And thus, the fast-food empire of Aeternum was born. Within a few months, WcWonalds had exploded in popularity. Massive billboards showcasing juicy burgers and golden fries appeared all over Aeternum. Food carts and small WcWonalds outlets popped up in every major city. Multinational train stations had WcWonalds express counters, ensuring travelers could get a meal anywhere, anytime. Even the foreign nobles and kings were now sending personal envoys just to import WcWonalds to their palaces.At the Royal Business Tower, where the profits of Aeternum’s industries were calculated, Mies, Mina, and the other ministers of Aeternum’s economy watched as the numbers skyrocketed.An economic advisor adjusted his glasses. "Sir, WcWonalds has become the most successful restaurant chain in history."Another analyst nodded. "We’ve already established branches in allied nations. In fact, foreign leaders are practically begging us to open more locations."Mina clapped her hands together, tail sway
As expected, the noble resistance crumbled almost immediately. It started with a few nobles secretly sending their butlers to order food through the Drive-Thru lanes Then, more carriages began lining up at WcWonalds branches late at night, under the cover of darkness.And then, the moment a foreign prince was caught on camera using a Drive-Thru, the entire charade of resistance collapsed. By the end of the month, even the most vocal critics of the Drive-Thru system had personally experienced its convenience.Of course, they’d never admit they were wrong. Instead, they claimed:"Oh, well, we only use it because it’s convenient for our servants.""It’s not that Aeternum was right… it’s just that this one idea happened to be useful.""We could have thought of this ourselves… we just didn’t feel like implementing it."But everyone knew the truth. They loved it just as much as the common folk.Back in Aeternum’s Royal Palace, Elijah was lounging on a luxurious couch, watching the latest ne
“Mina-sama, as the first-ever champion, you have also won 10,000 Aeternum Credits! How do you feel?”Mina smiled, cradling her hard-earned trophy with pride.“I feel fantastic! I knew I could eat more than anyone here!”The crowd laughed and cheered, but then, Mina turned to Eloise.“But you know… I’m already blessed with a wonderful life. I don’t need the money.”The crowd fell silent. Eloise looked up; her face filled with confusion. And then, Mina placed the grand prize in Eloise’s hands. The single mother’s eyes widened in shock.“Mina-sama…?”Mina grinned. “Take it. Use it to build a better future for yourself and your kids. You fought hard. You deserve this.”For a long moment, there was silence. And then—THE CROWD EXPLODED INTO APPLAUSE.“MINA-SAMA! MINA-SAMA! MINA-SAMA!”Even Eloise, overwhelmed with emotion, fell to her knees and sobbed.“T-Thank you…! I-I don’t know how to repay you…!”Mina just laughed heartily. “No need! Just promise me you’ll use it well.”Later that even
By the end of the first week, every WcWonalds in Aeternum had completely sold out of milkshakes. The overwhelming demand pushed production into overdrive, and soon, new farms were being planned to meet the ever-growing market.Though the common people immediately embraced the new drink, reactions from the noble class were mixed.Some scoffed at the idea of flavored milk, claiming it to be nothing more than a childish novelty. Others, driven by their inflated egos, refused to acknowledge the brilliance of something they had not discovered first.And yet, despite their outward disdain, many of them secretly indulged in the craze.Late at night, when they believed no one was watching, high-ranking noblemen would send their personal servants to WcWonalds to secure batches of milkshakes for them. Some even went as far as disguising themselves to visit the restaurants personally, unwilling to admit that they had fallen victim to the trend just like everyone else.Mina found their hypocrisy
A few hours later, as the sun dipped into the horizon, Mies arrived at the parlor. He stepped inside, his eyes scanning the thriving business that Mina had built. Pride swelled in his chest as he watched the people of Aeternum embracing this new experience.Mina, standing behind the counter, grinned as she approached him. “Welcome, my love. You came just in time.”“I wouldn’t miss this for the world,” Mies replied, pulling her into a brief kiss before glancing at the mysterious silver tray she held in her hands. “What’s this?”Mina’s tail swayed with excitement as she lifted the lid, revealing a single bowl of ice cream—but this was no ordinary flavor. The smooth, rich texture gleamed under the warm light, with specks of golden honey swirls infused within.“This,” Mina declared, “is my ultimate creation—Royal Honey Delight.”Mies raised an eyebrow. “Honey?”“Not just any honey,” Mina smirked. “This is made from the rarest nectar, harvested from the Queen’s Blossom—a flower that only b
