I Reincarnated as a Prince Who Revolutionized the Kingdom

September 3, 1695 – The Royal Palace of Elysea

King Bruno de Elysea stood in the war room, eyes fixed on the massive map spread across the table. His finger traced a route from Carthage down into the heart of Africa. The room was silent, save for the quiet crackle of the fireplace and the rustling of parchment.

Across from him stood General Armand Roux, his posture rigid, waiting for orders. He had seen this look in the king's eyes before—Bruno was planning something big.

"Carthage is just the beginning," Bruno said, tapping a specific region further south. "We expand from here."

Roux's gaze followed the king's hand. "These territories are unexplored by any European power. What makes them valuable?"

Bruno leaned forward. "Gold. Diamonds. Minerals. Wealth beyond what Germania, Orosk, or Iberia even suspect. If we move fast, we claim it all before they realize what they're missing."

Roux considered the plan. "We'll need a proper strategy. A full-scale invasion would be too costly, and we don't know the land."

Bruno nodded. "We're not charging in blindly. Start by sending scouts. We need maps, we need to know which tribes live there, who their leaders are, and how they operate. Once we understand the region, we move carefully."

Roux understood immediately. "And if they resist?"

"Diplomacy first," Bruno said. "Offer them trade, protection, and stability. If they agree, they benefit. If not…" His expression hardened. "We remove obstacles as necessary."

Roux nodded. "I'll assemble the men. Scouts will leave within the week, and supply chains will be planned accordingly."

Bruno smirked. "Good. Because once we claim these lands, Elysea won't just be another kingdom. We will be an empire."

As Roux left to carry out his orders, Bruno remained in the war room, his fingers resting on the map. He knew exactly where the richest lands were, thanks to knowledge from his past life. But revealing that would be foolish—no one could ever know.

***

October 5th.

General Armand Roux stepped off the ship, boots landing firmly on Carthage's bustling docks. The salty sea air mixed with the dry desert winds, creating a unique scent that was becoming all too familiar. Around him, the port was alive—merchants bartering in various languages, dockworkers hauling goods, and Elysean soldiers patrolling in crisp blue-and-gold uniforms.

Carthage was no longer just a city—it was the foundation of Elysea's expansion into Africa. And Roux had a mission to carry out.

Captain Étienne Giraud, his trusted second-in-command, approached with a salute. "General, the troops are assembled. The officers are waiting for your orders."

Roux nodded. "Any news from the scouts?"

"Yes," Giraud said, handing him a report. "They've mapped trade routes and identified several tribes. Some are open to negotiation, others are wary."

Roux expected as much. "Arrange a meeting with their leaders. We need their cooperation."

Giraud made a note. "What about the outposts?"

"Three established so far. They're being fortified, and we're training the men to avoid unnecessary conflicts with the locals," Giraud explained.

Roux nodded in approval. "Good. We need to make sure our presence is seen as an opportunity, not an invasion."

Inside the command tent, Roux studied a map. "Our next step is to establish a continuous supply line from Carthage to the outposts. If we don't have logistics, we have nothing."

Giraud hesitated. "We've had issues with bandits attacking supply convoys."

Roux didn't hesitate. "Increase patrols. And offer some of the tribes payment to protect our shipments. If they have a stake in our success, they'll defend it."

A messenger rushed into the tent, breathless. "General! Scouts just returned. They found gold deposits near the Zemari tribal lands."

Roux's eyes sharpened. "Gold?"

"Yes, sir. A large deposit. Possibly untouched."

The officers in the tent exchanged glances. This changed everything.

"Gather the officers," Roux ordered. "We need a plan."

Moments later, the officers assembled, the atmosphere tense. Roux wasted no time.

"This gold deposit could make Elysea rich beyond imagination. But we must act carefully. If the locals realize its value, they may resist. If rival nations hear about it, they will come for it."

Giraud spoke up. "What's the approach?"

"We secure the area quietly," Roux said. "No sudden movements. First, we build relations with the Zemari. Gain their trust. If they accept our protection, we control the gold."

"And if they refuse?" one officer asked.

Roux's expression darkened. "Then we take it by force."

The room was silent for a moment. Then, one by one, the officers nodded.

Elysea's expansion was now a race against time. If they succeeded, they would be unstoppable. If they failed, the European powers watching them would move in to claim Africa for themselves.

Failure was not an option.

October 20, 1695 – Elysean Outpost, South of Carthage

The newly established outpost was bustling with activity. Soldiers reinforced wooden palisades, workers dug wells, and caravans carried supplies from Carthage.

General Roux rode through the encampment, inspecting progress. Giraud approached on horseback. "Our envoys reached the Zemari," he reported. "Their chief is willing to meet, but he's cautious."

Roux smirked. "Good. He should be. But let's make sure he knows what's at stake."

Later that evening, under a torchlit tent, Roux sat across from Chief Dumari of the Zemari tribe. The chief was an older man, his sharp eyes scanning the Elysean officers around him.

"You come with weapons," Dumari said. "But you speak of peace."

Roux smiled slightly. "Weapons are necessary in this world, Chief Dumari. But we did not come to fight. We came to offer something better."

Dumari leaned back. "And what does Elysea offer?"

"Protection," Roux said. "Trade. Medicine. Stability." He paused, then added, "Your people have lived here for generations. But times are changing. Other powers are watching Africa. If they come, they will not ask for cooperation. They will take."

Dumari frowned. "And you will not?"

Roux's smile didn't fade. "No. Because we want your people as allies, not subjects."

Dumari studied him for a long moment. "And the gold? You know of it, don't you?"

Roux didn't flinch. "We do. And we are willing to share its benefits. Your people can prosper. You can be part of something greater."

The chief was silent, considering. Finally, he nodded. "I will discuss with my elders. We will decide."

Roux knew he had planted the seed. Now, it was only a matter of time.

October 25, 1695 – Carthage

Back in Carthage, Roux sent his report to King Bruno.

[To His Majesty, King Bruno of Elysea,

The Zemari tribe is considering our offer. We have secured key trade routes, and the gold deposit is within reach. Expansion is proceeding as planned.

]

As the courier departed with the message, Roux exhaled.

They were making history.

And soon, all of Africa would know the name of Elysea.