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
Although Major Orin said that she was shocked her expressionless face tell people otherwise, it was already a common knowledge that the people from the Military Court were all eccentric people, this Major Orin is definitely one of them. As she just get on, Colonel Aida Oneal jeep and sat at the passenger seat calmly, of which puzzled the colonel to the point that she just agreed to her and immediately drive away, leaving the baffled Commander Barika on the side of the street.“HEY!!!…what about me?…”.(Commander Barika)As if he was invisible, Colonel Aida Oneal and Major Orin continue on their way, headed straight to meet up with the Admiral Duchess. Inside of the Pearl City Administration Office, the situation were not at all the same as the bustling city that filled with vibrant voices. Instead the entire building were barely have any voices around at all, but the people inside were constantly moving about and busy doing their work. Also, the old Keep interior were also now have cha
“Come in…..Hmm? What is is Aida?…..and why is a Judge here with you?…”.(Admiral Duchess Kolarova Qoon)Standing up from her chair and taking off her glasses as she stopped for a moment from working on her paper, Duchess Kolarova asked Aida Oneal, her closes aide, and the appearance of a military court judge beside her, really do raised a big question, after all, a military judge rarely do a home visit at all, that is unless the one that they were visiting were guilty of a crime, or something, though Admiral Duchess herself knew that she is not at all in a possibility of being convicted or anything, still a judge out in the open like is rare, so her interest were at all time high at the moment.“Afternoon, Admiral Duchess….I’m here to report something to you….and here….is….”.(Colonel Aida Oneal)As Aida were in an awkward moment to say something and introduce the Judge in question, Major Orin step forward and introduce herself, in a very robotic manner. And thus further solidified the
“But that’s not all,” he said. “We’re not just building stores. We’re buying land.”Elijah’s eyes narrowed. “Land?”Andrea arched a brow. “Personal Aeternum-controlled territory?”“Exactly,” Mies said. “We’ll negotiate the purchase and designation of sovereign Aeternum land within Hallerus. Locations where we will build permanent structures—embassies, farms, factories. Property they can’t touch. Not legally. Not politically.”Andrea crossed her arms. “You want to turn this alliance into territorial leverage.”“I want security,” Mies said. “We trusted them once. And they betrayed us. This time, we own the pieces on the board. If they want access to food and prosperity, they give us something real in return. Soil.”Elijah nodded. “No oversight from their monarchy. No interference. Full extraterritorial jurisdiction.”Mies smiled. “Exactly. We build an Aeternum that lives inside their walls. One they can’t tear down without declaring war.”Andrea added, “And when we build those farms and
“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