“Now I leaned even more..because of you, Sir….but I doubt it that this was the only reason why..a woman so domineering like Madam Catherine were so afraid of you….”. (Choi Jin Su)
“Well…probably…because..that isn’t my only strength…unlike other…my hands isn’t clean…and I definitely don’t afraid to wet them with bloods of my enemy…be careful, Choi Jin Su…never ever turned your knife that I give you..at my directions….because if you did…even your blood alone won’t be enough to pay for it……I am just that kind of a man…and I have always been…though as of lightly…I’ve been rather lenient…”.
As we speaks, Choi Jin Su were visibly shaken by the slight killing aura that I intentionally released, and she felt the brunt of it, but still she were able to keep herself calm and standi
When I got to Ran Hyun Ok Office, on the large screen inside of her office, Catherine and Mariah Mills were already there, on the screen, live clearly waiting for me and at the same time were talking among themselves. Knowing them, they will be mostly talking about me or about their work, after all, with me gone for a long time I am sure that they were swamped with work. After all since I got back every pending approval that they asked from me, I have dealt with all of them yesterday and already sent everything back to them.“Hi, Catherine..Mariah…how’s you both were doing?…good?..”.Noticing me coming over, Ran Hyun Ok promptly give me her seat and left her office, I assume went away to get me water of tea, something like that. Perhaps she have some premonition that Catherine will be lecturing me as soon as she saw me.“[I am doing great here..Thanks Mies…I should say, you wo
With Catherine personality, she definitely won’t let me go if I don’t’ tell her about anything, especially when she had to know about something that will cause a lot of waves for Virtue Financial, so instead I told her everything, well the simplified version of it, but even so, she were able to grasp everything fast.“[ So…in short…That guy is a scumbag and so does his agency….meaning this entire thing will blow over as you wanted..and this will cause waves for us……Hmm…I understand..then I will get things ready on my end….also Mies…should C Media get ready too?..I mean…I looked over the talent that White Star had on their disposal…and looks like there is some potentials… ]”. (Catherine)As someone who was quick on the up take, rather than arguing with me, she knows very well that she had to support my plans instead of asking me to many
Leaving Mariah Mills shouting at me, as I left the office. I am sure that after she read that paper, she is dying with curiosity, because what I just let her read on that paper were enough to shook the entire world. Due to that very paper I know that Virtue Medical will once again grab the world by the shoulder and shake it to the core. Not only that in terms of business, this will be another products that will bring us enormous profits.I left the Building with Park Zuo Yung and Bang Dae Jung with me, as well as the entirety of my security team that usually went with me. And this time my destinations is the CBC Headquarter, located a few kilometers away from where I am right now. Thought the traffic is heavy, but this scene is normal in this metropolitan city, I could use the helicopter, but is just wanted for Choi Chae Ri to be worried a little bit longer. After all I am sure with today incident happening causes by her end, and when I personally said that I wi
Usually whenever I made a move to visit anywhere, there will be w few media reporters or paparazzi that would usually sticks to where ever I wanted to go, often times my body guard team will take upon themselves to work everything as it was apart of their duty. But today surprisingly, even when I were at the center of one of the largest media company in Seoul, not a single person with cameras out can be seen. Looking at the bowing Choi Chae Rin and also San Da Hee main director, it was safe to say that these 2 were big wigs in the company.It was very clear that CHoi Chae Ri were the one that makes this happened, also, aside from the staff that were curiously peeking over to this side from behind the glass wall of the inside of the building. Certainly Choi Chae Ri didn’t want these issues to go out as well. For me such things does not matter that much, but seeing her make an efforts to at least make sure that I were able to feel comfortable, after all that I have gone through, at the
“...Wait?…Huh?…so..you were not mad at all?..”. (San Da Hee PD)the puzzled expression not only appears on San Da Hee face but also Choi Chae Ri. Choi Chae Ri has already got a hundred percent warning from not only Catherine, but also Choi Ji Su, that is why she was so spook that she even started to apologize before I even set foot inside of her building. As for San Da Hee, she might already got a stern warning that if I were so much to make any displease by the time I saw her again, her life is forfeit at that time. But right now, instead of showing that I were greatly displeased or even angry, I were rather indifferent.“Mad?…well, more like annoyed…also I know more of the story..and whose at fault…I am not some lunatic that would just swinging and make a scene whenever I felt angry…So….we still be meeting 2 days later right?..”.“Umm…that’s….might be a little bit..OW~..”. (San Da Hee PD)“Of course she will be meeting you in 2 days sir, I will personally make sure that by that time
“You certainly got improved….both in style and also your work…I’ve heard numbers of good things from CBC lately…and also some uncomfortable ones…”.As we slowly ascended through all the floor inside the glass lift, I can see that many things has changed, the previously old vibes and almost ancient style of decors and work environment has turned rather vibrant and up to dates, certainly not as uptight as before. The change was for the better and we reached to the floor where her office were at, she certainly doesn’t hold back on treating herself, she had turned the 31st floor of the building, the highest floor of this building into her own place.Not only her office were here, there were also almost like her living space, her office were complete with her own conference room, living room, bathrooms and the views is certainly the best that I have ever seen. She certainly treat herself right after gaining the power that I gave her, as the largest share holder of the company, I do not car
After we going around and keep talking about mostly pointless things, at the very least to me, of course to Choi Chae Ri talking about her plans for the company is her current important things to her, then again she thought this thing is a must to tell me after all, I am the largest share holder of the company. Since she has already started talking and the team of assistant behind keep on going on back and forth like a machine, changing the slides and keeps handing me the papers of her presentations.Her presentations Is mostly her plans of further developing the company,on top of strengthening the current standing. She plans to further extend her kingdom farther into the Southeast Asia market, which to me, a rather realistic goals, after all at the current trend, Korean entertainment is currently the hottest commodity all over the world, and as for Asia as a whole, there no need to speak about it, it was very accommodating no matter where CBC decided to spread it’s wings they will go
“So..are you going to speak with me just like this?..with this many people around you?…”.After finishing all the things that she wanted to talked about, as she and her team were running out of topic, it was my turns to say something. The moment I spoke, she were just stunned and at the same time immediately think about the worse, she might thought in her head that the storm that has passed might not be passing her after all.“I understand…You guys should leave first…”. (Choi Chae Ri)She whispered to her group of secretary behind her, which just leave as soon as she said so.“Camera…and also those guys behind the door and in that secret room of yours…just for your information..Choi Chae Ri-Ssi…sometimes, when you were being too careful…it might be offending someone…”.“I apologize about that…Sir..”. (Choi Chae Ri)She was clearly surprised when I mentioned about the secret hidden cameras in her office that were constantly recording our every conversations ever since got into the room
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