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
“Madam Admiral, I am Major Orin, a Judge that were assigned by his Highness President and the Cabinet to handle all the trial and proceeding regarding the Pearl City Prison…Here is a paper and documents regarding my assignment and also the proclamation from the President and the Cabinet, Madam Admiral…”.(Major Orin)Major Orin put down all the paper that she showed on Admiral Duchess desk, of which only prompted the Admiral Duchess reaction to just reached out and read all the paper and a few second later she done reading and put down her signature, and then In the same manner she return the paper back to Major Orin.“I am rather shocked that this decision were coming way to fast…but also at the right time as well….our prison had already experiencing overcrowded problem right now….to the point that I had to expand the prison, just so we can hold more captives…”.(Admiral Duchess Kolarova Qoon)“Certainly, Madam Admiral…this overcrowded issues also rise in Riverside Prison as well, but,
“I see…..now that I know about it…I understand the urgency…”.(Admiral Duchess Kolarova Qoon)Since the decision were actually coming from the President himself, no wonder everything comes to unveil rather fast and quick, as for the Military Court of Justice, Duchess Kolarova knows that, the reason they were so eager to work, is because this is finally their time to shine, within the military base, they rarely have any chances to work and shine, as there are barely any cases at all to work on, given that the Aeternum Soldiers all of them were stick with discipline. Now finally they can show the world what they are worth and what they can do it was natural that they were excited about the whole thing.“Thank you, Madam Admiral…”.(Major Orin)“Right…then, I assumed you wanted to get on with your duty as soon as you can?..”.(Admiral Duchess Kolarova Qoon)“Yes, Madam…me and my staff are all ready for duty at any moment now…”.(Major Orin)“Great…you may proceeds, should you need anything o
“Great…you may proceeds, should you need anything or additional support…you request it from Colonel Aida Oneal here…and the Navy shall provide with everything you need, Major…”.(Admiral Duchess Kolarova Qoon)“Will do, Madam Admiral…thank you for your time…then, Admiral Duchess, Colonel…I shall take my leave…”.(Major Orin)As calmly as she came, she left the same way, and thus leaving only Admiral Duchess and Colonel Aida in the room to just stood there and take in the after effect, when the eccentric judge left the room.“...She certainly a unique one….I heard of her reputation…but never meet her personally…”.(Colonel Aida Oneal)“That she is…but believed it or not, her track records were nothing short of a stellar….she is one of the top Military Judge in our Military….by the way…why are you here, Aida…”.(Admiral Duchess Kolarova Qoon)“Actually, I’m here to tell you what I just know…but it seems that, Major Orin already beat me to that….also, by the way…The President just left the E
“Actually, I’m here to tell you what I just know…but it seems that, Major Orin already beat me to that….also, by the way…The President just left the Eastern Region and heading back to New City…”.(Colonel Aida Oneal)Now that they have no guest other than the 2 of them, Aida Oneal finally open her mouth and tell her part of the story, telling the Admiral Duchess of what she just know of what had transpire in the Riverside Prison.“Oh..so that’s how it is….I guess we found another way to actually benefits from this degenerate bunch…His Highness made a correct call, this time..if it was up to me…I would just butchered everyone that were guilty….those cowardly bunch deserved it anyway…”.(Admiral Duchess Kolarova Qoon“I agree with you, Ma’am…”.(Colonel Aida Oneal)Although the both of them sounded a just a bit too much bloodthirsty for a woman, this is not a particularly odd reaction at all. In fact in these medieval time, execution when it comes to prisoners and enemy, were always the fi
As the situation in both Riverside and Pearl City Prison had been sufficiently handled and on it’s way to be dealt with carefully for any further same situation. The same progress also happened at the Western Region of Alemia Nation, namely, the Gust Family territory, of which by now are already had become apart of Aeternum governance. But unlike the other 2 region of where the structure and also the administration had to be done from the ground up. Here in the region that had already embraced the Aeternum Government, everything had fallen to become much more simpler, The Gust Territory has already have a functional Military and also a Governor, hence the process were much more easier.“So, you were saying that we will be implementing these trial and judgement system for the Prisoners of war here?…and these motion has been approved by the President and the Cabinet just now?..”.(Governor Duke Oliver Gust)“Yes, Sir Governor…it was an implementation that were taken by the President hims
As the situation in both Riverside and Pearl City Prison had been sufficiently handled and on it’s way to be dealt with carefully for any further same situation. The same progress also happened at the Western Region of Alemia Nation, namely, the Gust Family territory, of which by now are already had become apart of Aeternum governance. But unlike the other 2 region of where the structure and also the administration had to be done from the ground up. Here in the region that had already embraced the Aeternum Government, everything had fallen to become much more simpler, The Gust Territory has already have a functional Military and also a Governor, hence the process were much more easier.“So, you were saying that we will be implementing these trial and judgement system for the Prisoners of war here?…and these motion has been approved by the President and the Cabinet just now?..”.(Governor Duke Oliver Gust)“Yes, Sir Governor…it was an implementation that were taken by the President hims
“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