I Reincarnated as a Prince Who Revolutionized the Kingdom-Chapter 76: The Setup

January 5, 1694

The council reconvened in the royal palace, the morning sun casting long shadows over the chamber as King Bruno stood at the head of the table. The preparations for Elysea’s expansion into the Black Continent had begun, but now, the real work of intelligence gathering, strategic planning, and resource allocation had to be set in motion.

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Bruno’s gaze swept over his advisors—Antoine Leclerc, Jean-Baptiste Moreau, and Captain Vallier—all of whom had been tasked with gathering preliminary information about the Empire of Tunis and its surrounding regions. Reports had trickled in over the past week, giving them a broader understanding of the empire’s internal politics, economic dependencies, and military strengths.

Bruno took a deep breath and leaned forward. "Give me an update. Where do we stand?"

Leclerc was the first to speak. He adjusted his cuffs, his usual smirk present. "Our agents have already begun embedding themselves into Tunisian trade networks. A handful of merchants with Elysean ties have been sent to key coastal cities under the pretense of expanding business. They will report back on the local sentiment and identify which city-states might be open to trading with us directly, bypassing the empire’s control."

Bruno nodded. "And what of our diplomatic efforts?"

Leclerc’s smirk widened. "As expected, the Tunisian court is cautious. The Sultan’s advisors are aware that Elysea is strengthening its navy and expanding its industry, which makes them wary. However, they are not openly hostile—yet. If we approach them too soon, they may perceive us as a threat."

Bruno exhaled slowly. "Then we take our time. For now, we keep our presence subtle—no overt moves, no unnecessary provocations."

Leclerc nodded. "Understood. We’ll continue gathering intelligence on the Sultan’s key advisors and political opponents. If we can find internal dissent, we can exploit it."

Bruno’s fingers tapped against the table. "Good. I want a full report on the power structure of the Tunisian court—who holds real influence, who is vulnerable, and who is expendable. Find out where their loyalty truly lies."

Leclerc’s eyes glinted with approval. "Consider it done."

Moreau, the Minister of Finance, cleared his throat before speaking. "Your Majesty, our push into North African trade is progressing. We have already begun negotiations with several independent city-states, particularly those in the western region that operate outside of Tunisian control."

Bruno arched an eyebrow. "And their response?"

Moreau smirked. "Mixed. Some see opportunity in aligning with us, while others fear retaliation from Tunis. However, our promise of competitive pricing and stable contracts is tempting. If we continue this approach, we will slowly erode Tunis’s economic dominance in the region."

Bruno leaned forward. "Then press harder. Offer them better trade deals than Tunis ever could. We control manufactured goods, textiles, and processed materials—things their economy lacks. If we secure a strong economic foothold, their reliance on Tunisian markets will shrink."

Moreau nodded. "We will also undercut Tunisian merchants by flooding the markets with Elysean goods. If we can lower prices while maintaining quality, the traders will come to us out of necessity."

Leclerc chuckled. "Suffocate their trade without firing a single shot."

Bruno smirked. "Exactly. Once their economy starts to weaken, their political influence will follow."

Moreau flipped through his notes. "That being said, this approach will take time. It may be years before Tunis feels the full weight of our economic presence."

Bruno crossed his arms. "That’s fine. We are not in a rush—we are in control."

Vallier, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. "Your Majesty, our naval expansion is progressing, but it will take at least a year to establish fully operational supply stations in Corsica and Sardinia. We have begun reinforcing our coastal defenses and expanding our shipbuilding efforts."

Bruno nodded. "How soon can we begin patrolling the North African coast?"

Vallier smirked. "Within the next six months, we can start deploying merchant convoys escorted by warships. This will allow us to protect our traders while also testing Tunisian responses."

Bruno exhaled. "I don’t want direct confrontation—not yet. Keep our naval presence defensive for now. The moment Tunis believes we are actively seeking conflict, they will retaliate."

Vallier nodded. "Understood. We’ll ensure our movements remain non-aggressive, but rest assured, if Tunis ever challenges us on the seas, we will be ready."

Bruno’s expression darkened slightly. "If they do challenge us, we must ensure they regret it."

Bruno turned back to Leclerc. "How are the nobles responding to our expansion plans?"

Leclerc scoffed. "As expected, some are enthusiastic, eager to invest in new ventures and profit from overseas expansion. Others are cautious, still clinging to outdated feudal ideas. And, of course, there are those who resent losing influence over their own lands."

Bruno smirked. "They will learn that Elysea does not belong to them—it belongs to the future."

Leclerc chuckled. "A poetic way of saying they have no choice."

Bruno nodded. "Make sure they understand that investment in expansion is not optional. Those who embrace Elysea’s future will grow rich beyond measure. Those who resist will be left behind."

Moreau smirked. "And what of the ones who openly oppose expansion?"

Bruno’s expression hardened. "Then we give them a choice—serve or step aside. If they refuse both, we will take from them what they failed to use."

Leclerc nodded. "I’ll start identifying noble families that are reluctant and prepare alternative methods of persuasion."

Bruno exhaled. "Do what you must."

Bruno looked around the table, taking in the determined expressions of his advisors. The groundwork had been set.

Spies and Merchants – Infiltrating Tunisian society, gathering intelligence on power structures, trade networks, and internal conflicts.

Economic Disruption – Offering better trade deals to independent city-states, undercutting Tunisian merchants, and gaining control of key markets.

Naval Expansion – Establishing supply stations in Corsica and Sardinia, deploying escorted merchant convoys, and securing Elysea’s maritime strength.

Internal Politics – Forcing Elysea’s nobility to adapt to the expansionist vision—or be replaced.

Bruno stood, his hands resting on the table. "This is how we proceed. Slowly. Methodically. Unstoppable."

Leclerc smirked. "And when the time comes?"

Bruno’s gaze darkened. "Then we will be ready to claim what is ours."

The room fell into silence, heavy with the weight of their ambition. Elysea’s path toward empire had begun—not with conquest, but with control.

And soon, the world would take notice.