All the nobles and lords who had heard the verdict lost the shine in their faces and fell into a gloomy silence. They wanted to plead, as they had always done in the past, but this time, no words could escape their lips. Silenced all at once, they were forcefully escorted back to their prison cells, their fates now sealed. All they could do was wait for the inevitable—the day when death would finally claim them.As for the people of Georgina City, they were only just beginning to regain their senses after the shock of what they had witnessed. The trial, to their amazement, had been a truly lawful proceeding. No trickery, no hidden agenda. Aeternum had conducted the trial with honesty and transparency, showing everyone what true justice looked like. This is what fairness should be, they thought. This is how a just society should work.“BAM! BAM! BAM!”The sound of the gavel echoed throughout the plaza, marking the official end of the court proceedings. The magistrate’s voice rang out:
Meanwhile, at the back of the stage, as the trial concludes, President Mies quietly makes his way toward the colossal administrative building situated just behind the City Centre. Once inside the grand room on the second floor, he stands near a tall window, his gaze drifting over the jubilant crowds gathered outside. They are in full celebration of the successful court proceedings that have just taken place. Today, a significant number of nobles and lords stood trial, all of whom have been sentenced. Their executions are scheduled to begin tomorrow.**"How are the people reacting?"President Mies asks, his voice calm yet purposeful, still watching the masses below.Special Agent Marisko, standing just behind him, replies with a tone of satisfaction."It’s been overwhelmingly positive, Your Highness. As you can see for yourself, the people are celebrating. It’s safe to say that, from this moment on, our government has earned their full support and cooperation." Mies nods slightly, ac
They were leasing farmland at rates 200% higher than reasonable. Is that accurate?" Marisko nods gravely. "Yes, Your Highness. The high rent was deliberately designed to trap the people in debt. And when they inevitably couldn’t pay, the nobles would turn them into slaves. Their intention wasn’t to cultivate crops; it was to harvest the people themselves."(Marisko)Mies clenches his fist in anger. "What a sinister scheme."Marisko continues, his voice filled with disdain."Sinister indeed, sir. And they have been operating like this for quite some time now, exploiting the people while hiding the true nature of their contracts."(Marisko)Mies shakes his head, disgusted. These nobles had been using the farmland not to produce food for the nation but to exploit the very people who toiled on it. The entire system had been built on lies, with contracts carefully shrouded in secrecy. Even worse, the nobles had collaborated with one another to ensure they all played the same twisted ga
"I want to ensure that we manage all of the confiscated assets immediately. Since things have unfolded in this way, perhaps we can use this as an opportunity to make another strategic move—one that will greatly enhance our popularity,". President Mies said thoughtfully, a glimmer of calculation in his eyes.Special Agent Marisko looked intrigued but uncertain. "What do you mean, sir?". she asked, seeking clarification.Mies turned to him with a small, cunning smile."Those nobles hiked up the rent on farmland so outrageously high... don’t you think it’s only fair for us to lower it?"Marisko’s eyes widened in surprise."Do you really mean that, Your Highness?""Yes,"Mies continued, his tone firm and assured. "We—the Aeternum government—will be the ones to lower the rent that has been strangling the people of this land for so long. With that simple action, our positive image will skyrocket."Marisko’s face lit up with excitement as he grasped the brilliance of the idea. "What a
"Your Highness?"a voice called out from the other side. It was Sergeant Knight Jacob from the Knight Division.Since many of the commanding officers, including Holgun, had already moved to the front lines, Major Fontana had left his trusted sergeant to act as Mies' aide. "Come in, Sergeant,"Mies called, allowing the young knight to enter.The sergeant entered awkwardly, his movements stiff, betraying his nerves. Despite being a true-blooded knight, it seemed he was still adjusting to serving under such a high-ranking leader. "Your Highness,"he stammered,"Madam Vice President is calling. She’s on line one." Mies smiled slightly, amused by the sergeant’s nervousness."Thank you, Sergeant. Connect the call for me."Sergeant Jacob fumbled for a moment but quickly connected the call before retreating from the room, leaving Mies alone. As the line connected, Mies could hear the familiar voice of his vice president, Elijah, on the other end."This is Mies speaking. Go ahead, Elijah
“[Right now our people are behind our effort at 100% support…there will be no room for objections or even doubt now….the voiced it with their own mouth that…no matter what happened during this war…they will always stand behind us…]”.(Elijah)“Good to hear that…we are ramping up this war then….I would give Eliza and the others to solve the situation in the Northern Region…perhaps a few days…”.“[I Absolutely behind you with that, Sir….Eliza can do that much…beside…with the Eternal Night Division in her disposal….the Northern Region might as well already ours…]”.(Elijah)For the war in Northern Region, there is no worries there, even without me leading the troops, Eliza as the General of Airforce should be enough to conquer the entirety of that region, with the amount of troops that she brought with her, and then backed with the Eternal Night Division, it was already a done deal. All I had to do is just relaxed here and wait for them to finish up and then I can casually stroll into the
I can surely looking forward for tonight good news right?..”.“[Worries not, Sir…I will personally make sure that tonight 8 PM news..would surely shocked everyone..and it will mark the historic moment for our great nation and people…]”.(Elijah)“It will sure does, Elijah…”.With that we ended our phone call, naturally with a good mood. Today for me and also Aeternum everything has been going on so smoothly, from the trial that has concluded nicely, and bring a great wind of change to the people motivation and surely would the night news that would soon to come. In the time of Aeternum military occupation in this city, on the very first day, I have ordered the soldiers to installed radios paired with large speakers, so that the entire city can listened to the news, and obviously Aeternum propaganda, and tonight, I am sure that the news at 8 PM would even boost Aeternum legitimacy in this land even more.Meanwhile, in Alemia Northern Region, more specifically the largest city in Northwe
“...I heard…that the Aeternum has been constantly punishing all the Nobles and Lords all over Alemia….those that does not aligned with them…or those that had been deemed oppressive and a tyrant…all of them had the same fates…and that is the gallows….right?..”.(Lord Duke Windstorm The 5th)“...Yes it is, My Lord…it was as if they were settling all the old debt…”.(Baron Louis)Slowly make their way to the window that overseeing the Frozen Peak City, the Duke were clearly shaken, but still keep up the composed looks. Self depreciating and fear looming in his voice and eyes, as he too knows that in his reign as a Duke, he is also a tyrant.“.…They probably wont just let us be…right?..”.(Lord Duke Windstorm The 5th)“...Maybe.…I can’t say much…I propose a surrender, My lord…although our fate were already pretty much sealed…perhaps if we takes an initiative…maybe..the Aeternum would spare our families?…”.(Baron Louis)“.…at the very least…even if nothing left….the young ones should at least
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.