On screen, ANBC reporters walked the streets, interviewed important figures, and even showed battlefield footage of Aeternum’s military exercises. The people were shocked, their jaws dropping as they saw moving images of places they had never been."It’s like I’m standing there with them!" A shopkeeper had exclaimed in an interview, reacting to seeing footage of Angela’s train network expansion.But news wasn’t the only thing that took the world by storm.I had taken it upon myself to recreate classic entertainment from Earth, bringing a whole new level of culture to Aeternum.Dramas and Soap Operas – Noble romance, political intrigue, thrilling battles, and dramatic betrayals captivated viewers. Families gathered around the television, watching scripted stories unfold before their eyes for the first time.Short Films & Movies – Storytelling evolved overnight. Actors and playwrights who once worked in theaters had now found a new home in television. The birth of Aeternum’s film indust
“Coming Soon: Aeternum’s First Movie – Directed by the President Himself!”The public reaction was beyond anything I had imagined. People were talking about it in markets, cafes, and even at work.“Did you hear? The President himself is acting in this film!”“I don’t even know what a movie is, but if the President made it, I have to see it!”“They say it’s like a play, but the characters are on a magical screen. How does that even work?”The excitement was contagious. Even foreign merchants and diplomats in Aeternum were intrigued—they, too, wanted to witness this mysterious new form of entertainment.Shooting the movie was not easy. Unlike Earth, Aeternum had no experienced film industry professionals. Camera operators had to be trained from scratch.Actors had to learn how to deliver lines naturally instead of exaggerated stage acting. Lighting and set design had to be invented entirely from the ground up.One of my biggest struggles?Teaching the actors to not look directly at the
“Learn the Craft of Visual Storytelling! Enroll in the Aeternum Film Academy Today!”Students from all over Aeternum flocked to sign up. Aspiring actors hoping to be the next big star. Writers eager to bring their stories to life. Technicians fascinated by the magic of film.Even our allied nations sent students, eager to learn about this new frontier of entertainment. The future of the film industry had been secured.“If there are no theaters, there’s no audience.”Right now, Aeternum was the only nation with cinemas. But the true money wouldn’t come from just our own population—it would come from exporting movies and cinema technology to our allied nations.And so, we struck a deal. Each allied nation would provide land and funding for the construction of cinemas. Aeternum would bring in the technology, train workers, and provide the films.The profits would be split—40% for Aeternum, 60% for the host nation. This trade cooperation would not only strengthen alliances but also ensur
At first, even with professional teams and structured matches, the stadiums weren’t full. People didn’t understand why they should care. But then… he first matches were broadcasted on television. And suddenly, everything changed.For the first time, people saw their own cities competing. New City United vs. Shark Bay FC. Ironridge Titans vs. Silverport Eagles. Blazing Tundra vs. Redwood Strikers.It wasn’t just football anymore—these were their cities, their teams, their pride. And when fans saw their teams winning, they felt the rush of victory. When they saw their teams losing, they felt the bitterness of defeat.The spark had been ignited. Soon enough… Supporters’ clubs started popping up. Fans flooded stadiums on weekends. People debated tactics in bars, cafes, and workplaces. Children started dreaming of becoming professional players.Saturdays and Sundays were now known as Football Days, where everyone tuned in to watch their favorite teams battle for supremacy.The AFL wasn’t j
This was Aeternum’s first fully televised football match, being broadcast internationally to allied nations like Dukedom of Angela, Kingdom of Zaredon, and Kingdom of Eloesa.Even rival nations, like Hallerus Kingdom and the Golden Triangle Nation, watched the match with a mix of jealousy and curiosity.For them, this was completely new.A sport played in a massive stadium. A crowd of thousands cheering in unison. Leaders sitting among their people, showing unity and camaraderie."Is this… what Aeternum entertainment looks like?""No wonder their people love them…"Aeternum was changing the world, one goal at a time.The match continued, New City United pressing forward, desperately trying to equalize. And then—Thirty minutes in—goal! New City United equalized with a powerful shot from outside the box.Forty-second minute—goal! Another attack from New City, and they took the lead.President Mies stood up and cheered loudly with the crowd."Looks like the President is having a great t
