I Reincarnated as a Prince Who Revolutionized the Kingdom

May 24th, 1693.

Under Voss's orders, a detachment of 1,000 Republican soldiers advanced toward the village of Mireille, a small but strategically significant settlement located near Fort Vaillac. Republican spies reported that the town's leaders were considering formally pledging allegiance to Prince Bruno. The goal was to crush the village and instill fear in nearby communities before they aligned with the royalists.

The Republicans entered Mireille at dawn, armed with orders to take hostages and destroy key infrastructure. The village square was eerily quiet as the soldiers marched in formation, their boots echoing on the cobblestones.

"Search the buildings," the Republican captain ordered. "Round up the villagers."

His men spread out, banging on doors and forcing terrified families into the square. Mothers clutched their children, while elderly townsfolk huddled together, whispering prayers. The captain stepped forward, addressing the crowd with a voice of authority.

"This village is guilty of harboring traitors. You've given aid and comfort to the enemies of the Republic. That will not be tolerated."

Before he could continue, the sound of a distant trumpet echoed through the air, followed by the unmistakable thunder of hoofbeats. The captain froze, turning toward the village entrance.

"They're here…" he muttered.

Prince Bruno's army, led by Captain Vallier and supported by local militia, arrived with speed and ferocity. The royalist cavalry charged down the main road, sabers flashing in the morning light. Behind them, ranks of infantry advanced with precision, rifles raised.

"Hold the line!" Vallier shouted. "Protect the villagers! Drive them out!"

The Republican soldiers, caught off guard, scrambled to form a defensive perimeter, but it was too late. The cavalry crashed into their ranks, scattering them like leaves in the wind. Rifle fire erupted from both sides, the royalists firing in coordinated volleys that decimated the enemy's front line.

Villagers, emboldened by the sight of their protectors, seized improvised weapons and joined the fight. Armed with pitchforks, clubs, and hunting rifles, they attacked the disoriented Republicans from alleyways and rooftops.

The battle was over within an hour. The surviving Republican soldiers fled, abandoning their weapons as they retreated toward the forest. Bruno and his officers entered the village square, where the townspeople greeted them with cheers and tears of relief.

"You came just in time, Your Highness," Mayor Lemoine said, stepping forward with a bow. "They were going to destroy us."

Bruno dismounted and shook the mayor's hand. "You're under my protection now. The Republic will not harm you again."

Vallier approached and saluted. "The enemy has been routed. Shall we pursue?"

"No," Bruno replied, his gaze hard. "Let them run. They'll spread word of their defeat, and it will demoralize the Republic's forces. Secure the village and tend to the wounded. We'll use this victory to rally more support."

***

Over the next few days, news of the failed Republican raid on Mireille spread like wildfire. Delegations from nearby towns, including Saint-Amand and Arles, arrived at Fort Vaillac to offer their allegiance. Village leaders pledged food, weapons, and militia recruits to bolster the royalist army.

In a meeting with his officers, Bruno emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline and trust. "The people are watching us closely," he said. "Every action we take will shape their perception of this rebellion. We must continue to demonstrate that we are fighting for justice and liberation, not conquest."

General Berthold nodded in agreement. "Our forces now stand at nearly six thousand, Your Highness. With this momentum, we can strike at Fort Rochevelle before the Republic regroups."

"Then we'll move swiftly," Bruno declared. "They won't have time to reinforce their defenses. We march within the week."

***

May 30th, 1693.

The Revolutionary Council convened in a large chamber within the Bureau of State Security. Minister Emilia Voss, General Hector Bellerose, and Minister of Trade Jean-Paul Lafayette stood around a war table strewn with maps and reports. The mood was tense. Each failed attempt to destabilize the royalist rebellion had only strengthened Prince Bruno's growing influence. The council was finally forced to confront the reality: psychological warfare had failed.

General Bellerose leaned over the table and slammed his fist down. "Enough with covert tactics! We've wasted valuable time and resources on infiltration and intimidation, and none of it has worked. The Prince's forces are gaining momentum, and more towns are joining him every day. We need to hit him head-on."

Voss crossed her arms and nodded reluctantly. "I agree. The people have seen through our fear tactics, and Bruno has positioned himself as a champion of justice. If we're going to stop this rebellion, we have to defeat him on the battlefield."

"Exactly," Bellerose added. "But that means deploying a significant force to the south. We cannot afford to lose another major stronghold like Fort Rochevelle."

Lafayette interjected. "And how do you propose we do that without weakening our northern defenses? We're still at war with Greater Germania and Britannica. Our supply lines are stretched thin, and we can't divert everything to the south."

Bellerose turned to Voss with a resolute expression. "There's one option left. We need to recall General Lucien Marceau."

The room fell silent for a moment. The name carried weight. General Marceau was a living legend—renowned for his victories against Britannica's armies and his ability to turn the tide of impossible battles. However, he had been reassigned to the northern front to hold back the coalition forces.

Voss's eyes narrowed. "Marceau? He's our best commander, but he's already engaged in critical operations near the northern borders."

"Critical, yes," Bellerose replied, "but reports indicate that Marceau's forces have been outperforming Germania. They've driven deep into enemy territory and secured key strongholds. If anyone can afford to be temporarily withdrawn, it's him."

Lafayette hesitated. "If we pull him from the northern front, we risk losing ground. What if the coalition pushes back while he's gone?"

Bellerose shook his head. "Marceau has capable subordinates who can maintain the front. We can't win this war by holding ground alone. If Bruno takes Fort Rochevelle and establishes full control over the south, we'll be facing a rebellion strong enough to march on the capital."

Voss considered the proposal carefully. She disliked the idea of shifting resources from one front to another, but the current situation was spiraling out of control. Marceau's presence in the south might be their last chance to crush the royalist uprising before it became a full-scale civil war.

"Fine," she said at last. "Send the order. General Marceau is to lead a campaign against Prince Bruno. I want him mobilized within two weeks. We'll coordinate reinforcements and supplies to support the offensive."

Bellerose saluted. "I'll handle it personally. The prince won't know what hit him."