As the Dukedom Of Angela response to Aeternum war, is to just spectate everything and never get in Aeternum way, as they know, if they were to just reckless as they were before, everything would be a disaster for them. Because by now it was already as clear as day, that Aeternum is coming out of their shell, and that is something that anyone with a brain in their skull would be able to figure out. All the way, in the Free Nation of Triangle City, the Aeternum Broadcasted news on the radio, has reached all the leaders of the guild, and it was something that spooked them so much that in the early morning as soon as the Radio Broadcast were on, they were all coming together, to discussed their next move.“...The Aeternum are going to war…”.(Mercenary Guild Master Alphonse Gilbert)Sitting at his seat, after the meeting long silence, of which only the radio Broadcast were playing at the moment, the Mercenary Guild Master were the first to break off the silence.“You were stating the obvio
Adventurer Guild Master Kennedy Stein left the meeting with a heavy reminder for both of the Guild Master that are currently rubbing their temple in regret. For Kennedy Stein, the war against Aeternum and Association has done too much damage to him and Adventurer Guilds, unlike the 2 guilds that boated with many business and members, which on their own can formed their own army and conglomerate, the Adventurer Guilds is rather scattered, their business heavily depending on their members and also the government that their guilds were based on. Their source of income mainly comes from the Quest that were issued by the government and also big peoples. When they opened their branch in Aeternum, business were booming, to the point Adventurer guilds were bravely opened over 10 branch in Aeternum alone.The Quest rewards and tax charged from Aeternum were big and profitable, Aeternum government also constantly posting their quest, meaning steady income revenue. The Members loved to come and
The Free Nation of Triangle Guild was a loose nation that made up from the 3 historic Guilds that has existed for many years. It was as old as most country, if not even older than some, so whether Kennedy Stein liked it or not, his and his Guild fate will be tied with the 2 guild, the actions of the 2 Guild would implicate him no matter what. Hence, at this time even when he already decided not to mess with Aeternum, should the 2 Guild still insisted on messing with Aeternum, even if he doesn’t get involved in it, they will still be labeled as a part of it.“Alright…the I will see it to be done….But…what about those 2?…are they going to do something again?..”.(Adventurer Guild, Vice Guild Master Corn)Facing with His Vice Guild Master enquiry, Kennedy Stein stopped on his steps, and ponders for a moment, standing still in the middle of the hallway. Corn waited patiently for his Guild Master to finish with his thought, the man were always like this when he was in the middle of a crucia
As the Free Nation of Triangle Guild has finally became true to their names, and even then the crack of relationship between the 3 Guilds were slowly widening. In another part of the world, inside the Dukedom of Angela another meeting were being held, and this time it was concerning with the other guilds that has leave the Free Nation of Triangle Guilds. Compared to the major 3 guilds that has been ruling as the main rulers of the guilds, the smaller guilds were always on the side, and they were mostly just a Guilds that were built to served as a unification bodies to helped and assisted their members. And furthermore for these small guilds, when the Aeternum were introduced to them, they were the one that were benefited the most.As a small guilds their existence were not respected at all, they were seen as a leech that relied on the protection and income from the major 3 guilds for their entire existence. Be it their resources for materials, workers, quest and jobs, recognition were
The moment that the President of Aeternum stood at the stage to start the world wide radio news whilst standing before the Aeternum Army, marks a lot of starting point, for many things, and for Aeternum the start of this large commotions is also signifies a lot of the dealing with many party also began. Those that does not believed in Aeternum capability and powers are now about to be proven wrong, and thus it would further made them became more confident of Aeternum capability. One of those chances in the Movement of the Small guilds, that expressed their intention to joined Aeternum and stood under it’s banner.“Is everyone already inside the Meeting room?….I heard that the Alchemy Guild Master just arrived…”.(A.M.A Head Director Sith Rik)“She did….Angie Padley, 230 Years old, Female, Dark Elf…she is one of the co-founder of the Alchemy Guild, and after the death of the other Founder..she had become the sole Guild Leader since then….”.(Dukedom of Angela A.M.A Director Jamie Knottl
The benefits that these Small Guilds can bring to Aeternum is very big, in fact on some part their existence in Aeternum even helped Aeternum on many things, from resource collecting all the way to constructions and providing needed labour on various sectors. That is why, it was important job for Sith Rik to make sure that in this meeting, he must make sure to bring all of these small guilds to Aeternum side, if he can’t even bring all of them, just half would do. Still, since this was an intention that Aeternum didn’t want to reveal, Sith Rik must made it look like he wasn’t all desperate for their commitment, after all, it had to be seen as Aeternum were the one that doing their a favour and not the other way around.“How is the reaction of the 3 Major guilds….I am sure that by now the already listened the President address on the radio, correct?....”.(A.M.A Head Director Sith Rik)“Their reaction…is rather lukewarm, I must say…quite boring, but one thing Is for sure…that Merchant G
The friendly introduction by Sith Rik, surely took everyone by surprise, after all when all things were considered, the A.M.A is basically one of the Big 3 of Associations, meaning at the same level as the 3 major Guilds. Naturally the moment they know about his identity, being the Head Director, made all of them suddenly very careful of their actions. Their reactions were very telling, and it shows just how much that they have been controlled, manipulated and being disregards by the 3 Major Guilds all their lives. It was something that they can’t help at all, in fact, for these Guild Masters, they actually someone that despite holding the position of Guild Master, meaning the top of their peers, they can’t even compared to have the same power as any noble in any nation, it was as sad as that.“A head Director?…..meaning that you are the head of the Merchant Association correct?…”.(Cooks & Chef Guild Master, Liqiu Frostfall)The one that broke the uncomfortable silence were a Panda D
Carpenter Guild, can be said is the first one that is brave enough to make a choice for himself, and everyone knows about Dylon the man is trustworthy and fulled of credibility. So hearing his assurance and guaranteed does eased everyone tension a little bit. But still to all the Guild Masters that were in the room, they didn’t personally see as to the need to have such prestigious person to actually come and talked to all of them in regards them settling in Aeternum, they were not that important to received this level of treatment. And also as they looked between the banter, of Mr.Sith and Dylon the 2 were genuinely joking with each other it was not forced at all, or even a play to let them get their guard down.“…everyone….I know this situation…seem a little bit suspicious to all of you….some of you might think that I or Aeternum would have a hidden agenda thanks to my appearance here……but let me assure you all…that…it isn’t anything like that at all…I am here it is because i
“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
"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,