I Reincarnated as a Prince Who Revolutionized the Kingdom

May 14th, 1693 – Southern Elysea Countryside

Prince Bruno's army marched steadily across the rolling fields, their banners fluttering in the spring breeze. Over three thousand soldiers strong, the force moved with discipline and precision. Among them, two thousand carried newly issued bolt-action rifles, each man equipped with ample ammunition and trained in modern firing drills. The remainder of the army was armed with a mix of rifles, bayonets, and sabers, supported by the new artillery units.

Howitzers and field guns, designed under Bruno's supervision, were mounted on reinforced carriages and hauled by teams of horses. Supply wagons carried food, medical equipment, and additional ammunition, ensuring the army was ready for prolonged engagements.

Bruno rode at the front of the formation, flanked by Captain Vallier, General Berthold, and Antoine Leclerc. Scouts had reported the location of the first major obstacle in their campaign: Fort Vaillac, an imposing Republican stronghold that controlled the primary route leading toward Elysee. It was one of four key fortifications that had to be captured if the royalists were to push inland.

"Fort Vaillac is positioned on elevated ground," Leclerc explained, pointing to a hand-drawn map as they paused near a hill overlooking the plains. "It was reinforced after the revolution. They've added multiple layers of defense—trenches, stone walls, and artillery emplacements. It won't be an easy target."

Berthold grunted in agreement. "The fort guards the main road north. If we don't take it, we'll be bottlenecked here, and the Republic can funnel reinforcements from other garrisons. We'll be stuck fighting a war of attrition."

Bruno dismounted, stepping closer to the map. He traced the positions marked in ink, calculating their next move. "What's the enemy's estimated strength?"

"Roughly eight hundred soldiers," Vallier replied. "They have six artillery pieces, including two long-range cannons positioned on the ramparts. Their commander is Colonel Dumont—a veteran from the early days of the revolution."

Bruno's eyes narrowed. "They're outnumbered, but they have the advantage of fortifications. A frontal assault would be costly, especially if they have overlapping fields of fire. Fortunately, we have our new cannons with us. I want to see them debut in this battle."

General Berthold stepped forward, his expression resolute. "What are your orders, Your Highness?"

Bruno pointed to a ridge on the map positioned south of the fort. "We'll deploy the 152mm howitzers here. The elevation will allow us to bombard their ramparts and artillery emplacements from a safe distance."

Captain Vallier added, "With the fort under bombardment, their defenders will be forced to retreat from the exposed ramparts. We can exploit that window of confusion."

Bruno nodded. "Exactly. Once their artillery is neutralized, we'll move the infantry in two waves. General Berthold, you'll lead the main attack from the west. Captain Vallier, your detachment will create a diversionary assault on the eastern approach. This will draw their attention and divide their forces."

"Understood," Vallier affirmed. "How many men for the diversion?"

"Eight hundred," Bruno replied. "That will be enough to keep them preoccupied without overcommitting our forces."

Antoine Leclerc, Bruno's chief advisor, crossed his arms thoughtfully. "The terrain favors them, but if the artillery does its job, the psychological shock will make their defense collapse. What's the estimated time to breach?"

Bruno glanced at Durand, who spoke confidently. "If we maintain steady fire, two hours at most. Once their defenses are broken, it will be up to the infantry to finish the job."

Bruno's gaze swept across the gathered officers. "This battle will set the tone for our campaign. We take this fort, and the road to the capital opens."

Dawn – Near Fort Vaillac

The sun had barely begun to rise when the royalist forces moved into position. The fog clung to the fields and hills, providing cover as artillery crews set up their howitzers on the ridge. The heavy cannons were anchored securely, their barrels aimed at the fort's towering walls.

Bruno rode along the artillery line, inspecting each position. Soldiers saluted as he passed, their faces tense but determined. He stopped beside Durand, who was making final adjustments to a cannon's targeting mechanism.

"Everything in place?" Bruno asked.

Durand nodded. "The crews are ready. Once we start firing, we'll target their ramparts and gun emplacements first. That should disrupt their ability to coordinate."

Bruno turned to the gun crews and raised his arm, signaling the start of the bombardment. "Fire!"

The howitzers roared in unison, sending their high-explosive shells arcing through the early morning sky. Moments later, thunderous explosions shook the fort as the shells slammed into the stone walls. Plumes of smoke and debris rose into the air, and terrified shouts echoed from within the stronghold.

The first volley was followed by a second and then a third. The royalist artillery maintained a steady rhythm, pounding the fort with relentless precision. Bruno observed through a spyglass as sections of the southern wall began to crack and crumble.

He could see that the republicans doesn't know who is hitting them as they are beyond range."

"Keep the pressure on. They'll break before they can organize a counter-attack."

Durand, standing beside him, adjusted his stance and issued orders to the artillery crews. "Focus fire on their southern defenses! Maintain intervals between volleys. We want them scrambling to find cover."

The howitzers roared again, sending another salvo of high-explosive shells hurtling toward the fort. The impact was immediate—chunks of stone shattered, and part of the outer wall collapsed with a deafening crash. Soldiers on the ramparts were thrown into disarray, some retreating from their posts while others fired blindly in desperation.

"Target their cannons," Bruno ordered, pointing to one of the remaining gun emplacements. "If we disable their artillery, the infantry will have a clean path to advance."

"Yes, Your Highness," Durand acknowledged, relaying the command to the nearest gun crews.

Within moments, another volley hit the fort's ramparts. One of the long-range cannons was obliterated, the explosion sending fragments of iron and stone scattering across the battlements. Bruno could hear the faint cries of disoriented soldiers echoing through the valley.

Inside Fort Vaillac

Colonel Dumont staggered through the smoke-filled courtyard, barking orders to his panicked men. "Hold your positions! Get those cannons firing now!"

"Colonel, the southern wall is collapsing!" a lieutenant shouted, his face pale with fear. "They've destroyed two of our main batteries!"

"Then relocate the others! We can't let them gain the upper hand!" Dumont snapped, but he knew the situation was slipping out of control. Whoever was attacking them had superior artillery and was firing from a concealed position beyond their range.

Dumont clenched his jaw, scanning the horizon. "Prepare the reserves. If they breach, we'll make our stand at the inner defenses. Send word to our garrison at Valence—we need reinforcements now!"

Bruno dismounted from his horse as General Berthold approached with an update. "Your Highness, the bombardment has crippled their defenses. Our scouts report that parts of the southern and western walls are breached."

"Good," Bruno replied, his tone decisive. "It's time for the infantry to advance. General, lead the main force from the west as planned. Captain Vallier, commence the diversionary assault on the eastern approach. We'll trap them between our two forces."