The refugees of the Battle Star Empire were determined to prove themselves.The Aeternum government had granted them legal residency, but full citizenship required them to live lawfully, work hard, and integrate into society. It wasn’t a difficult requirement—the people wanted to stay, to belong, and they were more than willing to do whatever it took.Crime among the former refugees was almost nonexistent. They respected the law because they had never known justice before.Education was another priority. Schools and learning centers had been set up specifically for immigrants, teaching them not only about Aeternum’s history and culture but also modern skills—reading, writing, mathematics, and even vocational training.Mira had already enrolled in evening classes, determined to further her education.Her dream?To open her own tailoring business one day.Back in the Empire, she had been forced to sew uniforms for soldiers under brutal conditions, her work never appreciated, never compe
Inside the Presidential Office, I sat at my desk, reviewing a final document with Vice President Elijah and Minister of Culture, Evelyn Rhemis."Are we all in agreement?" I asked, setting the paper down.Elijah smirked, arms crossed. "Absolutely. A national holiday to celebrate our multicultural unity? It’s about time."Evelyn nodded in excitement. "This is more than just a celebration, Mr. President. This solidifies Aeternum’s identity as a nation of the future—a place where people, regardless of origin, can thrive under a common dream."The new holiday, aptly named "Unity Day," would be an annual celebration where all citizens, native-born and immigrant alike, could come together in festivals, concerts, and cultural showcases.It would be a reminder to everyone—past, present, and future—that Aeternum’s greatest strength was not just its technology, but its people.I smiled. "Then let’s make it official."The day of the first Unity Day festival had arrived, and the New City Central S
Back in New City, President Mies Sai sat in the war room, casually reading a report from the Aeternum Covert Intelligence Agency (ACIA).Elijah, standing beside him, smirked. “So, how are our ‘friends’ in the Empire doing?”Mies chuckled, tossing the report onto the table. “Exactly as we expected. They’re robbing merchant caravans like common thieves.”Elijah rolled her eyes. “Pathetic. They think that stealing a few televisions and radios will change anything?”Mies leaned back in his chair. “Let them enjoy their stolen luxuries. It’s amusing.”Unbeknownst to the Empire’s nobles, Aeternum’s response had already been set in motion.Across the Empire, ACIA agents had infiltrated various cities, spreading anti-government propaganda, inciting protests, and stirring civil unrest among the discontent lower classes. They didn’t even need to lift a finger militarily—the people of the Empire were already turning against their rulers on their own.Mies tapped his fingers on the table. “There’s
“We’re sending an envoy,” I said. “I want a diplomatic team ready to leave within the week. Formal clothes, soft language, but firm posture. They’ll deliver the proposal to reopen channels with Hallerus.”Andrea raised an eyebrow. “And if they hesitate?”“They won’t,” I said. “Helen’s smarter than she was. She knows what Aeternum means now—not just power. Stability. Progress. A future. Her people know it too. They’re already lining up to buy our products again. Her economy needs us more than she’d ever admit.”Andrea took notes. “Do we offer full partnership or just trade?”“Start with trade. Let her work for the rest.”Elijah crossed his arms. “You’re playing the long game.”“Always,” I said. “She showed backbone. Now she has to show consistency. If Hallerus stays clean, stays reformed, we talk alliance in two years. Maybe joint ventures. Maybe intelligence sharing.”Andrea looked up. “And if they regress?”“Then the gloves come off,” I said. “I owe Merrica nothing now. The ledger is
“Shadow diplomacy?”“Shared progress,” I corrected. “No puppet states. No conquest. We build allies, not subjects.”“And if she fails?”“She won’t.”“You trust her?”“I trust momentum.”Silence settled between us. Weighty. Calculated.“She came to the edge,” I said. “She looked down. She chose to climb.”I placed my palm on the table. Pulled up the interlink data from the last ACIA relay. A still frame of Helen and Merrica, standing beside a new council—half of them former commoners. Not a single noble.“She’s rewriting the code of kingship,” Elijah said.“She’s writing history.”Elijah nodded. “I’ll alert the Council of Governors. Phase One integration can begin. Cultural exchange programs. Civil training volunteers.”“Quiet. Measured.”“As always.”I watched the horizon past the glass. My reflection stared back. Older now. Sharper.“Hallerus lives,” I said.Elijah placed the closed folder back into his case. “And Aeternum listens.”I sat behind the presidential desk, sunlight spilli
"Your Majesty, to attempt full restoration in so short a time—""Will cost," she interrupted. "Yes, I know. But the people have paid enough. Now it’s our turn."What followed was a flurry of action unlike anything Hallerus had seen in decades. Labor crews moved out in droves. Merchants were granted tax reprieves to reopen. Public works officials received emergency authority. For once, the gears of governance turned swiftly.But still, the people watched with wary eyes.In the village of Elbarrow, a merchant shook his head as soldiers repaired a broken bridge."They say it’s Queen Helen’s will," he muttered. "But we've heard such promises before.""Aye," replied a farmer, watching with folded arms. "But maybe this time it sticks. She walked among us, didn’t she? My cousin swears she saw her with the duke."Rumors of the queen’s journey spread like wildfire. With them came cautious hope.One evening, at a small gathering hosted by village elders in Merrowind, Helen removed her hood and
