“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
“…hey guys, what’s happening here?..what are you guys were talking about?..”.(General Lucas)Whilst the 2 were sitting inside the Governor office in the Gust City administration office, General Lucas who is in charged of the Aeternum military operation here, come inside the office with a wide smile on his face. Governor Duke Oliver and General Lucas has become a good friends ever since they know each others and for them such sudden appearance and coming into each other office without a warning has been a rather normal situation, that no one can stopped it.“Nothing much…just talking about the new approach from the President that come in just now…”.(Governor Duke Oliver Gust)“Oh…about that prison stuff?..”.(General Lucas)The conversation between the 2 of them surely not at all looked like a 2 high government official talking about something major but rather like a 2 close friend bantering with one and another. Casually, Lucas pour himself with a liquor from the Govern
The project would take time—perhaps years—but its impact would begin in weeks.“Once the roads are in place,” Merrica said, entering her chamber with a report in hand, “we’ll be able to move goods faster, respond to crises quicker, and prepare for the second phase: economic zone development.”Helen took the report with a tired, but satisfied smile. “This… this they will see. This they will believe.”“And when they do,” Merrica said, “they’ll follow.”Late that night, as the wind howled against the palace windows, Helen stood in her private study, gazing out at the flickering torches lining the city streets. In her hand was a smooth, curved stone from the first road pile—just a plain stone, but to her, it was the beginning of a foundation.Her fingers closed around it as she whispered to herself, “Let this road lead us to a better kingdom.” And with that, the first steps into a new Hallerus had begun.The throne room had seen war plans, council betrayals, and royal declarations. But on
The ministers eagerly pointed out their favorite places from their student years.“Over there—that café served synthetic ice cream you have to try.”“That’s the district where I first saw a holographic opera.”“This is where I spent hours in the central library—eight floors of pure knowledge.”Helen listened with quiet amusement and growing wonder. These weren’t just stories. This was the future.They stopped first at a shopping promenade, where modern boutiques lined the plaza. Aeternum fashion—streamlined, elegant, tailored for form and comfort—was on full display.Helen tried on a pale blue dress lined with iridescent threads that shifted color slightly under different lighting. She admired herself in the mirror. Regal, yet free. She hadn’t felt this light in years.Merrica chuckled as she twirled slightly. “Careful. You’ll make the palace tailors obsolete.”Next came the Aeternum cuisine district. The aroma of spices, imported meats, baked delicacies and exotic fruit blends filled
Meerkat sipped from his flask; eyes gleaming. “Monster cores alone could offset our collective energy reliance on Aeternum’s hybrid reactors. If those dungeons are stabilized and regulated under UNA protocols, we’re looking at a resource boom.”Angela arched an eyebrow. “All that assumes stability. A kingdom can’t regulate dungeons if they can’t regulate their own court.”“Well,” Meerkat said with a shrug, “that’s what Merrica’s for, isn’t it?”They all laughed lightly—because it was true. The man’s reputation preceded him. Hallerus may have signed with a queen, but Merrica had built the bridge.Kaneda leaned forward. “It’s risky, but it’s a calculated risk. We’re not signing blind loyalty here. We’re watching. Evaluating. But make no mistake—if this works, Hallerus becomes the keystone of continental connectivity.”Redwall drummed his fingers on his knee. “I suppose that’s why we’re here. Not to clap at the signing. But to see if the queen is truly changed.”“She is,” Angela said qui
“And now, a major announcement: With the signing complete, Hallerus Kingdom is formally inducted into the United Nation Alliance as its thirty-first member. This marks a turning point—not only for Hallerus, but for the entire Central Continent.”“The UNA, now composed of thirty-one sovereign nations, officially becomes the largest unified alliance in the world’s history—its reach, economic power, and strategic cooperation unmatched by any prior coalition.”“Following this event, Aeternum has confirmed it will begin a nationwide rollout of its Super Stores, factories, and humanitarian infrastructure in Hallerus territory. In exchange, Hallerus will provide critical resources and cultural integration into the alliance structure.”“Public reaction is already beginning to surface—here in New City, spontaneous celebrations have begun in the multicultural districts where former Hallerians live. Meanwhile, markets across the UNA are surging in response to the stability this alliance signifie
“I don’t forget betrayal easily,” I said. “And Aeternum doesn’t forget pain lightly. What happened between us—it scarred people. People who trusted Hallerus. Soldiers who bled for your freedom. Civilians who saw us pulled out overnight.”“I know,” Helen said. “And I accept the cost.”“But,” I said, letting the word hang before softening my tone, “I do respect accountability.”Her eyes met mine. “Then we start again?”“We do,” I said, extending a hand.She took it. Her grip was firm.“We bury the hatchet,” I added. “But let’s be clear—this is not a return to old friendship. This is a new foundation. One built on lessons learned.”Helen nodded. “Agreed.”Merrica exhaled, satisfied. “It’s what both sides need.”I looked at Helen, voice calm. “You have a second chance now. Few leaders get that. Don’t waste it.”She nodded again, quietly this time. “I won’t.”“Good,” I said. “Because your people need you more than ever. Rule wisely. Rule well. Let this alliance be your legacy.”For the fir
“We’ll export more to Hallerus—especially food. You’ll need it. In return, we’ll import more raw ore and minerals. Your mining sector’s still decent, right?”“It is.”“Then let’s grow that. More volume, more jobs, more imports on both sides.”He beamed. “Thank you, my friend.”I smiled back. “You’ll find I don’t just use the whip.”“A carrot, then?”“Always. A balanced hand is how you keep control. Too much punishment, and you push people away. Too much reward, and they forget who they owe.”Merrica nodded slowly. “You’ve become a real ruler.”I stood, offering my hand again. “I became what this world needed.”He shook it. “And I’ll make sure Hallerus becomes what Aeternum can trust.”We stood in silence for a moment longer. The sound of cheering still floated in faintly from the streets below. Somewhere out there, Queen Helen was being paraded through New City—through a modern marvel built from vision and precision. Through a world she couldn’t have imagined a year ago.And now, she’
“They’re… happy to see us?” she asked, disbelief in her voice.Duke Merrica gave her a half-smile. “Some of them, yes. The others are watching. Judging. As they should.”One young woman in the crowd, her hair wrapped in Aeternum’s signature style, waved a small Hallerus flag and called out, “Welcome back! My family’s from Archenport—we’re with you!”Helen felt a warmth rise in her chest. Her lips curled, hesitant, but sincere. She lifted a gloved hand and waved back.Her ministers behind her smiled with relief. The people hadn’t forgotten them. Or maybe… maybe Aeternum’s citizens were willing to forgive, even if their leaders were not.Still, with each new marvel the city revealed, her pride took another small wound.Digital traffic signs shifted in real-time. Elevated walkways moved gently above the streets. Tall towers bore solar glass and climate control systems beyond her comprehension. Everything was clean. Efficient. Vibrant.Hallerus, by contrast, was still struggling to clear
“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.