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
“[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 had the chances…now that we are face to face…they just surrendered like cowards!…. and what made it even worse!…all thanks to or military code…I can’t even force them to duel at all!….”.(Colonel Aida Oneal)Usually winning a fight without battle at all, is a favourable situation, but when it comes to a warrior mindset and traditions followers, like the people of the Kingdom of Eloesa that filled the ranks of Aeternum Navy, such display is just a shameful act that deserved death by the end of their sharp swords. No wonders Colonel Aida were angry and upsets, and Major Nelly who is previously were the one that is annoying her, now were the one that get annoyed by the warrior woman that is complaining that
“…sergeant…I will be leaving my office for a while…if anyone comes searching for me…tell them I am in a meeting with Admiral Duchess…”.(Colonel Aida Oneal)“Yes, Madam..”.(Navy Sergeant)As Colonel Aida left her office, she naturally alarmed her assistance, a sergeant that were working on his desk outside of her office. To Colonel Aida, she knew that there will be someone from the Aeternum Military Court will be coming here to the Pearl City Prison to also do the same thing that has been done at the Riverside Prison so it is better to be prepared for everything before hand.Colonel Aida Oneal, left the Pearl City Prison by herself, naturally driving her jeep straight to the Pearl City Administration Office, which is just a large Keep, that use to be the Pearl City Count Keep and estate. Which is now has been turned and changed into an Administration office for the Aeternum Government, this is where the Southern War Theater base were, where all military activity were based upon
At this point, it was safe to say that that the Pearl City has already shed it’s previous looks, of gloomy, filled of fear and corruptions. Instead the entire city has come to life and bustling with activity. Unlike the Sunder City, Pearl City, only took a single day to changed and accepted Aeternum as it’s new ruler. This is because, compared to the Sunders City, Pearl City got influenced by Aeternums by a lot, as this city often got visited by Aeternum ships, and the local population has already favoured Aeternum people ever since. And when the change in administration has started. Every single person jumps on the trend very fast, when they finally learned that they can now be an Aeternum people just loved it a lot, and just naturally changed, as now they don’t need to live in fear anymore.So right now, whilst the Sunders City people were still looking shabby and tried to gather their bearing on life, the People of Sunders City were already dressed like an Aeternum and were already
“…Commander Barika!…what are you doing here, out in the street?…”.(Colonel Aida Oneal)As Colonel Aida were driving down the street at her own leisure, she spotted Commander Barika from the Navy Marine, just standing on the side of the road, beside an Woman.“…Madam Colonel, nice to see you….I am just happened to meet, Major Orin over here…she just arrived from New City and are about to meet with Admiral Duchess herself…”.(Commander Barika)“Really?..”.(Colonel Aida Oneal)“…Afternoon, Madam Colonel….I am Major Orin, of The Royal Military Court of Justice…..I am here to meet with Admiral Duchess, per the order of His Highness President and also the Cabinet….”.(Major Orin)Her words and action were seemingly devoid of any emotions that is Major Orin, she was wearing her official uniform naturally, it was a Black with White lining uniform, and official uniform of a Military Court of Justice Judge. Military Court of Justice Division is a very rare existen
“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