I Reincarnated as a Prince Who Revolutionized the Kingdom

January 13th, 1693 – Mont Verdain

Prince Bruno stood in the war council chamber of the Governor's Hall. Around him, his officers and advisors, including General Berthold, Captain Vallier, and Governor DuPont, waited for his plan. Outside, the sounds of soldiers making preparations for the night echoed through the fortress walls.

Bruno placed his hands firmly on the large map spread across the table. His finger traced the route from Mont Verdain to the port city of Loretto.

"We're not waiting for the enemy to regroup," Bruno said firmly. "If we stay here, they'll eventually reinforce and hit us with everything they have. We're going to take the fight to them."

There was a murmur of surprise among the officers. General Berthold spoke first.

"Your Highness, you mean to attack their base of operations at Loretto?"

"Exactly," Bruno confirmed. "Their entire invasion force is being supplied from the port. Without it, they'll lose control of Corse. If we can strike them hard enough, we'll force them to retreat entirely."

Captain Vallier nodded. "A bold move. They'll never expect us to launch an assault so soon after today's battle. Especially not at night."

"That's precisely why we're attacking at midnight," Bruno continued. "While they sleep, we'll descend upon them. By the time they realize what's happening, we'll already be inside the city."

General Berthold crossed his arms thoughtfully. "We'll need absolute discipline and silence during the approach. If they detect us before we reach the gates, we'll lose the element of surprise."

"They won't," Bruno assured him. "Our scouts have already identified a route through the hills that bypasses their main sentries. We'll march in darkness and launch the attack before dawn. Once inside, we'll secure key positions—the docks, their command center, and their artillery depot."

Governor DuPont, usually more cautious, seemed energized by the plan. "If we succeed, Your Highness, the morale of the enemy forces will collapse. We can end this siege before it truly begins."

Bruno nodded. "Precisely. Now, Captain Vallier, I want your elite battalion leading the charge. General Berthold, your regular infantry will secure our flanks and prevent any reinforcements from cutting off our escape route. I'll personally lead the assault on their command center."

The officers exchanged glances of agreement. Vallier gave a firm salute. "We'll be ready, Your Highness."

"Good," Bruno said, straightening. "Begin preparations immediately. We march at midnight."

Under the cover of darkness, the royalist army moved silently through the rugged terrain leading to Loretto. The soldiers marched with discipline, their boots muffled by the rocky ground. Prince Bruno rode at the head of the column, flanked by Vallier and Berthold. Scouts ahead signaled with lantern flashes, indicating that the path was clear.

The moon cast a faint glow on the distant city. From their vantage point, they could see the dim lights of campfires scattered near the port. Ships of the enemy fleet lay at anchor in the harbor, their silhouettes barely visible against the night sky.

Captain Vallier rode up alongside Bruno. "We're nearing the outer perimeter, Your Highness. No sign of enemy patrols."

"Good," Bruno replied quietly. He turned to Berthold. "Once we reach the outskirts, I want the artillery teams to position themselves along the eastern ridge. They'll provide covering fire if things go wrong."

"Understood," Berthold whispered.

As they advanced closer to the city, the tension among the soldiers grew. The memory of Loretto's fall was still fresh in their minds. Many had lost friends and comrades during the bombardment. Now, they had a chance to reclaim what had been stolen.

"Remember," Bruno addressed the officers near him, his voice low but firm. "No noise, no hesitation. We strike hard and fast. Tonight, we take back our city."

The first phase of the attack began with eerie silence. Royalist scouts crept through the darkened streets, eliminating sentries and guards at key points. Within minutes, the main gates were unbarred, allowing the rest of the force to pour into the city.

Captain Vallier led his battalion through the eastern district, where the enemy's artillery depot was located. They moved with practiced efficiency, rifles at the ready. The first squad encountered a group of sleeping artillerymen. Without a sound, they secured the area and sabotaged the cannons by removing their firing mechanisms.

A few blocks away, Bruno led a detachment toward the enemy's command center near the governor's mansion. The streets were eerily quiet, save for the distant crash of waves against the docks. His soldiers advanced swiftly, clearing buildings and alleyways as they moved.

Suddenly, a gunshot rang out.

"Contact!" a royalist soldier shouted.

The enemy had been alerted. Within moments, the sound of bells and shouting spread throughout the city. Bruno cursed under his breath.

"Vallier, report!" he barked into his communicator device, an innovation created by his engineers.

"We've encountered light resistance near the artillery depot," Vallier's voice crackled in response. "No major issues. We're proceeding with the plan."

Bruno nodded and turned to his men. "Double time! We need to secure the mansion before they organize a counterattack!"

Captain Renoux had been rudely awakened by the sound of distant gunfire. He stumbled out of his quarters, pulling on his coat and grabbing his sword.

"What's happening?!" he demanded as officers rushed to meet him.

"Sir, the royalists have breached the city!" an aide shouted. "They're attacking multiple locations at once!"

Renoux's eyes widened in disbelief. "Impossible! How did they get past our patrols?!"

"They must have used the hills to bypass our defenses," another officer suggested.

Renoux gritted his teeth. "Rally the troops! I want all available units defending the docks and command center. We cannot lose this city!"

The fighting intensified as dawn approached. Royalist soldiers clashed with enemy forces in the narrow streets, gunfire and shouts echoing off the stone walls. Civilians hid in their homes, terrified by the sudden violence.

Prince Bruno's detachment finally reached the governor's mansion, where Renoux had made his stand. The gates were heavily guarded, but Bruno's sharpshooters quickly neutralized the sentries. Explosions rocked the courtyard as royalist grenadiers breached the entrance.

Bruno led the charge.

Renoux's officers attempted to rally, but the royalists overwhelmed them with superior tactics and firepower. Renoux himself was cornered near the central staircase.

"Look what we have here, an injured officer," Bruno said. "We are going to extract as much information as we can from you, I hope you cooperate with us."