I Reincarnated as a Prince Who Revolutionized the Kingdom

December 31, 1695.

The morning sun barely peeked over the horizon when the streets of Elysea began to stir. Vendors were setting up their stalls, city officials oversaw the final preparations for the New Year's Eve festivities, and the town square was already filling with people eager to catch a glimpse of the royal couple.

Inside the Royal Palace, King Bruno finished adjusting the cuffs of his coat while Queen Amélie inspected her reflection in the mirror. She was dressed in a refined yet simple winter gown, lined with fur to ward off the cold.

Bruno glanced at her. "Are you ready for a long day?"

She smirked. "I should be asking you that. You'll have to smile and wave at people all day."

Bruno let out a chuckle. "A small price to pay if it keeps the people loyal."

The schedule was packed—visits to orphanages, alms-giving at churches, an inspection of public works, and finally, a grand procession through the city. It was a tradition for the ruling monarch to be seen among the people on the last day of the year, and Bruno intended to make a statement.

By mid-morning, the royal carriage rolled through the palace gates, flanked by mounted guards and draped in Elysea's banners. The streets were lined with citizens who cheered as they passed, waving small flags and throwing flower petals in their path.

The first stop was Saint Eloise's Orphanage, one of the largest in the city. Run by a group of nuns, the orphanage housed over a hundred children who had lost their parents to war, disease, or poverty.

As Bruno and Amélie stepped out of the carriage, a group of children gathered at the entrance, their faces filled with both excitement and nervousness.

Mother Elise, the head of the orphanage, curtsied deeply. "Your Majesties, it is an honor to have you here."

Bruno smiled warmly. "The honor is ours, Mother Elise. We wanted to end the year with those who deserve the most kindness."

Amélie knelt beside a young girl who clutched a worn-out doll. "What's your name?"

The girl hesitated before whispering, "Marie."

Amélie smiled, reaching into a small pouch and pulling out a beautifully carved wooden horse. "This is for you, Marie."

Marie's eyes widened, and she took the gift with both hands, staring at it as if it were the most precious thing in the world.

Bruno motioned to one of his attendants, who began distributing gifts—new clothes, toys, and books—while another handed out loaves of bread and dried fruits.

"You will all be receiving new blankets as well," Bruno announced, addressing the children. "No one in Elysea should suffer from the cold, least of all its future generation."

The nuns and children alike expressed their gratitude, and after a short conversation with Mother Elise about improving funding for orphanages, Bruno and Amélie moved on to their next destination.

The grand cathedral of Elysea stood at the heart of the city, its bells ringing out as the royal carriage approached. In front of the church, hundreds of commoners gathered, hoping to receive the king's blessing—and the much-anticipated coin distributions.

Baskets filled with gold and silver coins were brought forward, each marked with the royal insignia. Bruno personally handed out the first few coins, shaking hands and exchanging a few words with those who approached.

An elderly man, wrapped in tattered clothing, bowed deeply before him. "Your Majesty, may the heavens bless you."

Bruno placed a coin in the man's palm. "Use it well. May next year bring you fortune."

Nearby, Amélie spoke with a group of women who were collecting donations for a local shelter.

"We've received more than usual this year, Your Majesty," one of them said gratefully.

Amélie nodded. "The kingdom is growing stronger, and with it, so should its people."

The almsgiving continued for nearly an hour, with Bruno and Amélie personally overseeing the distribution of funds to the needy.

After a short break, the royal procession moved to one of the newly completed aqueducts, a project Bruno had pushed for earlier in the year. Clean water was now reaching more areas of the city, reducing disease and improving sanitation.

A group of engineers and city officials awaited their arrival.

"The aqueducts are functioning as expected, Your Majesty," one of the engineers reported. "Next year, we can begin expanding to the outskirts."

Bruno inspected the structure, nodding in approval. "Good. The people must see that their labor is rewarded. A kingdom that does not invest in its people will not last."

Nearby, workers paused their labor to bow as the king passed. Bruno approached one of them, a man covered in dust and sweat.

"How is the work?" Bruno asked.

The man straightened up, surprised to be addressed directly. "Difficult, but necessary, Your Majesty."

Bruno patted him on the shoulder. "Your efforts are building a stronger Elysea."

After ensuring that future funding for the aqueducts was secured, Bruno and Amélie moved on to the final event of the day—the grand parade.

As evening approached, the streets of Elysea were packed with citizens awaiting the royal procession. Torches and lanterns illuminated the city, giving it a golden glow as banners waved in the night breeze.

Bruno and Amélie rode in an open carriage, waving to the cheering crowds as music filled the air. The parade featured decorated floats, soldiers in full regalia, and guild members showcasing their trades.

At the city square, a massive bonfire was lit, marking the transition into the new year's celebrations. The people sang, danced, and shared drinks, the atmosphere filled with joy and anticipation for the coming year.

Bruno and Amélie stepped onto a platform, overlooking the crowd.

Bruno raised his hand, signaling for silence.

"My people!" he called out, his voice carrying over the square. "Tonight, we celebrate not just the passing of another year, but the strength of our kingdom! Elysea has grown, our cities have prospered, and our people stand united!"

The crowd erupted in cheers.

"This new year will bring challenges, but we will face them together! For Elysea! For the future!"

The cheers grew louder, and as the fireworks began to light up the sky, Bruno turned to Amélie, who smiled at him.

"You've done well today," she said softly.

Bruno exhaled, taking in the moment. "So have you."

As the fireworks painted the sky in gold and silver, King Bruno and Queen Amélie stood together, knowing that a new year—and new trials—awaited them.

But for this one night, they allowed themselves to revel in the moment, celebrating alongside the people they ruled.