"Transparency will be paramount. Council sessions will be documented, and decisions made in conjunction with the Crown will be communicated openly. This is not a move to consolidate power, but to distribute it wisely, ensuring that the governance of Hallerus reflects the will and welfare of its people."Lord Dallren, who had been silently observing, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, such a council could indeed bridge the gap between the Crown and the nobility, fostering unity. I support this initiative."A ripple of agreement spread through the assembly.Helen continued, "Furthermore, to address the grievances of our citizens and promote economic growth, we shall implement reforms aimed at equitable taxation and the eradication of corrupt practices that have long plagued our administration."Duke Merrica added, "These reforms will not only strengthen our internal stability but also enhance our standing among neighboring realms, fostering alliances and trade relations."Viscount Rellan,
A murmur of agreement rippled through the assembly.Helen's gaze swept over the room, her eyes meeting those of each noble in turn. "I have summoned you here not only to reaffirm our unity but to propose measures that will ensure the stability and prosperity of Hallerus for generations to come."Viscount Rellan, his earlier defiance now replaced with a veneer of compliance, inclined his head. "Your Majesty, what measures do you propose?"Helen took a measured breath. "Firstly, we shall establish a council comprising representatives from each noble house. This council will serve as an advisory body, ensuring that all voices are heard and that governance is conducted with transparency and fairness."Baroness Yvette Darrow, her scepticism barely concealed, arched an eyebrow. "And what powers would this council hold, Your Majesty?"Helen met Yvette's gaze unwaveringly. "The council will have the authority to propose legislation and oversee its implementation. However, ultimate executive p
Amidst the turmoil, Duke Merrica found himself face-to-face with Lord Dallren."Merrica," Dallren sneered, blood trickling from a wound on his brow. "Betraying your own kind for that girl?"Merrica's grip tightened on his sword. "My loyalty lies with Hallerus, not with those who would see it rot from within."Their blades met in a fierce exchange, each strike echoing their clashing ideologies.Nearby, Baroness Yvette confronted Queen Helen."Your Majesty," Yvette began, her tone almost mocking, "you've become quite the thorn in our side."Helen met her gaze unwaveringly. "And you, Baroness, have leeched off this kingdom for too long."Yvette smirked, drawing her dagger. "Let's see if you're as formidable with a blade as you are with words."As the battle raged on, it became evident that the Queen's Faction held the advantage. The support of the common folk had bolstered their numbers, and the corrupt nobles' forces began to waver.Count Vorell, witnessing the disarray, turned to his r
A trusted royal scribe—a man who had served the palace for over a decade—was found dead before sunrise. A dagger coated in poison was discovered strapped to his leg. The second attempt followed soon after.A servant carrying tea for the Queen was intercepted before she could enter the throne room. Hidden beneath the silver tray was a vial of deadroot extract, a lethal poison. The servant, after interrogation, confessed that her family had been taken hostage by nobles who ordered the hit.Then came the third, fourth, and fifth attempts. Archers on rooftops. Explosives set along the Queen’s carriage route. Blades hidden in the folds of a courtier’s robes.Each time, the assassins failed. Each time, they disappeared without a trace. Helen knew who was behind it. But rather than show fear, she faced the storm head-on.Seated in her war room, Helen traced her fingers along a map of Hallerus, where red ink circled enemy strongholds. Duke Merrica stood beside her, arms folded, his sharp eyes
Aeternum had taught her a valuable lesson—control is not about force, but manipulation. So, she would make them turn on each other.Helen began summoning the nobles one by one, speaking to them in private meetings. She whispered honeyed words into their ears.“Viscount Talis, I need a reliable man. Duke Rehn is plotting against me, and I require your loyalty.”“Countess Ferros, your influence is invaluable. I fear Duke Rehn is siphoning funds, and I need someone I trust to investigate.”“Duke Rehn, the other nobles are moving against you. You must act swiftly before they remove you from power.”With every meeting, seeds of distrust were sown.The nobles—drunk on greed—were too blind to see that they were being played.And so, one by one, they began to conspire against each other.As the nobles scrambled to destroy each other, Helen’s true loyalists made their move.Under the cover of darkness, handpicked assassins carried out eliminations with precision.Duke Rehn?Found dead in his s
“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