I Reincarnated as a Prince Who Revolutionized the Kingdom

The sun was beginning to set by the time Prince Bruno and his entourage reached Mont Verdain. The city, perched high atop a rocky plateau, stood as one of Corse's last true strongholds. Its thick stone walls, reinforced under Bruno's orders during the early stages of industrial reform, loomed over the surrounding countryside. Towers equipped with cannons overlooked the approach road, and guards patrolled the battlements with vigilance. The gates, made from iron and oak, were sealed tight until Bruno's arrival was confirmed by the sentries.

"Open the gates!" an officer shouted from the walls.

The heavy gates groaned as they swung inward, allowing the column of soldiers, wagons, and horsemen to enter. Bruno led the group through the entrance, taking in the sight of bustling activity within the city. Civilians were hurriedly fortifying homes and businesses. Blacksmiths hammered away at spare parts for artillery, while squads of soldiers inspected their rifles and ammunition in preparation for the coming siege.

Bruno dismounted his horse near the main square, where a crowd of local officials and officers awaited him. General Berthold followed closely behind, his boots striking the cobblestones with a sense of urgency.

"Your Highness," Governor Emil DuPont greeted with a deep bow. "We received word of the attack on Loretto. The situation sounds dire. How long until the enemy reaches us?"

Bruno waved him off, his mind already working on the next steps. "They'll likely move cautiously at first, assessing the terrain and our defenses. We have time, but not much. We must make Mont Verdain a fortress they'll regret approaching."

He turned to General Berthold. "Begin reinforcing the walls. I want every cannon and piece of artillery we have on the perimeter. Train the new recruits immediately—riflemen on the walls, sharpshooters positioned in the towers."

"Yes, Your Highness," Berthold said before saluting and moving to carry out the orders.

Bruno addressed Governor DuPont next. "How are our food supplies and ammunition reserves?"

"We have enough provisions to last three months under siege," DuPont replied. "Our ammunition stores, however, could be better. Some shipments were lost at the port when the fleet attacked."

"It's fine," Bruno said, turning his gaze to Berthold. "Once the elite battalion arrives, I want them ready to begin patrol rotations around the outer perimeter. I don't want the enemy to catch us unawares. We will hold Mont Verdain at all costs."

"Understood, Your Highness," Berthold replied with a firm nod. "The battalion should reach us by morning. Once they do, we'll establish forward outposts and expand our surveillance range."

Bruno exhaled deeply, his mind already calculating the moves the Republic's forces might take. He glanced at the bustling square once more. Soldiers and civilians alike moved with a sense of purpose. Fear was in their eyes, but so was determination.

Antoine approached, wiping sweat from his brow after helping coordinate the supply teams. "Your Highness, the eastern gate defenses are being reinforced as we speak. I also spoke with the head engineers. They've accelerated production on additional barricades and mobile artillery platforms."

"Good," Bruno said. "We'll need everything ready by the time the Republic sends its scouts. Once they locate our position, we can expect their main force to follow shortly after."

Antoine hesitated before continuing. "Your Highness... what of the civilians who cannot fight? Should we begin evacuating them to safer locations outside the city?"

Bruno shook his head. "There is no safer location, Antoine. If we scatter our people, they'll be picked off one by one. Mont Verdain is our stronghold, and it will remain their refuge. As long as we control the high ground, we can outlast the siege. The enemy has power, but they cannot hold these mountains."

Antoine sighed but nodded in agreement. "Understood. I'll coordinate additional shelters for non-combatants within the inner district."

Bruno gave a brief nod of approval. "Make it happen."

By the time darkness fully enveloped the plateau, Mont Verdain's defenses were fully mobilized. Fires burned steadily in the watchtowers, casting a warm glow over the rugged terrain. Soldiers patrolled the parapets, their rifles gleaming under the moonlight. Artillery crews stood by their cannons, watchful and alert.

General Berthold climbed the eastern watchtower, where Bruno stood overlooking the plains. In the distance, the faint flickers of distant campfires could be seen—advanced scouts from the Republic's forces.

"They're here," Berthold said quietly, following Bruno's gaze.

Bruno nodded. "Scouts first, then the full force. They won't attack without knowing the terrain."

Berthold crossed his arms. "They'll probe our defenses, looking for weak points. We need to show them there are none."

"We will," Bruno replied. His tone was calm but resolute. "Let them come. This city isn't Loretto. If they expect to march in uncontested, they'll find themselves bleeding for every inch."

Several miles from Mont Verdain, the Republic's scouting detachment reported back to their commander, Captain Julien Renoux. He examined a rough map of the region, his brow furrowing as the scouts described the fortified city.

"High walls, reinforced artillery positions... a natural fortress," one scout explained. "They've fortified every approach to the plateau. Getting siege equipment up there will be a nightmare."

Renoux frowned. "Typical royalist arrogance. They think their high ground makes them untouchable."

The scout hesitated. "With respect, Captain, it might. Mont Verdain is designed for a prolonged siege. Even with our fleet controlling the coast, taking that city will cost us dearly."

Renoux slammed a fist onto the map table. "Damn that prince... He's more of a threat than we expected. The Admiral will need to know."

He turned to his aide. "Send a message to Admiral Vaubert. Inform him that Mont Verdain is heavily fortified. We'll need additional artillery if we want to break this siege quickly."

The aide saluted and rushed off to deliver the report. Renoux gazed toward the distant mountain, its shadow looming ominously under the moonlight.

"Enjoy your fortress while you can, Prince Bruno," he muttered. "The Republic always finds a way."

Meanwhile, Bruno peered in his spyglass and sighed. "Tomorrow, they'll attack."