“Things are slowly going out of control…”.(Governor Duke Oliver Gust)“You think so?….ahaha….well, that is the difference between us and the other governments….our people can think for themselves….and they wanted us to hear about it….unlike the other nations….our people were not merely just a sheeps….amazing isn’t it….”.(Colonel Alessia Di Gianna)“Sure…that’s great…but still….with that amount of people outside….things can easily spiral out of control…and that shouldn’t happen…especially now..when we had a very crucial decision to make…”.(Governor Duke Oliver Gust)To many of the old lords, this situation is certainly unsettling to be in, but for many Aeternum born leader, this situation is just something that is to be expected, as things like this is what made the Aeternum governance to be different and unique. At the same time, right outside the Cabinet Hall Building, the crowds that starts at most at a hundreds people has now grown into thousands, traffic, business and now even sch
“Commissioner Layla….” Minister Mina’s voice cut through the din of the crowd, carrying a weight of authority that had been honed through years of public service.“Yes, Madam Minister!” Layla responded, relief palpable in her tone. “Thank God you’re finally here. Look at the crowd, Ma’am. The numbers have kept increasing…” Aeternum Police Commissioner Layla’s voice trailed off as she gestured toward the masses.Minister Mina’s gaze swept across the scene, taking in the sea of faces. “I can see that… It’s even more overwhelming than what I saw from the inside. Is the situation under control?” Her words were calm, but there was an undercurrent of urgency.“Somehow… somehow, the people are still in a reasonable mood. So far, no one has attempted to cross the barrier we’ve set up,” Commissioner Layla replied, her voice tinged with cautious optimism. She gave a wry smile as she motioned toward the crowd, clearly indicating that the protest line had not yet breached the police barricades.“
“[ Folks, let it be known that today, right inside this building, we are in the midst of a respected Cabinet Meeting… A time and place where we discuss the matters that will shape the future of our nation. It is also a place where you—the people—are heard and your concerns are listened to by the leaders of our nation. Seeing you all gathered here today is truly a shocking sight for all of us inside. Let it be known that this is a trying time for all of us. With the war that we are still fighting, we need to be united as one. So, tell me, what has prompted you all to gather here today in this fashion?… ]” Minister Mina’s voice was soothing yet firm, her words carefully chosen to deescalate the situation while inviting the crowd to share their grievances.Her calming presence had an almost immediate effect on the protesters. The tension that had gripped the crowd began to ease, and a sense of order slowly returned. It was Old Corg who stepped forward, his voice now the only one that bro
Back outside, with the crowd of protester has calmed down and finally able to communicate calmly and in an orderly fashion, everything else has flowed smoothly as it can be, right now, in front of the crowds, Old Corg, who is now wholeheartedly being acknowledge as the crowds representative, are now beginning to have an earnest talks with Minister Mina. The police are no longer felt the tension in the air as the crowd, now knows that they have someone to talk on behalf of them, started to take a step back and calmly await what is going to unfold.“So, you…along with the others are here…to protest the memorandum from being approved, right?…”.(Minister Mina)“Yes, Madam Minister….I…or perhaps…we all…we don’t want to see…that the progress….the effort of our soldiers are being wasted here….”.(Old Corg)Old Corg are very passionate right now, he spread his arms to the side to signify that right now, he is not just talking for himself, but also for the rest of Aeternum people as well, and h
“Your Excellency, Madam Minister….we understand that….but, please we beg of you and the Cabinet….do not let this sort of harmful Memorandum passed…..for it would be a disaster…for all of us….and for the people in Alemia Nation….”.(Old Corg)“I get it….Let me….Hmmm?…”.(Minister Mina)“Madam Minister!…Madam Minister!!…..we have an order from the Cabinet Hall!!….”.(Captain Gorry)Just as the mood were about to be down, all of a sudden, a Police Captain, Captain Gorry come running towards Minister Mina that are still in the middle of a conversation with Old Corg at the moment. At the moment as the whole area were in silence, Captain Gorry hurried voice and his rushing action, immediately caught everyone attentions.“What is it, Captain Gorry?…”.(Minister Mina)“Huff…huff…huff…..Madam Minister, the Cabinet Hall had reached a concession on this situation…”.(Captain Gorry)“What is it?….what is their concession?…”.(Minister Mina)Minister Mina voice sounded shocked and curious right now, in
“Your Excellency, Madam Minister… the people have chosen me to represent them,”.(Old Corg) Old Corg began, his voice a mix of pride and trepidation. “So I will be the one addressing the Cabinet, Madam.”.(Old Corg)Minister Mina regarded him with a calm and measured gaze, her expression reflecting both understanding and the weight of the moment.“If the people have come to their decision, then I will respect it,”.(Minister Mina)she responded, her voice steady and respectful.“You will come with me to speak to the Cabinet Members. What is your name, sir?”.(Minister Mina)“I am Corg, Madam… just Corg. Folks call me Old Corg… I’m a fish hawker at the wet market… Sorry…”.(Old Corg) Old Corg’s voice faltered as he introduced himself, his modesty almost overwhelming him.As he spoke, his head dipped slightly, as if the weight of his humble origins was too much to bear in the presence of such an esteemed figure as Minister Mina. For a man like him, accustomed to the rough and simple life
“You go ahead and do that. I’m heading back inside.”Commissioner Layla)“Roger that, Ma’am,”.(Captain Mimal)Captain Mimal replied with a salute, before turning to follow the crowd, his watchful eyes scanning the throng for any signs of trouble.Even though the situation outside the Cabinet Hall had returned to a semblance of normalcy, the work of the police force was far from over. With thousands of people now converging on the Broadcast Centre, their sheer numbers demanded continued vigilance. Captain Mimal knew that the mood of the crowd could shift at any moment, and it was his duty to ensure that nothing jeopardized the fragile peace that had been restored.As Commissioner Layla made her way back into the Cabinet Hall, she couldn’t help but reflect on the events of the day. It had been a close call—one that could have easily spiraled out of control if not for the timely intervention of Minister Mina. But even as she considered the challenges they had faced, she knew that the real
Old Corg, who had been teetering on the brink of a nervous breakdown, found himself calming down. There was something about Minister Mina’s presence—her gentle, calming manner—that reassured him. She had a way of making even the most daunting situations seem manageable, of making him feel that he could speak his mind without fear of reprisal. With her standing by his side, ready to cover for any mistakes he might make, Old Corg felt a newfound confidence stirring within him.“Thank you, Madam Minister… I feel calmer now,”.(Old Corg)Old Corg said, a small smile creeping onto his face.“I think I can speak my mind and my opinions more clearly now. Hahaha… I’m sure that when I speak, there might be one or two Cabinet Members who’ll be offended…”.(Old Corg)Minister Mina chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with understanding.“Well… they might be offended, but such is the nature of speaking honestly. At the end of the day, the truth is better than a lie, right?”.(Minister Mina)“That’s t
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.