Listening to the radio news, that the report has been beautify and tailored to make us look good, is nothing short of a fine morning for me. Head Butler Gerard has been with me all this morning, leaving the room several times to do his work and also comes back with a refreshment for my breakfast dine. Marisko has woken up and already left to work, and so does Eliza as well. They both have a lot of work to do as the army will have to conquer the Northern Region and then the Northwestern region next. At that time, whilst I were enjoying my time, listening to the radio and basking in the morning sun. My phone rang, and I recognized the number, is the War Room official number, I wondered if something had happened.“Hello…who is this?…”.“[ Good Morning, Your Highness…I am Lieutenant Vexia, from the War Room, Inside the Black House…]”.(Lieutenant Vexia)“Oh~..Lieutenant Rabbit, it’s you…”.“[………….uh….y..yes…it’s me, Sir…]”.(Lieutenant Vexia)Her awkward silence went off for a few seconds,
“[Madam, The President is on Line number 1…]”.(Lieutenant Vexia)“[Thank you, Lieutenant…..Hello…Master..]”.(Vice President Elijah)“Oh, Elijah…good morning…you call me quite early this time….why is something happened back home?…”.“[Are you listening to the radio news right now?…]”.(Vice President Elijah)“ Yes, I am….Why?..”.(President Mies)“[Well….I have some idea…]”.(Vice President Elijah)Now that is quite a surprise coming from her, and at this kind of time. From her tone of voice, it seems like her idea might be a little bit mischievously, though, at this point, I can humor her, after all this time, I will always be the one that has been giving out an idea, better let her have a chance at it.“Sure…tell me about your idea…as long as it doesn’t involve us stopping the war…I am open to suggestions…”.“[ It was like this…..as the news was aired, we are gauging the public reaction to the aired news…so…I think we can devise something even upping the public reaction even more….]”.(V
“[Thank you, Master….in a few days…you can expect a great news from me…]”.(Vice President Elijah)“I certainly hope so, Elijah…”.What Elijah had in mind is quite genius actually, she wanted to have the public had their hands dirty and thus involving the entire Aeternum to also have their names in our war, and thus entirely made everyone cannot reverse their opinion, sure at first when she would announced the ‘decision’ the people would probably outrage and performed a protest. But little that they know, once they do it, they will be entirely locked inside of her scheme.“...It seems that you had a very fruitful conversation, with our Madam Vice President…..is it?..”.(Agent Marisko)“you can say that…..she wanted to do a little bit mischief….so I gave her the go ahead to do so…”.“Agent Marisko….keep your decorum, whilst speaking to His Highness….Your Highness, I Holgun Iron Horn has arrived..”.(Major Holgun Iron Horn)“Oh~ how so prudent of you, Major…you should relaxed a little bit~
“Marisko…how about on your side?..”.“The public reaction is overwhelmingly positive….and from the end of New Sunders to here…..the people are ready to accept Aeternum wholeheartedly…In terms of the new trades agreements with Dukedom of Angela….everything has been prepared…we already started to sent the first shipments to New City as we speak….for now the only issues that we had…is dealing with the runaway nobles and lords….some of them managed to escape to the Central Region…”.(Agent Marisko)“Hmm….what about their properties?..”.“We managed to obtained all of them…but, as for their lives….they managed to get away…so…we would have less than original estimated numbers of scapegoat to shows to the public…”.(Agent Marisko)“That’s not really great…those people are needed for us to show our Justice systems….the down trodden people need to see that we are able to delivered them a profound justice…”.Sure at this point, we have already punished a lot of Nobles and lord in the midst of the
“Things like this bound to happen, Marisko…everything is messy around us….and things just moving too fast….we cannot covered everything, right?….rather than dwelling in this situation…we should just find a solution for it…”.I rather changed the current mood, as this unhinged lady should never be let being in a depressed mood, she might just go unhinged entirely later on.“.…hmm….contact, Observer Naevys Briarfel in Pearl City and Governor Duke Oliver Gust….I want them to sent all their captured Nobles and Lord here to Georgina City…we will hold he trial here….”.“I see….by punishing the Noble and Lord from all the regions…then the numbers would be large enough, to create an illusion that we were punishing every sinners that the Alemia Nation had….and thus appeased and appeal to the public that we ARE punishing everyone…Right, Sir?…”.(Major Holgun Iron Horn)“Yes…that is the plans….while I am punishing these convict….I want you, Holgun…paired with General Eliza and the rest of the tro
“...Us, the M.I agents has to always be the most effective swords and shield for him….and your mistakes….can be a hole that anyone can take advantage of…”.(Major Holgun Iron Horn)“.….Once again, I understand, you bull….stop reminding me so much about it….just in case….you better remember…that between you and me….he used my dirty and dark sword the most….you can stick close to him as much as you can….but remember…I am the most useful tool for him….Hmph!…”.(Agent Marisko)“..Heh….anyway….make sure that you handle your task correctly this time…I don’t want to suggest my men to replace you….which…you know that it can happen…”.(Major Holgun Iron Horn)Petty, that is what Holgun were looking like right now, but still Marisko cannot just rebuked him. The real truth is although their interaction seems scathing, it also served as an effort to comfort both of them. The M.I Agency is small, and they only served and answered to the President, in terms of hierarchy within the many Aeternum agency
“By the way, lady Marisko…I wanted to remind you, that…when you were hiring…please make sure that your worker has already registered as Aeternum citizens…as you know…we need to follow and showed off the policy….Government requirements…”.(Observer Mr.Halgar)“Of course, Mr. Halgar….quite perceptive of you, to use these opportunity that comes from me…”.(Agent Marisko)“Well…we all go to survive and collect merits right?…ahahaha…”.(Observer Mr.Halgar)In just a short brief of time, the 2 already forge a cooperation, and already using each others for their own benefits. Halgar at this moment, is still an Observer in trial, and he would need a lot of connection and credentials, to help him raise to the position of true mayor, which is certainly a long road, should he not have any ally, and thankfully Agent Marisko is a good ally for him to have on his side.Whilst the 2 in Georgina City were busy with their preparation for the upcoming Trial in the City, on the other part of the region, mo
“This region…is not only cold….but also desolate as heck…”.(Major Holgun Iron Horn)Sitting inside the warm regulated interior of the Aeternum Airship, Holgun looked out the window and frowned as he can only sees, cold snowy winds and just white landscape everywhere.“...It is not that bad….at the very least…it isn’t hot here…of I Forgot…you’re from the wasteland right?….so you don’t like this kind of place?..”.(General Eliza)“We Minotaurus kind…like a slightly warm temperatures…seasons like springs and hot summer were the best for us….”.(Major Holgun Iron Horn)“Hmm….I guess, that is logical…you all got furs and everything…”.(General Eliza)“Absolutely, milady….you seems to enjoy, this cold atmosphere…”.(Major Holgun Iron Horn)“Well…Our headquarters are cold like this….just east of where we are….is our main base….have you and your division got a duty stationed on the North region yet?..”.(General Eliza)Casually, the General pointed her finger toward the east, Which shocked Holgun
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.