I Reincarnated as a Prince Who Revolutionized the Kingdom

May 15th, 1693.

The sun rose over Fort Vaillac, casting light on the scars of the previous day's battle. The royalist banners now fluttered above the crumbled ramparts. Soldiers moved swiftly through the corridors and courtyards, clearing debris, securing weapons, and tending to the wounded. Prince Bruno stood on a raised platform overlooking the fort, his expression serious as he watched his men organize the aftermath of their victory.

General Berthold and Captain Vallier approached, saluting. "The fort is fully under our control, Your Highness," Berthold reported. "The remaining defenders have been disarmed, and their wounded are receiving medical attention alongside our own."

"Good," Bruno replied. He turned to Vallier. "And the civilians in the area?"

"They've remained inside their homes, watching cautiously," Vallier answered. "Many fled to nearby villages before the battle. We've sent word that they may return and that no harm will come to them."

Bruno's gaze hardened. "See that it stays that way. Our objective is liberation, not terror. I won't have our men looting or harassing the local population."

Berthold frowned slightly. "Some soldiers might see this as an opportunity to take spoils. It's a tradition in war, after all."

"That tradition ends here," Bruno said firmly. "I will not allow this army to devolve into a band of marauders. Gather the officers and bring the troops to the central courtyard. I'll address them myself."

A few hours later, hundreds of royalist soldiers stood assembled in the central courtyard of Fort Vaillac. They stood in ranks, many still dusty and bloodied from the battle. Officers barked orders to ensure discipline, and a tense quiet settled over the gathered men as Prince Bruno took his place on a platform at the front.

Bruno's eyes scanned the crowd, noting the weariness and pride on their faces. He spoke with a commanding voice that carried across the courtyard.

"Soldiers of Elysea, you have fought with courage and honor. You have delivered us a great victory today. Fort Vaillac, a key stronghold of the Republic, is now in our hands. This is a moment to be proud of."

The soldiers murmured in agreement, some raising their fists in quiet celebration.

"But," Bruno continued, his tone hardening, "with this victory comes responsibility. We are not here to conquer our own people. We are here to free them. The Republic rules through fear and oppression. We will not make the same mistake. We will win the hearts and loyalty of the people through justice and discipline—not through looting and violence."

A few soldiers exchanged nervous glances, clearly understanding the implications of his words.

"Any man caught stealing from or harming civilians will be punished," Bruno declared. "We are soldiers, not brigands. Our mission is to restore peace and order to Elysea. You represent that mission. Do not forget it."

General Berthold stepped forward. "You heard His Highness! Maintain discipline at all times! Any breach of conduct will be dealt with swiftly."

The soldiers saluted in unison, their respect for Bruno clear in their eyes. As the assembly dispersed, Bruno watched them march away to continue their duties. Vallier stood beside him, nodding in approval.

"They'll follow you, Your Highness," Vallier said. "They know you mean what you say."

"They have to," Bruno replied. "If we lose the trust of the people, this war will drag on indefinitely."

Word of Fort Vaillac's fall spread quickly through the southern countryside. Villagers who had feared Republican retaliation cautiously returned to their homes. Many were greeted by royalist patrols offering assurances of protection and fairness. Merchants and farmers who had withheld support now saw an opportunity to align themselves with the prince's cause.

In nearby towns, local leaders sent delegations to the fort, offering supplies and manpower. Bruno met with several of them in the fort's refurbished command chamber.

"We are at your service, Your Highness," said Pierre Fournier, a respected elder from the town of Saint-Amand. "The people are ready to provide food and shelter for your army. Many of our young men wish to enlist as well."

"Your support is invaluable," Bruno replied, shaking the man's hand. "With your help, we can secure this region and protect it from further Republican aggression."

Bruno spent the next few hours coordinating efforts to stabilize the area. Engineers repaired the fort's walls, while scouts mapped out the next phase of the campaign. Supplies flowed steadily into the fort, bolstering the royalist army's readiness for future battles.

Several days later, the news of Fort Vaillac's capture reached the Revolutionary Council in Elysee. Minister Emilia Voss sat in her office, reading the urgent report with a growing scowl. She slammed the document onto her desk, causing several nearby aides to flinch.

"Colonel Dumont has failed," she muttered. "The fort has fallen, and Prince Bruno now controls a vital route toward the capital."

General Hector Bellerose entered the room, his jaw clenched in frustration. "We underestimated him. Our forces in the south weren't prepared for this kind of coordinated assault. Dumont's incompetence has cost us dearly."

"What's the status of our other fortifications?" Voss demanded.

"Fort Rochevelle is reinforcing its defenses," Bellerose replied. "Captain Armand has been instructed to hold at all costs. We've also mobilized additional regiments to bolster our garrisons along the southern front."

"Good," Voss said coldly. "But that won't be enough. Bruno's victories will embolden the populace. We need to break his momentum before it's too late."

Lafayette, the Minister of Trade and Finance, entered the chamber with a grim expression. "The fall of Vaillac is already affecting our trade routes. Merchants in the south are refusing to pay taxes. They're siding with Bruno."

Voss's eyes darkened. "Then we'll make an example of those who betray the Republic. Begin seizing assets and arresting suspected collaborators. We will tighten our control over the economy and the population."

"And what of Bruno himself?" Bellerose asked. "He's proven to be a capable strategist. If we don't stop him soon, he could reach Elysee."

"We'll stop him," Voss replied icily. "Send infiltrators to sow discord among his ranks. Spread rumors of betrayal and dissent. And prepare our elite forces. If he wants a war, we'll give him one he won't survive."

The room fell into a tense silence as the council members absorbed the gravity of the situation. The battle for Elysea was far from over, and both sides knew that the next confrontation would be even bloodier than the last.