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
“..Louis…..Kuh!…Louis?…”.(Lord Duke Windstorm The 5th)“For someone who is known as the Coldest Tyrant Duke….you are awfully…dull….”.(Colonel Guseppe De Gianna)“Who?….are..you….?..”.(Lord Duke Windstorm The 5th)Amidst his wandering thoughts inside a room where everyone were his subordinate, a voice that was alien to him, and on top of it all, speaking to his in an informal manner, Duke Windstorm the 5th that were already in a foul mood, felt the mocking from the voice is very scathing. Moreover it was a voice that he didn’t know, and also the Baron Louis that were supposed to be right behind him, seemed so silence, all of a sudden. With an annoyance in his action and voice at first, the Duke turned around in anger, but as his eyes adjusted to the new scenery behind him, his anger turns to bewilderment.“Who am I?….well….I am sure that by just looking at me….you would definitely know…who am I….Duke Windstorm…”.(Colonel Guseppe De Gianna)“What?..”.(Lord Duke Windstorm The 5th)Right
“Then Mies will destroy Hallerus.”Helen turned sharply toward him. “You think he would go that far?”Merrica didn’t even hesitate. “Yes.”Helen stared at him, searching for a lie. A hint of hesitation. But there was none.“He will not give you mercy a second time, Helen,” Merrica said. “If those nobles push for war, if they even dare to challenge Aeternum—you will lose.”He took another step forward, his voice heavy. “And I will not be able to protect you.”For the first time in their conversation, Helen looked away. Merrica saw it. The fear. The realization.She already knew everything he was saying was true. She had just been too proud—too trapped—to admit it.Silence hung between them. Then, at last, Helen spoke.“…What do you want me to do?”Merrica finally allowed himself a small sigh of relief.“You already know what must be done, Helen,” he said gently. “You must take back your court.”Helen slowly nodded, though her expression remained grim. “Those nobles will not leave peace
“Merrica understands that if Hallerus moves against Aeternum, we won’t hold back.”Kasuma gave a knowing smirk. “And you won’t hesitate to destroy them.”I met her gaze, unblinking.“No.”A heavy silence fell between us.Kasuma leaned forward, her voice softer but firm. “You don’t want war with Hallerus.”“No, I don’t,” I admitted. “The people of Hallerus don’t deserve to suffer for their queen’s mistakes. Merrica doesn’t deserve to be put in that position.”Kasuma studied me for a moment before sighing. “Then let’s hope Duke Merrica succeeds.”I ran a hand through my hair, my thoughts swirling. Visma was controlled. Chaos was their prison, and we held the keys. Hallerus, however, was different.It was once an ally, a friend, a brother. But betrayal had shattered that bond. Still… I didn’t want to be the one to crush it completely. I drummed my fingers on my desk. If Helen could be saved, then perhaps—A knock interrupted my thoughts.“Enter,” I called.An ACIA officer stepped in, bowi
The Merchant Guild Leader, Darvio Vinn, who had profited the most from blocking Aeternum trade. His warehouses stored inferior goods at premium prices, keeping the economy strangled in his grip.The General of the Royal Army, Lionel Ferin, who had bled the treasury dry with excessive military spending, preaching about “independence” while weakening their forces with outdated tactics.They had to be removed. One by one, quietly, without causing suspicion. But how? Merrica could not simply accuse them—Helen trusted them. If he moved too boldly, she would see him as the enemy.No, he had to be careful. He had to play the game. Merrica stood, pouring himself another glass of wine. He would begin by exposing the corruption—turning the people against the parasites that fed on Hallerus.The merchants would learn how Darvio Vinn had been overpricing basic goods. The military officers would see how General Lionel Ferin had been wasting funds on obsolete strategies. The court would hear whisper
At a local tavern, I overheard a group of soldiers drunkenly complaining."Our weapons are old.""Our rations taste like pig slop.""Did you hear? Even Alemia is receiving Aeternum goods now.""We should have never broken ties."I smirked. They knew. Their queen had failed them, and their nation was falling behind while the rest of the world thrived under Aeternum’s soft power. The people of Hallerus were not fools. They saw the rising prosperity of the allied nations, the luxurious goods, the technological marvels, the entertainment, the food. They could only watch in envy.At sunset, I met with Duke Merrica Murrs at his estate. His once-proud posture had been replaced with exhaustion. His eyes, which once held confidence, now carried deep regret.We sat in his grand study, the silence stretching between us. Finally, he spoke."I should have stopped her."I said nothing."I vouched for her. I believed in her." He exhaled, shaking his head. "And now, my people suffer because of my mis
