I Reincarnated as a Prince Who Revolutionized the Kingdom

June 26th, 1693 – Fort Rochevelle

News of the ambush reached Prince Bruno by the afternoon. His face darkened as he listened to the report.

"Vallier's detachment was ambushed," Leclerc said grimly. "The Republicans set a trap. He managed to retreat with a third of his men, but the rest were either killed or captured."

"They're adapting," Bruno muttered. "This General Marceau isn't like the others."

Berthold nodded. "They've captured some of our rifles. If their engineers can reverse-engineer the designs, they'll begin closing the technological gap."

"No, that won't be easy on their end. The rifles I designed required precision tools and specialized machinery to produce. Without access to those, replicating them will take time—possibly years. However, we can't assume they'll fail to make progress. We need to act quickly and stay ahead."

Leclerc crossed his arms thoughtfully. "Even if they can't mass-produce the rifles, they'll still learn from them. They might develop countermeasures or tactics to nullify our advantage in range and firepower."

Berthold frowned. "Marceau is already a step ahead. We need to regain the initiative."

Bruno leaned over the map table, his eyes scanning potential routes and chokepoints. "We can't let him dictate the pace. If he's expecting us to continue ambush tactics, we'll change our approach entirely. We'll mislead him with feints and false movements."

"What do you have in mind, Your Highness?" Berthold asked.

Bruno pointed to a narrow valley that lay between Fort Rochevelle and the nearby hills. "This terrain works to our advantage. It's surrounded by dense woods and high ridges—perfect for artillery placement. We'll make it appear as though we're retreating to draw him in, but we'll be waiting to crush him when he overcommits."

"An encirclement," Leclerc said with a nod of approval. "If done right, it could turn the tide back in our favor."

"Exactly," Bruno confirmed. "But it's critical that we control the information reaching his scouts. We'll need decoy units, false camps, and misleading reports. If Marceau thinks we're falling back in disarray, he'll be tempted to pursue us aggressively."

Vallier, still recovering from his wounds but present at the meeting, spoke up. "I'll lead the decoy force. He'll expect me to be weakened after the ambush. It'll add credibility to the ruse."

Bruno placed a hand on Vallier's shoulder. "Are you sure you're up for it? You've barely had time to recover."

"I'm sure," Vallier replied firmly. "This is personal now. We owe him for that ambush."

"Very well," Bruno said, his gaze resolute. "Prepare the men. This battle could define the course of the entire campaign. We strike within the week."

June 30th, 1693.

The royalists moved swiftly under the cover of darkness, establishing hidden artillery positions on the ridges surrounding the valley. Engineers dug fortified trenches and camouflaged the gun emplacements. Supply wagons were relocated to nearby villages to minimize visibility, and decoy fires were lit at false camps in the lower hills.

Vallier's detachment set up a visible but vulnerable position near the valley entrance. Scouts patrolled the area, intentionally leaving tracks and signs of recent movement to mislead any observers.

Bruno monitored the preparations closely, ensuring every detail of the trap was perfect. He knew Marceau was too experienced to fall for a simple ruse. This plan had to be layered with deception and tactical precision.

"We'll hold fire until they're fully committed," Bruno instructed Durand, the chief artillery officer. "Once they're in the valley, we'll unleash everything we have."

Durand saluted. "They won't know what hit them, Your Highness."

July 2nd, 1693.

General Marceau received reports from his scouts indicating royalist movements toward the valley. The information fit the pattern he had been expecting: Bruno's forces appeared to be withdrawing in disarray after Vallier's failed ambush.

"They're retreating," one of Marceau's officers said confidently. "We've got them on the run."

Marceau narrowed his eyes. "It's too clean. Bruno is crafty. He's led me into traps before, and this reeks of another one."

"General, if we don't press the attack, we risk giving them time to regroup," another officer argued.

Marceau was silent for a moment, then spoke decisively. "We'll move in, but with caution. Half of our forces will remain outside the valley as reserves. Our artillery will advance but stay near the entrance to maintain a retreat route. I won't be caught in a pincer maneuver."

The officers saluted and relayed his orders. Marceau's army began its advance into the valley, with infantry and cavalry leading the charge.

From his vantage point on the ridge, Bruno observed Marceau's cautious advance. The Republican forces moved in disciplined formations, their flanks protected by skirmishers. Marceau's reputation as a strategist was evident—he wasn't taking any unnecessary risks.

"They're not committing fully," Leclerc said grimly. "He's holding back his reserves."

"Then we adjust," Bruno replied. "Signal the artillery to target their front lines and force them deeper into the valley. If we can create enough chaos, Marceau may be forced to send in reinforcements."

Durand gave the signal, and moments later, the ridges erupted with cannon fire. Explosive shells rained down on the advancing Republican soldiers, shattering their formations. Smoke and debris filled the air as royalist infantry opened fire from concealed positions.

"Advance to the center!" an officer yelled as Republican troops scrambled for cover.

Marceau's eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation. "They were ready for us. Send in the second wave to support the front. We'll push through their defenses."

The battle intensified as more Republican forces entered the valley. Bruno watched carefully, waiting for the right moment to spring the full trap.

"Now," he commanded.

Royalist cavalry charged from hidden paths, slamming into the flanks of the Republican column. Artillery shifted fire to cut off their retreat, creating a wall of destruction at the valley entrance.

Marceau's forces found themselves surrounded on all sides. Despite the chaos, Marceau maintained his composure.

"Rally the men!" he ordered. "Form defensive squares and hold the line! We'll break through on the eastern ridge!"

His officers carried out his commands, but the royalist forces pressed their advantage relentlessly. Hours of brutal fighting ensued, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.

By dusk, the battlefield fell silent. The royalists had gained control of the valley, but Marceau managed a disciplined withdrawal with a portion of his army. The cost of the battle was high on both sides, but Bruno had achieved his objective—Marceau's forces were weakened, and their momentum stalled.

"We've won today, but Marceau won't give up," Bruno said as he surveyed the battlefield. "He'll adapt again. We need to stay ahead."

Berthold approached, saluting. "What are your orders, Your Highness?"

"Consolidate our defenses and fortify the valley. We've shown we can outmaneuver him, but the next battle will be even harder."