I Reincarnated as a Prince Who Revolutionized the Kingdom

April 26th, 1693 – Golfe-Juan, Elysea

The fleet appeared on the horizon in the early morning light, the golden sun reflecting off the sea as the banners of the royal house fluttered proudly in the breeze. The Elysean Vow led the formation, its towering masts cutting a majestic figure as it glided toward the shores of Golfe-Juan. Behind it, frigates, brigs, and sloops followed in a disciplined line. The town's harbor, a modest but functional port, lay nestled between the surrounding hills and cliffs.

Prince Bruno stood at the helm of the flagship, his gaze fixed on the shoreline ahead. Despite the calm waters and the lack of visible defenses, he remained cautious. Intelligence reports had indicated that many smaller towns and villages had been left untouched by the Revolutionary forces, but Bruno knew better than to trust appearances.

"Captain LaSalle," Bruno said, turning slightly, "send a signal to the rest of the fleet. We will proceed with caution. I want all ships ready to provide support if needed."

LaSalle nodded, stepping to the signal officer. Within moments, flag signals were hoisted on the Elysean Vow, instructing the rest of the fleet to maintain defensive readiness.

"Your Highness," Captain Vallier said, approaching, "scouts report no signs of enemy presence near the port. It seems the Republic has neglected this region entirely."

Bruno frowned slightly. "Or they assume the local population is either loyal to them or too isolated to resist. Either way, we need to confirm their allegiance before we move forward."

The fleet drew closer to the harbor, and Bruno gave the order to lower the longboats. Soldiers, armed and armored, filed into the boats while sailors prepared the docking equipment. Bruno himself descended from the deck, joining Vallier and General Berthold in one of the lead boats.

The longboats reached the docks with little fanfare, the oars cutting cleanly through the water. Local fishermen and dockworkers, initially startled by the sight of an entire fleet, began to gather cautiously near the pier. They muttered among themselves, exchanging nervous glances as soldiers disembarked and took up defensive positions along the harbor. Some of the townspeople whispered questions—who were these soldiers, and why were they flying the royal banner?

Bruno stepped onto the dock, his boots landing firmly on Elysean soil for the first time since the revolution. He adjusted his coat, emblazoned with the crest of the House of Elysea, and strode forward with confidence. Vallier and Berthold flanked him, their expressions serious but calm.

An elderly man, dressed in the attire of a local merchant, cautiously stepped forward from the crowd. He hesitated before speaking, his voice wary but respectful.

"Forgive me, Your Grace," the man said, bowing slightly. "We weren't expecting visitors, especially... of this kind. Who are you, and why have you come to Golfe-Juan with an army?"

Bruno stopped a few paces away and addressed the gathered crowd, his voice steady and clear. "My name is Prince Bruno of Elysea. I am the last surviving member of the royal family, and I have come to reclaim what was stolen from us."

The crowd stirred with confusion and shock. Some gasped, while others exchanged incredulous looks. A younger man near the front shook his head in disbelief. "The Prince? But... we heard the entire royal family was executed two years ago! How can this be true?"

Bruno's gaze hardened as he raised his hand to calm the murmurs. "It is true that the Republic sought to exterminate my family. They killed my father, the King, my mother, the Queen, and many others. But by the will of fate, I survived. Now I stand before you not as a victim of their treachery, but as your rightful ruler, returned to restore order and justice to this land."

A tense silence followed. Then, an elderly woman stepped forward, her eyes filled with both awe and sorrow. "The Republic has brought nothing but fear and division to our country," she said softly. "They spoke of equality, but all we've seen are soldiers taking what they please. If you truly are the Prince... what do you intend to do?"

"I intend to reclaim the throne and put an end to the tyranny that has gripped our nation," Bruno answered without hesitation. "The Revolutionary Council has spread lies and fear to maintain their power. They believe they can intimidate the people into submission. But they are wrong. We will fight for a free and united Elysea—one where justice and dignity are restored."

More voices spoke up from the crowd.

"They've bled our trade routes dry!"

"Taxes have doubled since the Council took over!"

"My cousin was taken by their conscription forces! We never heard from him again!"

Bruno raised his hand once more. "Your suffering has not gone unnoticed. But I cannot win this war alone. I need your support—your strength and your courage. Together, we can drive the Republic from this land."

The crowd slowly began to nod and murmur in agreement. Word of the Republic's excesses had spread across the countryside, and while the townspeople had not been directly attacked, they had suffered economically and socially under the new regime.

Captain Vallier leaned toward Bruno and whispered, "They're beginning to rally to your cause, Your Highness. If we solidify their support, we'll gain a valuable foothold here."

Bruno nodded subtly. "It starts with trust," he replied under his breath before addressing the crowd again. "I will not force any of you to take up arms. But those willing to stand with us will be welcomed as allies. We will need craftsmen, scouts, and soldiers for the battles ahead. In return, I promise to protect this town and its people from the Republic's retaliation."

A young blacksmith stepped forward, clenching his fists. "I'll join you, Your Highness! My brother fought and died defending the old monarchy. If you're here to bring them to justice, then I'll fight too!"

Others began stepping forward, offering their allegiance. The momentum shifted as the people of Golfe-Juan found renewed hope. They began organizing themselves, bringing forth supplies, offering intelligence on the surrounding region, and volunteering for the royalist army.

By midday, Bruno's officers had established a temporary command post in the town hall. Scouts were dispatched to neighboring villages, while supply officers coordinated with local merchants to secure food and materials for the fleet.

As Bruno stood overlooking the harbor from the town square, Vallier approached with a report. "Your Highness, the locals have pledged their support. We've identified several strategic positions around the port to fortify. Scouts report no sign of Republican forces within fifty kilometers."

"Good," Bruno said, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "This is only the beginning. We've taken the first step, but the real battles are still ahead. The Republic will not stand idly by once they learn of our presence here."

"We'll be ready," Vallier assured him.

Bruno nodded. "Yes, we will. And when the time comes, we'll make them regret the day they ever raised arms against Elysea."

With the town of Golfe-Juan secured, Bruno's campaign to reclaim the mainland had begun.