I Reincarnated as a Prince Who Revolutionized the Kingdom-Chapter 83: They did What?

April 10, 1695 – The Royal Palace of Elysea

The grand dining hall of the Royal Palace of Elysea was bathed in the golden glow of midday sunlight, filtering through towering stained-glass windows. The long table, carved from the finest mahogany, was set with silver platters and crystal goblets filled with deep red wine. The scent of roasted lamb and freshly baked bread filled the air as servants moved quietly, attending to their duties.

At the head of the table sat King Bruno de Elysea, dressed in a tailored navy-blue coat adorned with golden embroidery, his family crest gleaming on his chest. His sharp eyes surveyed the palace gardens beyond the arched windows as he cut into his meal with precision.

Beside him sat Queen Amélie, her violet eyes glimmering with warmth as she elegantly sipped from her glass. She wore a light lavender gown with silver trimmings, her golden curls cascading over her shoulders. Unlike the King, who was focused on his meal, she was more interested in the conversation.

"You seem rather preoccupied today," Amélie noted, setting down her glass. "Is it the railway expansion project, or something else troubling you?"

Bruno sighed, glancing at her before taking a bite of his lamb. "Everything, really. The treasury is still stretched thin from our industrial expansion, and the opposition in the Royal Assembly keeps demanding that I slow down military reforms."

Amélie smirked playfully, resting her chin on her hand. "And yet, despite all that, you still have the energy to keep the country running."

Bruno chuckled. "It helps when my wife is doing half the work."

Amélie’s smile widened. "Oh? So you’ve finally noticed."

Bruno raised an eyebrow. "And what exactly have you been up to?"

The Queen leaned back in her chair, casually twirling the stem of her wine glass between her fingers. "Let’s see… In the past month, I’ve visited three major cities—Saint-Michel, Valport, and Montreval—to oversee the new railway expansions. The freight lines are already reducing travel time for goods, and within a year, we should see a significant increase in trade efficiency."

Bruno nodded in approval. "Good. The railway network is crucial. Our factories need faster access to raw materials and ports."

Amélie continued, "Speaking of factories, I also attended the opening of the new textile mill in Saint-Michel. The workers seem pleased with the conditions, and the production rate is already exceeding expectations."

Bruno took a sip of his wine, his interest growing. "How many workers are employed there now?"

"Roughly three thousand, and that number is expected to grow once full automation is introduced."

Bruno tapped his fingers on the table. "That’s promising. And what of the hospitals?"

Amélie brightened. "Ah, yes. I oversaw the inauguration of two new hospitals in Valport and Fontainebleau. One is specialized in infectious diseases, which should help curb the outbreaks we’ve had in the rural districts."

Bruno’s smirk softened into a look of genuine admiration. "You’ve been busy."

Amélie feigned surprise. "You mean to say you weren’t keeping track of my progress?" She playfully pouted. "How cruel."

Bruno rolled his eyes with a chuckle. "I don’t doubt your capability. If anything, I should be worried that you’ll make me look incompetent."

She laughed. "That’s not such a bad thing. Perhaps I should take over completely."

Bruno grinned, shaking his head. "If I let you, I wouldn’t have anything to do."

Amélie leaned forward, her tone suddenly more teasing. "Well, there’s one thing you could be doing."

Bruno raised an eyebrow. "And what’s that?"

She smirked. "We should have a child."

Bruno nearly choked on his wine.

He cleared his throat, giving her an incredulous look. "You really just say that in the middle of lunch?"

Amélie giggled. "Oh, don’t act so shocked. It’s about time, don’t you think? A strong king needs an heir."

Bruno sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "You make it sound like I’ve been avoiding it."

She smirked. "Haven’t you?"

Before Bruno could respond, the heavy oak doors to the dining hall swung open.

Antoine Leclerc, the King’s Chief of Staff, strode in with urgency, his black military coat adorned with golden epaulets. His face, normally composed, was marked with tension.

Bruno set down his utensils, already knowing that whatever Leclerc had to say wasn’t good. "This better be important, Antoine."

Leclerc bowed slightly before speaking. "Pardon the interruption, Your Majesty, but we have received an urgent report from North Africa."

Bruno frowned. "North Africa?" He paused, suddenly remembering. The delegation in Tunis. It had been months since he had last thought about it. He had been so consumed with domestic matters that the Elysean military presence in Carthage had slipped from his immediate concerns.

Amélie, sensing the change in his demeanor, folded her hands in her lap. "What happened?"

Leclerc cleared his throat. "Your Majesty… Elysea is now in control of Carthage."

Bruno’s eyes widened.

A heavy silence filled the room.

"…Excuse me?" Bruno leaned forward, his voice dangerously low. "We were meant to establish trade relations. Not conquer an entire city."

Leclerc hesitated. "There was… a conflict. The Tunisian forces attacked first. Our troops responded decisively under General Armand Roux’s command. After intense fighting, Carthage fell to Elysean control."

Bruno exhaled sharply, his fingers tightening around the edge of the table. "How many casualties?"

Leclerc glanced at his notes. "Approximately 4,000 Elysean soldiers lost, but Tunisian casualties are estimated at over 12,000, with thousands more wounded."

Bruno clenched his jaw. Damn it.

This wasn’t how he had planned Elysea’s presence in Africa. He had expected minor disputes, but an all-out war? And worse—no one had consulted him.

Amélie reached for his hand, grounding him. "Bruno."

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He inhaled deeply, forcing himself to stay composed. "What is the situation now?"

Leclerc continued, "General Roux and Minister Dufort have negotiated terms. Carthage is under Elysean control, but the Sultan of Tunis has accepted an agreement—at least for now."

Bruno’s gaze darkened. "For now." He already knew what that meant. This wasn’t over.

Leclerc nodded. "The Sultan has not retaliated yet, but our spies suggest he is preparing a response. We expect military retaliation in the coming months."

Bruno stood, his chair scraping against the polished marble floor. He walked to the window, staring out over the city of Versailles Elysea.

For months, he had been focused on modernizing the kingdom, improving infrastructure, and strengthening the economy. Now, he had an empire to manage.

He turned back to Leclerc. "Draft an immediate letter to General Roux. I want a full report—every decision he made, every order he gave, and why he thought it was within his authority to act without my approval."

Leclerc bowed. "At once, Your Majesty."

Bruno exhaled slowly. He had inherited a war he didn’t start.

And now, he had to decide what to do with it.

Amélie’s voice was soft but firm. "Bruno… what will you do?"

Bruno’s expression hardened. "First, I will remind my generals that I am still their King."

Then, after a pause, he smirked.

"And second?" Amélie asked.

Bruno’s eyes gleamed with determination.

"If we are to have an empire, we will do it properly."