said anything at them in Aeternum. As such if Orc beliefs were respected, then what can be said about any others.For Sun Elves, they worship 2 of their gods the Mother Tree and also the Sun, but because of this even the normal elves besmirch them. As their beliefs were too deviated then wha
“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
"Transparency will be paramount. Council sessions will be documented, and decisions made in conjunction with the Crown will be communicated openly. This is not a move to consolidate power, but to distribute it wisely, ensuring that the governance of Hallerus reflects the will and welfare of its people."Lord Dallren, who had been silently observing, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, such a council could indeed bridge the gap between the Crown and the nobility, fostering unity. I support this initiative."A ripple of agreement spread through the assembly.Helen continued, "Furthermore, to address the grievances of our citizens and promote economic growth, we shall implement reforms aimed at equitable taxation and the eradication of corrupt practices that have long plagued our administration."Duke Merrica added, "These reforms will not only strengthen our internal stability but also enhance our standing among neighboring realms, fostering alliances and trade relations."Viscount Rellan,
A murmur of agreement rippled through the assembly.Helen's gaze swept over the room, her eyes meeting those of each noble in turn. "I have summoned you here not only to reaffirm our unity but to propose measures that will ensure the stability and prosperity of Hallerus for generations to come."Viscount Rellan, his earlier defiance now replaced with a veneer of compliance, inclined his head. "Your Majesty, what measures do you propose?"Helen took a measured breath. "Firstly, we shall establish a council comprising representatives from each noble house. This council will serve as an advisory body, ensuring that all voices are heard and that governance is conducted with transparency and fairness."Baroness Yvette Darrow, her scepticism barely concealed, arched an eyebrow. "And what powers would this council hold, Your Majesty?"Helen met Yvette's gaze unwaveringly. "The council will have the authority to propose legislation and oversee its implementation. However, ultimate executive p
Amidst the turmoil, Duke Merrica found himself face-to-face with Lord Dallren."Merrica," Dallren sneered, blood trickling from a wound on his brow. "Betraying your own kind for that girl?"Merrica's grip tightened on his sword. "My loyalty lies with Hallerus, not with those who would see it rot from within."Their blades met in a fierce exchange, each strike echoing their clashing ideologies.Nearby, Baroness Yvette confronted Queen Helen."Your Majesty," Yvette began, her tone almost mocking, "you've become quite the thorn in our side."Helen met her gaze unwaveringly. "And you, Baroness, have leeched off this kingdom for too long."Yvette smirked, drawing her dagger. "Let's see if you're as formidable with a blade as you are with words."As the battle raged on, it became evident that the Queen's Faction held the advantage. The support of the common folk had bolstered their numbers, and the corrupt nobles' forces began to waver.Count Vorell, witnessing the disarray, turned to his r
A trusted royal scribe—a man who had served the palace for over a decade—was found dead before sunrise. A dagger coated in poison was discovered strapped to his leg. The second attempt followed soon after.A servant carrying tea for the Queen was intercepted before she could enter the throne room. Hidden beneath the silver tray was a vial of deadroot extract, a lethal poison. The servant, after interrogation, confessed that her family had been taken hostage by nobles who ordered the hit.Then came the third, fourth, and fifth attempts. Archers on rooftops. Explosives set along the Queen’s carriage route. Blades hidden in the folds of a courtier’s robes.Each time, the assassins failed. Each time, they disappeared without a trace. Helen knew who was behind it. But rather than show fear, she faced the storm head-on.Seated in her war room, Helen traced her fingers along a map of Hallerus, where red ink circled enemy strongholds. Duke Merrica stood beside her, arms folded, his sharp eyes
Aeternum had taught her a valuable lesson—control is not about force, but manipulation. So, she would make them turn on each other.Helen began summoning the nobles one by one, speaking to them in private meetings. She whispered honeyed words into their ears.“Viscount Talis, I need a reliable man. Duke Rehn is plotting against me, and I require your loyalty.”“Countess Ferros, your influence is invaluable. I fear Duke Rehn is siphoning funds, and I need someone I trust to investigate.”“Duke Rehn, the other nobles are moving against you. You must act swiftly before they remove you from power.”With every meeting, seeds of distrust were sown.The nobles—drunk on greed—were too blind to see that they were being played.And so, one by one, they began to conspire against each other.As the nobles scrambled to destroy each other, Helen’s true loyalists made their move.Under the cover of darkness, handpicked assassins carried out eliminations with precision.Duke Rehn?Found dead in his s
“Then Mies will destroy Hallerus.”Helen turned sharply toward him. “You think he would go that far?”Merrica didn’t even hesitate. “Yes.”Helen stared at him, searching for a lie. A hint of hesitation. But there was none.“He will not give you mercy a second time, Helen,” Merrica said. “If those nobles push for war, if they even dare to challenge Aeternum—you will lose.”He took another step forward, his voice heavy. “And I will not be able to protect you.”For the first time in their conversation, Helen looked away. Merrica saw it. The fear. The realization.She already knew everything he was saying was true. She had just been too proud—too trapped—to admit it.Silence hung between them. Then, at last, Helen spoke.“…What do you want me to do?”Merrica finally allowed himself a small sigh of relief.“You already know what must be done, Helen,” he said gently. “You must take back your court.”Helen slowly nodded, though her expression remained grim. “Those nobles will not leave peace