I Reincarnated as a Prince Who Revolutionized the Kingdom

The Royal Palace in Elysea was filled with military officers, noble dignitaries, and government officials, all gathered for an important announcement from King Bruno. The empire had expanded further than ever before, and with that came the need for recognition and rewards for those who had made it happen.

General Armand Roux stood among them, freshly arrived from Carthage after months of consolidating Elysea's rule in the conquered territories. He wasn't entirely comfortable in the grand halls of the palace, far removed from the battlefields where he felt most at home. But today was about honoring the empire's military, and Roux knew he was at the center of it.

A hush fell over the crowd as the doors of the throne room opened. Trumpets sounded, and King Bruno entered, dressed in his formal robes, with a confident and composed expression. He stepped toward the throne and addressed the assembled court.

"Today, we take an important step forward for our empire. Our armies have achieved great victories, expanding Elysea's reach across the seas. Those who have fought and bled for this empire deserve recognition, not just in words, but in action."

The room remained silent, waiting for the King to continue.

"To ensure that those who serve Elysea with distinction are honored properly, I am establishing the Elysean Legion of Honor. This will be the highest military distinction in our empire, awarded to those who have displayed exceptional bravery and leadership."

There was murmuring among the nobles and officers. While medals and titles were nothing new, the way King Bruno spoke suggested that this would be something greater.

"The first recipient of this honor," the King said, looking directly at Roux, "is General Armand Roux."

All eyes turned to Roux as the room erupted into applause. The general stood still, waiting for the formal call.

"Step forward, General," Bruno commanded.

Roux approached the throne and knelt.

The King gestured toward a velvet cushion held by a court official, on which lay a golden medal, marked with the emblem of Elysea's imperial eagle surrounded by a laurel wreath.

"This medal represents more than just past victories," Bruno stated. "It is a symbol of our empire's strength, of the men who fight for it, and of the new order we are building."

The King pinned the medal onto Roux's chest.

"Rise, Marshal of the Empire, Armand Roux."

Roux rose to his feet, his expression unreadable. He had expected an honor, perhaps a title, but Marshal of the Empire was something far greater. It was a newly created rank, one that placed him above all other generals and gave him direct authority over Elysea's military operations, both in the homeland and overseas.

The court applauded again, but Roux could see some of the older nobility exchanging glances. This new rank meant that power was shifting—not just to him, but to the military as a whole.

Bruno continued. "From this day forward, the rank of Marshal will be reserved for those whose service goes beyond mere duty. It is not inherited. It is not given for status. It is earned."

The King then turned back to the assembled officers. "Furthermore, the Legion of Honor will be awarded not just to Marshals, but to officers and soldiers who distinguish themselves in battle. These men will receive rewards beyond medals—they will be granted land, wealth, and noble status."

At this, the murmurs among the nobility grew louder. Titles had always belonged to the aristocracy, but now, the King was declaring that military service could elevate a commoner to nobility. This was a major shift in Elysea's power structure.

Bruno ignored the murmurs and continued. "Our empire is built on conquest and discipline. We cannot afford to cling to outdated traditions. Those who fight for Elysea should be rewarded accordingly."

He turned back to Roux. "As Marshal of the Empire, you will oversee the expansion and organization of our military forces. You will have command over all colonial armies and the authority to restructure our forces as you see fit."

Roux nodded. "I understand, Your Majesty."

Bruno gave a small smile. "Then let us drink to your success."

That night, the palace hosted a large banquet in Roux's honor. The grand hall was filled with military officers, government officials, and foreign dignitaries. A long table stretched down the center, covered in fine food and drink.

Roux sat near the head of the table, with King Bruno seated beside him. Around them, the conversation was lively, though Roux noted that some of the older noble families seemed uneasy. The introduction of the Legion of Honor and the rank of Marshal was a shift in Elysea's power dynamics—one that did not sit well with everyone.

Captain Étienne Giraud leaned in from across the table. "So, the first Marshal of Elysea," he said with a smirk. "That's quite the promotion."

Roux took a sip of his wine. "The King wants the military to have a stronger role in the empire."

Giraud nodded. "Giving land and noble status to officers and soldiers… That will change everything."

Roux knew he was right. This wasn't just about rewarding service. It was about securing loyalty. A man who had fought and bled for the empire and was then given land and wealth would be far more loyal than a noble who had inherited his power.

Bruno, overhearing their conversation, spoke up. "The nobility fears change," he said, "but change is necessary."

Roux looked at the King. "And what will happen when they resist it?"

Bruno smirked. "Then we remind them who truly holds power."

Roux glanced around the banquet hall. He could see the tension among some of the aristocrats. The military was rising in status, and some of them didn't like it.

But that was not Roux's concern. His duty was clear—expand the empire, strengthen the army, and ensure Elysea remained dominant.

As the banquet continued, Roux listened as the King and his ministers discussed further military expansions. Settlements were being planned in the newly conquered territories, and new laws were being drafted to govern them. The war for the continent was not over—it had simply entered a new phase.

By the time the night ended, Roux understood his next mission. As Marshal of the Empire, he would oversee not just military campaigns, but the long-term control of Elysea's vast new lands.

He had won battles. He had crushed rebellions.

Now, he would build an empire that would last.

And if anyone dared challenge it, they would be reminded why Elysea was not to be defied.