The following weeks went as planned; Aron didn't get hit with any unexpected stumbling blocks.

The soldiers that had been captured as prisoners of war during the Eden-Esparia war, as well as the first skirmish, were the first to be sent to Avalon Island to start their training. The ARES members stationed in Esparia were documenting the now out-of-work soldiers that wished to continue serving as part of the new Esparian military force.

Although many people liked the idea that their country was going to be protected by the powerful army that had overwhelmingly defeated them, there were still some that hated everything it brought with it. They thought Esparia shouldn't even have surrendered without putting up a desperate struggle in the first place, and having their 'enemies' train their new soldiers was... unpalatable, to say the least. It wasn't really surprising that many of the people in that group were among those who'd voted against surrendering and had chosen to continue the war, despite knowing that they had a high chance of losing even if they fought with everything they had.

Although they had voiced their opinions online about how the accord was a disgrace to their country, they did no protesting or other such things. Many of them had already suffered some trauma, as they'd known at least one person that had tried to fight back when the announcement had been made. And those people couldn't even be buried in one piece, as Eden had specifically chosen that group to act as a warninga brutal one, but effective; it managed to keep people who would have otherwise resorted to even civil war in check and quiet with their tails between their legs.

The compensation for the families of the dead had started a few days after the signing of the accord, which, when counted in government time, was considered faster than the speed of light. Many other countries that'd paid reparations in the past had needed at least a few months before their compensation payouts even began. The process of ensuring that the applying people really had a relative among the casualties wasn't a problem for Eden at all. The Esparian soldiers that died were within the range of one or another of the Henry's Eyes scanners, meaning that they had been documented perfectly well. Everything about their faces and bodies was in Athena's database, making it quite easy to verify the applications.

Once the applications were verified, an initial payment would immediately be processed and delivered to the bank account of the relative's choice, and the payments would continue for a period of twelve months. The total payout would be enough to make sure the families left behind wouldn't be hungry for the rest of their lives, if it was wisely used.

.....

Rina was leisurely sitting in her office chair, slowly spinning around. It was a habit of hers that meant she was either thinking about something important, or something was distracting her. This time, it was the latter, as she was watching a news feed that wasn't native to America. It was from Eden and showed a courtroom in which a trial was in its final phase. The judge was about to hand down his finding and would soon announce the verdict.

He adjusted his microphone and glasses as he began delivering his verdict with the customary closing judiciary remarks.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we stand at a point in history where we must confront the darkest of human desires. The accused stands before this court with the charge of crimes against humanity. During this trial, the prosecution has presented undeniable evidence of the charges, and the accused, Adolf Hermanes Juan Santana, is before us today to receive the court's verdict.

"Our duty as members of the judiciary is to ensure justice, even when faced with the heaviest responsibilities. We have a duty to our fellow citizens, to the victims, and to the principles that underpin our society.

"Throughout the course of this trial, we have heard accounts of unspeakable acts performed by the defendant and his regime. We have seen conclusive and undeniable evidence that backs up those accounts and would shock the most jaded of bystanders. The systematic and wanton persecution, destruction, and cruelty perpetrated by the defendant's regime cannot and must not go unpunished.

"Today, we enshrine the actions of Adolf Hermanes Juan Santana in history as a warning to future generations to not repeat the mistakes of the past, but to learn from them. To not fall victim to the consequences of power, but to be wary of and overcome them. Today, it is with a heavy heart and unwavering conviction that I declare the defendant, Adolf Hermanes Juan Santana, guilty on all charges. His actions have caused immeasurable suffering and violated the most fundamental principles of humanity and morality.

"Therefore, in accordance with the law of Eden, it is the decision of this court that the defendant, Adolf Hermanes Juan Santana, shall be sentenced to hang by the neck until he is dead. This sentence is not an act of vengeance, but a solemn affirmation of the value of human life and a resolute rejection of the horrors that his regime has inflicted upon our great nation.

"As for those complicit in the crimes before the court today, they, too, shall be held accountable for their actions and I charge the men and women serving the citizens of our great nation to leave no stone unturned in pursuit of the perpetrators that aided and abetted this defendant's crimes. I charge the citizens themselves with providing aid, relief, and comfort to those in that pursuit.

"Each and every one of us has the moral obligation to fight against injustice wherever it may be found. Some may argue that justice must be tempered with mercy, but it is our solemn duty to remember the victims who were denied that same mercy. Our actions today, and those going forward, are and will be a tribute to their memory and a pledge to never forget our humanity!

"May this judgment serve as a beacon of hope, a testament to the resilience of our great nation, and a warning to those who would contemplate such abhorrent acts in the future. Let it be known to all that tyranny and cruelty have no place in a just and united society.

"May the memory of the victims be honored, and may our nation heal and rebuild, stronger and more committed to the principles enshrined in our constitution.

"Court is adjourned." The judge brought down his gavel, marking the official fates of Adolf and his co-conspirators. Other than Adolf, only a few would receive the death sentence, while many more would be sentenced to ten years to life imprisonment, and all of them were sentenced to asset forfeiture.

The landmark verdict marked the final chapter of the previous government, closing one book and opening another. Hopefully, the next one will be better.

"He really went with the death penalty," Rina said in quite a surprised tone. Although she had also watched the press conference a few days before, she didn't expect the first person to fall under the sword of justice would be the former Edenian 'president'.

[Adolf's the perfect precedent, as he did everything in his power to ensure he remained in power. No one with a brain would argue that he didn't deserve what he got, but with so much evidence, even those without brains would realize that the sentence was deserved,] Ava said. And in fact, she was rightAdolf was the perfect precedent setter, which was why Aron had chosen him.

....

The reaction of the Edenians could completely be imagined. Some people were even celebrating! To them, it almost seemed like they were dreaming as they received one piece of good news after another. Things were so good, in fact, that some even started worrying that something bad might happen to counterbalance the continuous streak of happiness that they were experiencing after consecutive years of hardship suffered under the dictator that had just been sentenced to death.

The celebration didn't stop with the citizens, either. Even the presidential spokesperson had held a press conference expressing the new government's happiness. The court had reached a verdict, and they were handing down a well-deserved punishment to a cruel criminal. But that wasn't the only thing the spokesperson was declaring; Alexander had declared the day of the signing of the Emanuel Surrender Accords a national holiday and would be holding a victory parade to celebrate their victory over Esparia, as well as the history-making verdict. The parade would be followed by an award ceremony, awarding medals to those whose performance was exemplary during the brief, but impactful conflict.

The celebration would be held a month later, giving everyone involved plenty of time to prepare.