I Reincarnated as a Prince Who Revolutionized the Kingdom

March 14th, 1693 – The Revolutionary Capital of Elysee

The Royal Palace of Elysea, once a symbol of unchallenged aristocratic rule and grandeur, had been repurposed into the administrative headquarters of the Republic of Elyosa. The marble halls were stripped of royal portraits, and the gilded furnishings were replaced with utilitarian desks, banners bearing the emblem of the revolution, and the harsh rhetoric of equality and progress. In the council chamber, twelve members of the Revolutionary Council, dressed in austere but immaculate robes, gathered around a long, rectangular table. Each member represented a faction within the new regime—the military, industry, agriculture, education, and foreign policy.

At the head of the table sat Jacques Delacroix, the council's de facto leader, a former judge and philosopher whose silver hair and piercing eyes gave him an air of intimidating authority. Known for his cunning intellect and ruthless pragmatism, Delacroix had been one of the architects of the revolution. Beside him sat Emilia Voss, Minister of State Security, a cold and calculating figure responsible for the brutal purges of royalist loyalists. Opposite her, General Hector Bellerose, commander of the Revolutionary Army, adjusted his coat with a scowl. News of the failed invasion of Corse had brought him here in no small amount of embarrassment.

"Let us begin," Delacroix announced, his deep voice echoing off the chamber's stone walls. "We have much to discuss, and time is not on our side."

Emilia Voss leaned forward, placing a stack of reports on the table. "The matter of Corse requires immediate attention. Our forces failed to eliminate Prince Bruno. His survival has emboldened the island's population, and intelligence reports indicate that he has assumed leadership of a growing royalist resistance."

"That island was supposed to be secured within days," General Bellerose snapped, his frustration evident. "Captain Renoux underestimated the enemy. He reported that they faced modernized defenses, including advanced weaponry. It seems this 'Prince Bruno' has transformed Corse into a fortress under our noses."

Several council members exchanged uneasy glances. One of them, Jean-Paul Lafayette, Minister of Trade and Finance, adjusted his spectacles and spoke cautiously. "The longer we leave Corse in his hands, the more he threatens to disrupt trade routes and alliances. He could seek aid from neighboring monarchies, perhaps even join this growing coalition against us."

Delacroix raised a hand, silencing further murmurs. "We will deal with Bruno in due time. However, the mainland situation is more pressing. Reports indicate that several kingdoms have formed a coalition to oppose us. The Kingdom of Greater Germania, the Empire of Orosk, and the Kingdom of Britannica have each condemned our revolution and declared us a threat to their stability."

"Of course they have," Emilia said with a scoff. "Monarchs fear what we represent. They know their own peasants and middle classes might rise up if inspired by our success."

General Bellerose crossed his arms. "Fear alone doesn't win wars, Minister Voss. The coalition is mobilizing their armies. Greater Germania has already reinforced its western border, and the Orosk Empire is mobilizing its army. If they coordinate their attacks, they could push us."

Minister Frédéric Rousseau, responsible for foreign affairs, tapped a finger on the map spread across the table.

"We've received intelligence that Britannica has begun supplying arms and naval support to our enemies. They've stationed warships near the Channel, likely preparing for blockades or coastal raids. If we're not careful, we'll face economic strangulation in addition to military threats."

The tension in the room grew palpable. Delacroix inhaled deeply, his gaze sharp as he addressed the council.

"The coalition sees us as a pariah state. They do not believe we can withstand a prolonged conflict. They think our people will lose their will to fight if we are isolated and battered on all sides. We must prove them wrong."

So, what are your orders?" General Bellerose asked.

Delacroix's voice hardened. "First, we will strengthen our defenses along the border with Greater Germania and fortify key provinces. Mobilize the Revolutionary Army and conscript additional regiments where necessary. Second, Minister Rousseau, you will reach out to sympathetic factions in neutral territories. There are republican movements in neighboring lands—use them to sow discord and divide our enemies."

Rousseau nodded. "I have contacts in the western provinces of Greater Germania who might be willing to stir unrest. It won't be easy, but it's possible."

"Good," Delacroix said before turning his attention back to the matter of Corse. "As for the prince…"

"He's an afterthought," Emilia Voss interjected with a dismissive wave of her hand. "Without significant foreign backing, his resistance will collapse eventually. The island cannot sustain itself indefinitely. We should focus on the mainland first."

General Bellerose hesitated. "Underestimating him a second time would be a mistake, Minister Voss. He may not have the resources now, but if the coalition sees him as a useful pawn, they might offer him aid to keep us distracted."

Delacroix considered this for a moment. "Then we monitor him closely. Deploy spies and informants to Corse. If he attempts to make contact with the coalition, we will intercept and eliminate his envoys. For now, Prince Bruno is a pawn without a board—he has no kingdom to reclaim unless he can cross the sea."

The council members murmured their agreement, though tension remained in the air. They all understood that the survival of one royal heir was a loose thread in their revolution's fabric. A thread that could unravel much more than they cared to admit.

"I want a full report on our border fortifications by the next session," Delacroix concluded. "And double security at the docks and ports. If Bruno or any royalist loyalists attempt to smuggle supplies through our waters, they are to be captured or sunk."

The meeting adjourned with the council rising from their seats. As the members filed out of the chamber, Delacroix remained behind, staring at the map of Elysea spread across the table. His fingers traced the outline of Corse as a faint smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth.

"Let's see how long you can hold out, Prince Bruno," he muttered to himself. "We crushed your family. We'll crush you too—when the time is right."