Meanwhile, in Yulga, Maria sat comfortably in her study, reading the latest reports.Lysander stood beside her, amused. "Another assassin failed. This is getting predictable."Maria smirked. "Vismal thinks he’s playing chess, but he’s only moving pawns."She set down her glass, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Let him keep trying. Let him think he has control.""And when he finally realizes he doesn’t?" Lysander asked.Maria leaned back, exhaling softly. "By then, he won’t be king anymore."While King Vismal wasted his energy plotting assassinations, he failed to see the true danger.His nobles squabbled over the black market. His people secretly craved Aeternum goods. His own soldiers whispered of defecting.Visma was rotting from the inside out. And Maria? She simply watched it happen. She wasn’t just controlling the black market. She was controlling Visma’s fate. One failed assassination at a time.King Vismal III believed he could eliminate Maria Yulga. He believed he could take
"Oi, you got the stuff?""Yeah, yeah, keep it down!"A merchant nervously looked around before handing over a carefully wrapped package."This is the good stuff—straight from Aeternum. Papa Pizza’s special cheese blend. Got it from a merchant who knows a guy who knows a guy."The buyer, a Visma noble in disguise, snatched it eagerly."Finally! I’ve been dying to try this! You have no idea how boring Visma’s food is compared to Aeternum’s cuisine!""Yeah, yeah, pay up first.""Fine, fine—how much?""Two hundred gold pieces."The noble nearly choked. "T-Two hundred?! That’s robbery!"The merchant smirked. "And yet, you’re still going to pay it, aren’t you?"The noble gritted his teeth, but handed over the money anyway. Aeternum’s products were so desirable that people were willing to spend fortunes just to get a taste.And that was exactly what ACIA wanted. By controlling the underground economy, Aeternum achieved multiple goals:Economic Control – Even though Visma banned Aeternum’s pr
The people were asking too many questions. The smugglers were getting bolder. Even their own guards and soldiers were caught listening to Aeternum’s broadcasts in secret. A revolution wasn’t just coming—it was being broadcast live.In an attempt to regain control, the non-allied nations did the only thing they knew how to do—They cracked down. Massive raids were conducted in the dead of night. Entire villages were searched. Merchants were arrested. Radios were smashed in public squares.But no matter how many products they confiscated, no matter how many smugglers they punished, it didn’t stop. Aeternum’s influence was already too deep. The people had tasted the forbidden fruit—and they weren’t about to let go of it.What made matters worse was that not everyone in power was loyal to the cause. Behind closed doors, even high-ranking nobles were secretly buying Aeternum’s products for themselves. Some were sneaking off to allied territories under the guise of “diplomatic visits” just s
Aeternum had always been known for its technological marvels and superior products, but with easy transportation, its goods became more accessible than ever before.From freshly preserved gourmet food to luxurious household items, Aeternum’s influence began to seep into every aspect of daily life across the continent. And the people? They loved it. Why eat old, stale bread when you could have Aeternum’s fresh-baked soft rolls that lasted for weeks without losing their taste?Why wear itchy, poorly-made foreign garments when you could buy Aeternum’s finely woven, stain-resistant fabrics? Even Aeternum’s entertainment industry was making waves. With their crystal-powered moving pictures, stories from Aeternum began flooding into neighboring lands, captivating audiences with rich tales of adventure, romance, and heroism.It wasn’t just about selling goods anymore. Aeternum was selling a way of life. And everyone wanted in.But not everyone was pleased. The non-allied nations watched in d
world devoured slice after slice, their faces twisted in expressions of pure bliss."Mmmh!""What is this?! It’s… It’s so simple yet… SO PERFECT!""The flavors! The balance! The texture! This is divine!"Even the most arrogant food critic, who prided himself on hating everything, took a bite and nearly fell out of his chair. Jean-Pierre trembled. His masterpiece—the dish he had poured his entire soul into—was being ignored. Instead, these noble fools were eating fast food.Like commoners. He couldn’t accept it. But the judges had already decided. With a deep breath, the royal head judge stood up and declared:"By unanimous decision… The winner is—Papa Pizza!"The room erupted in thunderous applause. Jean-Pierre, the once undefeated culinary master, stood frozen in place. His hands trembled. His pride shattered. And then, with his head lowered, he fell to his knees.The duel’s outcome shook the world. Jean-Pierre Gaston, the Imperial Chef, had lost to a simple pizza. Nobles who once l