“Well….do you think that when this war is over…everything will stay the same as it was before?….no…of course it is not…..believe me when I say this….Aeternum will win this war once and for all….and when that moment comes…..this land will forever be under the rule of His highness President….this land will then be apart of Aeternum governance…”.(Old Marlo)Now that is an eye opening statement from Old Marlo that Ronny and all of his fellow did not anticipate at all, they have been too invested on being a prisoners of this Riverside Prison and enjoying the comfort that the prison had given them that they have simply forgotten to think about their future, and what they wanted to do next. By now they already know for certain that Aeternum should be able to win this war by a big margin, how, that is because they have went against Aeternum soldiers and had lost spectacularly, winning the war, that will be much more easier.So when Old Marlo said these words, their concerned about the mass ev
“Umm…..Ser Marlo…..what should I do?……I still want to live here….on this land….what should I do..ser?..”.(Ronny)With a slight panic in his eyes, Ronny turned to the wisest man he know and that is the person before him that asked him the question. Listening the query of a young man before him, Old Marlo were more than pleased to answer him.“It is simple, Ronny….all you have to do…is learn…study, and dedicated yourself…to become an Aeternum citizens…….REFORMED YOURSELF!….soon…soon the wardens…will be commencing the citizenship training for all of the prisoners here…and you should truly commit yourself to do that training….and if you do that….”.(Old Marlo)“and if I do that?…”.(Ronny)“And if you do that…..by the time you got out….then you surely become a new person again…and this time a rightfully and permitted Aeternum citizens…and finally…FINALLY….all of your sins of fighting Aeternum will be abolished…and once again…this land will accept you back….”.(Old Marlo)The way, Old Marlo p
Everyone were smiling right now, with all the distressed has been settle, the conversation has become much lighter now.“Oh by the way..it would be great if you can spread these words to others as well….we definitely don’t want any sort of ugly rumour going around right?….there are a few of those that were rash in action….we don’t want them to get in Aeternum soldiers way…lest, it was them that would be in trouble next for no good reason at all…”.(Old Marlo)“Worry not, Ser Marlo…me and fellow men will surely spread the news about this….I can assure you, by the end of today…everyone in this prison will know about this!…”.(Ronny)“Ohohoh…thank you, Young Ronny….please do so…”.(Old Marlo)The conversation between Old Marlo, Remi and Ronny together with his fellow young prisoners ended with a good note. And true to his words, by the late afternoon, the entire prison knows about what is truly transpire through out the day, and everyone were supporting Aeternum soldiers for doing so, and a
“I guess, we can thanks the apprentice for what they have done…”.(Grand General Bina)“Sure enough…then, should I also tell this to the Southern Base prison?…I am sure they wanted to hear it and also performed the same thing on their end…”.(Major Nelly)“Sure, let’s informed them as well….we need to make sure they also have the same result as us…by then I am sure that this will be helpful back home…”.(Grand General Bina)“I will do it at once, Madam General…”.(Major Nelly)Since things had working out in the Riverside Prison, it was time to spread the news to the Southern Base Prison, after all, in Pearl City, where the Aeternum Navy has already conquered and in the middle of grabbing hold of the entire southern region of Alemia, on their side, their prison were more and the same, as the Riverside Prison situation, and perhaps, compared to the Riverside Prison, the Pearl City Prison is much more packed in population.The reason as to why there are more people there, is because of the
Since things had working out in the Riverside Prison, it was time to spread the news to the Southern Base Prison, after all, in Pearl City, where the Aeternum Navy has already conquered and in the middle of grabbing hold of the entire southern region of Alemia, on their side, their prison were more and the same, as the Riverside Prison situation, and perhaps, compared to the Riverside Prison, the Pearl City Prison is much more packed in population.The reason as to why there are more people there, is because of the Navy approach to the war, the navy attacks were so fast and so vicious that it instilled fear and demoralized the enemy soldier in a single wave, it comes to the point where when the Admiral Duchess advance with her forces toppling towns and city after the others, the news of her advances has become so wide spread, that when the Aeternum military arrived on any city or town, what had happened was, the enemy were already surrendering themselves at the front gate, before any
“Hello…this is Aeternum Navy, Colonel Aida speaking….Oh, Major Nelly~….how is the Riverside is doing?…”.(Colonel Aida Oneal)If on the Grand General Bina side there were Major Nelly, on the Navy side of Admiral Duchess, Colonel Aida Oneal were there. Colonel Aida Oneal were naturally the adamant follower of Duchess Kolarova, even when serving in the Aeternum Navy she stuck herself on her side at all times, and at the moment, she is the one that is managing the Pearl City Prison, which is a prison that were at the edge of the Pearl City. The Prison had actually long passed it capacity and now had to be expanded and thus occupying the city outskirts. Still for the Navy this problem although just a bit of a headache, for the Eloesan People they did not care much about them, after all a prisoners should be treated as one and they deserved to be treated as such. So despite the overpopulation of the prison on the Navy side, they didn’t even affected by much.“So…you were saying that on your
For Colonel Aida this news is very shocking after all, both prison had the same problem, they both understand about it as everyday there will always be a new prisoners that will be caught and be imprisoned, but it seems that the other side got their issues addressed fairly quickly.“[Actually…His Highness President came to visit us, in the morning…and since then we discussed about the issues and comes up with a proven solutions…wanna hear it?..]”.(Major Nelly)“Are you kidding me?…of course I want to hear it…stop dilly dallying, Nelly…speak..”.(Colonel Aida Oneal)“[Wow…Aida…you’re so stiff….sheesh..you are no fun at all….it has been a long time since we talk you know…can’t we chat a little bit first?..]”.(Major Nelly)“God, you are so annoying, Nelly….just spurt it out already…”.(Colonel Aida Oneal)Both of them were friends after all, they both served in the Military and both of them were the assistant of sort to their respected leader. And for Nelly the social butterfly she was kno
“Wow…did that really happened?…”.(Colonel Aida Oneal)“[Of course it did happened and it is real….me and Grand General were shocked as well when there were just loud chanting going on inside the prison…we thought there were a riot happening or something…turns out the people were just loving it…Hahaha…]”.(Major Nelly)“I supposed…I can report this to Admiral Duchess, then…you see…here on my end…things are just keep spiraling…especially when it comes to the prison…”.“[Why?…what happened?…]”.(Major Nelly)“There is just too many people surrendering without a fight!…..it’s just…to shameful for me…”.(Colonel Aida Oneal)“[…………]”.(Major Nelly)“Hello?…Hello?….Nelly!…are you still there?…”.(Colonel Aida Oneal)“[You do know…that winning without a fight…is a good thing right?…]”.(Major Nelly)“Well…it is…but…for an Eloesan…like me…Surrendering without a fight is just a shameful actions….a cowards!….these people have been harassing us…boasting left and right about how they can kill us if they
“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