I Reincarnated as a Prince Who Revolutionized the Kingdom-Chapter 61: A Wild Suggestion

September 20th, 1693.

For the first time since his return to Elysee, Bruno allowed himself a moment to breathe. The war was over. The Republic was crushed, and the military had sworn loyalty to him. The nation was stabilizing, and his authority was absolute. It was only right that the moment be commemorated.

The grand halls of the Royal Palace were alive once more, illuminated by chandeliers whose golden glow reflected off the polished marble floors. The palace had seen nothing but war councils and military officers in the past months, but tonight, it was filled with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses.

A grand banquet had been arranged, a symbolic gesture to mark the return of order to Elysea. Nobles who had survived the Republic’s purges attended in lavish garments, their colors bright, their jewels glittering. Military officers, now loyal to the new regime, stood among them, less accustomed to the revelry but nonetheless partaking in the evening’s festivities.

Bruno himself stood at the head of the great hall, dressed in a black and gold military coat, adorned with a sash of Elysea’s new colors. He did not wear a crown—he had not yet been crowned—but everyone in the hall knew that he was the true ruler of Elysea.

A toast was raised in his honor, and the hall erupted in cheers.

"To Prince Bruno!"

"To Elysea!"

The sound of a hundred voices echoed through the chamber, and for the first time in years, the palace felt alive.

Bruno moved through the crowd, shaking hands and exchanging words with men and women he barely knew. Some of these nobles had been imprisoned or exiled by the Republic, stripped of their lands and titles. Now, they were restored, though they all knew that their status was no longer based on blood alone.

"My Prince," one elderly noble said, bowing low. "You have saved us from ruin. Many of us never believed we would see the light of day again, let alone stand in this hall."

Bruno offered a small smile. "The Republic sought to destroy Elysea’s past, but I will not allow its history to be erased. However, you must understand—your titles are no longer a shield. You will serve the state, or you will have no place in it."

The noble nodded quickly. "Of course, Your Highness. We are at your service."

Bruno moved on. Some of the nobles were truly grateful, while others hid their wariness behind polite smiles. He would have to watch them closely. He had freed them, but he would not allow them to grow powerful enough to become threats in the future.

As he passed a group of young officers, he noticed Captain Vallier in deep conversation with a woman draped in sapphire silk. She laughed at something he said, her delicate hand resting lightly on his arm. Bruno smirked. Even in victory, Vallier wasted no time in finding company.

"Your Highness!" came another voice, and Bruno turned to see a man in his late forties approach. The man bowed low before straightening. "Marquis D’Ormont, at your service."

Bruno recognized the name. The D’Ormont family had once been among the wealthiest landowners in Elysea before the Republic had seized their estates.

"You were imprisoned?" Bruno asked.

The marquis nodded. "My family’s name was erased from every record, and our lands were stolen. I thought I would die in chains."

Bruno’s gaze remained unreadable. "You have been restored, but you understand the conditions."

D’Ormont nodded quickly. "Yes, Your Highness. I will serve the state however you see fit."

Bruno studied him for a moment longer before nodding. "Good."

As the evening continued, Bruno stepped onto a balcony overlooking the city. The streets of Elysee were alive with celebration, citizens drinking and feasting in the squares. For years, they had known only fear and war. Tonight, at least, they had peace.

Berthold joined him, holding a goblet of wine. "You look uneasy," he remarked.

Bruno exhaled, leaning on the stone railing. "It feels… strange, celebrating when there’s still so much work to do."

Berthold chuckled. "That’s what happens when you take a kingdom for yourself. But tonight, the people rejoice, and you should let them. Tomorrow, we rule. But tonight? Tonight, we drink."

Bruno smirked, taking the goblet Berthold offered and drinking deeply. The warmth of the wine settled in his chest, but his mind never truly relaxed.

Leclerc arrived a few moments later, his expression thoughtful. "Your Highness, may I speak with you?"

Bruno nodded. "Go ahead."

Leclerc hesitated for a moment before saying, "Now that you are the ruler of Elysea, there is a matter we have yet to discuss."

Bruno raised an eyebrow. "And what matter is that?"

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Leclerc adjusted his spectacles. "You must take a wife."

For the first time that evening, Bruno was caught off guard.

"What?"

Leclerc continued, "A ruler must secure his dynasty. The people expect stability, and nothing solidifies a new reign more than an heir. If you are to lead Elysea into the future, you must consider marriage."

Bruno blinked, still processing the suggestion. He had never given thought to marriage.

Berthold chuckled. "You look as though you’ve been hit by a cannonball."

Bruno scowled. "I have more pressing concerns than choosing a wife."

Leclerc remained serious. "Perhaps. But politics do not wait. The nobles will expect a royal marriage, and the people will see it as a sign of stability. The right match could strengthen Elysea."

Bruno exhaled. "And who exactly do you propose?"

Leclerc folded his hands behind his back. "There are many options. The daughter of a noble family would secure domestic alliances. A princess from a neighboring kingdom could ease tensions with foreign powers. Or perhaps a woman of common birth, to show the people that your rule is truly for all."

Bruno rubbed his temple. "You have been planning this for some time, haven’t you?"

Leclerc smirked. "I merely anticipated the need."

Berthold took another sip of wine. "It’s not the worst idea, Bruno. If you want your rule to last, an heir would be wise."

Bruno exhaled, shaking his head. "I will consider it. But I will not be rushed into anything."

Leclerc bowed slightly. "Of course, Your Highness. But the sooner, the better."