I Reincarnated as a Prince Who Revolutionized the Kingdom

The towering Bureau of State Security in the heart of Elysee was a grim fortress of information. Its black stone walls were lined with guards and watchtowers, while inside, operatives moved with cold efficiency. In one of the many high-security chambers, Minister Emilia Voss read a top-priority report delivered just that morning. The document bore an urgent seal from an intelligence officer stationed in the southern provinces.

Prince Bruno had landed.

Voss's thin lips pressed into a tight line. She set the report on the table before her and rang a bell. Within moments, General Hector Bellerose and Jean-Paul Lafayette, the Minister of Trade and Finance, entered the chamber. Both men knew from Voss's grim demeanor that the news was not in their favor.

"Minister Voss," Bellerose said, his tone clipped, "what is the situation?"

Voss gestured to the report on the table. "We've confirmed the worst. Prince Bruno has landed in the south. He's taken control of the port town of Golfe-Juan and secured the loyalty of nearby villages. Our spies report that his fleet consists of fully armed warships, and his army has grown to more than three thousand soldiers."

Bellerose's brow furrowed deeply. "Golfe-Juan... that's a vital trade hub. How in the name of the Revolution did we let this happen?"

"They used stealth," Voss replied coldly. "They approached under the cover of night, and the locals aided them. They've been consolidating power quickly, establishing alliances with merchants, farmers, and former soldiers. Word is already spreading that the 'rightful prince' has returned."

Lafayette adjusted his spectacles, his eyes narrowing. "If he controls Golfe-Juan, he'll be able to disrupt our trade routes. Supplies from the south will slow, and merchants sympathetic to his cause may refuse to pay their taxes. This will cripple our economy, especially with the coalition of monarchies already blockading key ports."

"Exactly," Voss said. "We cannot afford to let him expand his influence. The coalition of Greater Germania, Britannica, and the Orosk Empire is applying immense pressure on our borders. Prince Bruno's rebellion is precisely the distraction they've been waiting for. If we're not careful, we could face a two-front war."

Bellerose stepped forward, his expression hardening. "Then let's crush him now. We can dispatch a regiment to Golfe-Juan within days. I'll personally lead the attack. The town isn't fortified enough to withstand a full assault."

"No," Voss interrupted firmly. "We're stretched too thin on the northern front. Diverting forces to Golfe-Juan would leave our border vulnerable. The monarchies would seize the opportunity to advance deeper into our territory."

"So, what's your plan, Minister?" Bellerose demanded, crossing his arms.

"We have to contain him in the south."

"But that would mean committing a large number of forces, I am confused," Bellerose said.

"Containment does not require brute force, General. It requires strategy—control of key points and the erosion of his resources. We won't face him head-on; instead, we'll isolate and strangle his operations until he is left with no viable options."

Bellerose frowned but listened intently. "Explain."

"First," Voss continued, tracing her finger over the map of southern Elysea, "we reinforce control over the roads and critical supply lines leading to Golfe-Juan. Bruno relies heavily on local support for food, supplies, and manpower. We will cut off those routes, placing strategic outposts along major roads and trade paths to intercept caravans and couriers."

Lafayette nodded, following her movements on the map. "We have strong garrisons in the towns of Valence and Aix. If we fortify those positions and deploy patrols along the trade routes, we can severely hinder their ability to move goods."

"Exactly," Voss said. "We create a network of blockades and checkpoints designed to prevent any reinforcement or supply from reaching Golfe-Juan. At the same time, we escalate pressure on the local population. Offer rewards to those who cooperate with us and punishments for those who assist the royalists."

Bellerose interjected, his tone skeptical. "And what of his fleet? If they control the coastline, they can resupply through the sea. We don't have enough warships in the south to blockade Golfe-Juan effectively."

"True," Voss conceded, "which is why we won't waste resources on a full naval blockade. Instead, we deploy smaller, fast-attack vessels—corvettes and gunboats—to harass their ships. Keep them on constant alert, force them to waste time and resources defending their convoys. Additionally, we send infiltrators to sabotage their dockyards and damage their vessels while they're anchored."

Lafayette cleared his throat. "While military measures are necessary, I believe economic warfare will play a crucial role here. The merchants who have aligned with Bruno are motivated by opportunity. We can counter that by offering trade incentives to those who remain loyal to the Republic. I'll also tighten control on inland trade routes. If merchants know they'll lose profits by siding with the prince, many will abandon him."

Voss nodded approvingly. "Exactly. Starve him of resources and allies. Infiltrate his networks, spread misinformation, and create divisions among his supporters. If we do this right, Bruno will be forced to either overextend his forces in desperate attacks or retreat entirely. Either way, he'll be contained."

Bellerose crossed his arms, his jaw tightening. "What if he pushes forward despite the containment? What if he takes more towns and rallies a larger army?"

"That's the risk," Voss admitted. "But with the coalition threatening our northern borders, we cannot afford to overcommit forces to the south. Our best option is to keep him boxed in, bleed his army through attrition, and crush his morale over time."

"So in essence, this plan only works if the Prince doesn't move aggressively," Bellerose said, skepticism still lingering in his tone. "But what if Bruno anticipates this and presses forward before we can establish our containment lines? The man isn't a fool. He's demonstrated a keen strategic mind so far."

Voss's expression hardened. "Then we will ensure that he is forced to move cautiously. Disinformation will be our weapon. Spread rumors of a large Republican force advancing from the north. If Bruno believes he's about to be surrounded, he'll waste time reinforcing his defenses and consolidating his position instead of expanding."

"And if he calls our bluff?" Bellerose asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Then we strike swiftly at his supply depots," Voss replied coldly. "We'll organize raids and sabotage operations to cripple his logistics. Without supplies, an army cannot march. His soldiers will grow weary, demoralized, and eventually desert him if they face hunger and scarcity."

"I see…"