The first Aeternum Cheese Festival was held, where people experienced the joy of a cheese pull for the first time. Some even cried tears of happiness. Restaurants rebranded their entire menus, highlighting dishes like garlic butter steak, blue cheese salad, and honey butter toast. Bakeries began producing butter croissants so soft and fluffy that customers claimed eating them felt like being “hugged by the gods.”A high-ranking noble in an allied nation, upon tasting truffle butter for the first time, immediately declared a national holiday.The foreign nobles, already suffering from their ice cream obsession, completely lost control.Some demanded that their governments negotiate exclusive cheese trade deals with Aeternum. Others, too embarrassed to admit they were addicted, secretly hoarded Mina’s butter in underground vaults. One noble tried to pass off Aeternum cheese as a holy relic, claiming it was a gift from the gods themselves.The rival dairy industries in foreign nations si
Mina, naturally, supplied the cheese. Elijah, with his business expertise, helped refine the logistics of ingredient sourcing and pricing. Andrea, ever the perfectionist, worked on ensuring quality control.And Mies? He was the mastermind, carefully overseeing every aspect, making sure Papa Pizza would be the greatest food establishment Aeternum had ever seen.The Aeternum Classic – Simple, timeless, and beloved by all. A thin, crispy crust topped with rich tomato sauce, mozzarella, fresh basil, and olive oil. The Noble’s Delight – A luxurious pizza with truffle-infused cheese, thinly sliced beef, and aged balsamic glaze.The Farmer’s Feast – A hearty pizza loaded with roasted vegetables, smoked sausage, and creamy goat cheese. The Battle-Ready Special – A meat-lover’s dream, featuring spicy salami, roasted pork, grilled chicken, and extra melted cheese.The Sweet & Savory Sensation – A controversial yet delicious pizza with honey-drizzled cheese, caramelized onions, and crispy bacon.
“I NEED ANOTHER ONE!”The waiters, trained to serve elegantly, now found themselves dodging nobles lunging for second and third servings.While the nobles were having their own crisis upstairs, the commoner’s downstairs were experiencing a different kind of joy. For many, this was the first time they had ever tasted something like this. The way the cheese melted perfectly, the balance of flavors, the crispness of the crust— it was unlike anything they had ever eaten before.“This… this is what royalty eats every day!?”“No wonder the President always looks so powerful!”“Mama! Can we eat this every day!?”Some were even seen crying from happiness.Even adventurers, hardened warriors who had faced dragons and war, were seen fighting back tears as they chewed.“I have traveled across kingdoms… and I have never tasted something this good.”As the night came to a close, the staff—exhausted yet triumphant—looked at the final earnings report. The first day’s revenue?An unfathomable amount.
Outside in the streets of New City, a mural was already being painted on the wall of a youth center—depicting two children, one Aeternian and one Hallerian, sitting together at a shared desk beneath the words:"Wisdom Unites What War Divides."The mural was uncommission—but no one was taking it down. From within the homes, classrooms, and council chambers of Aeternum, the message was clear: the world was learning, and they were learning from Aeternum.And that made the people walk taller.Because every road rebuilt in Hallerus, every classroom opened, every young mind taught in their system—was a quiet victory for Aeternum’s vision. The age of empires was ending. The age of influence had begun.The great hall of Hallerus Royal Palace hadn’t hosted a summit like this in over a generation. Not for war. Not for taxation. But for education.Long tables stretched beneath arched stone windows, newly adorned with fresh flags representing each province of the Hallerus Kingdom. The air smelled
Contracts were awarded to the newly established Hallerus Road Commission, overseen by both local talent and advisory engineers from Aeternum. Bright orange marker flags began appearing all over the kingdom, outlining future road paths. Caravans brought in equipment, gravel, construction tools—and, notably, several transport trucks from Aeternum carrying the first batch of reinforced roadstone, a durable blend sourced from the Stone Ring mountains.Helen personally visited the first construction site just outside the capital—a winding, broken stretch leading to a key trade town in the east.She knelt beside the workers, running her fingers through the packed dirt and gravel. “This path,” she said to a nearby foreman, “will be the spine of our kingdom.”He blinked, surprised at her presence, then bowed. “Then we’ll make sure it’s strong, Your Majesty.”As roadwork began, the kingdom watched. Villages previously isolated by floods or rough terrain saw the first signs of inclusion. Mercha
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