I Reincarnated as a Prince Who Revolutionized the Kingdom-Chapter 47: Taking them a bit Seriously

May 20th, 1693 – The Southern Rebellion Expands

Prince Bruno stood at the gates of Fort Vaillac, observing as scouts and couriers galloped across the countryside on horseback. The royalist victory had ignited a chain reaction—neighboring towns and villages that had once been hesitant now saw an opportunity to rise against the Republic. Farmers, merchants, and artisans, many of whom had endured years of harsh taxes and oppressive laws, were rallying to the cause.

In the nearby town of Saint-Amand, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. The streets were crowded with citizens eager to hear from royalist envoys. Blue and gold banners bearing the crest of the House of Elysea were raised over the central square as representatives from the royalist army addressed the townspeople.

"Our prince has returned!" a royalist officer declared, standing on a makeshift podium. "Fort Vaillac has fallen! The Republic’s stranglehold on the south is weakening. Prince Bruno fights not for power, but for your freedom—freedom from fear, from unjust taxes, and from tyranny. Join us, and together, we will reclaim our kingdom!"

The crowd erupted in cheers. Local leaders, many of whom had been sitting on the fence out of fear of Republican retaliation, stepped forward to pledge their support. Armed citizens began organizing themselves into militias, ready to defend their homes and assist the advancing royalist army.

However, the Republic was not idle. As Minister Voss had ordered, teams of infiltrators were dispatched to the region to spread dissent among Bruno’s supporters. They posed as defectors or disillusioned royalist soldiers, whispering rumors of betrayal, greed, and hidden motives. False reports of royalist officers mistreating civilians were circulated in an attempt to erode trust in Bruno’s leadership.

But the plan quickly faltered.

Bruno had anticipated such tactics. He had instructed his officers to maintain strict communication channels, ensuring that rumors could be swiftly identified and disproven. When word spread that royalist soldiers were looting villages, Bruno himself led an investigation and uncovered the impostors responsible. The infiltrators were captured and publicly exposed as agents of the Republic.

In the village of Mireille, the local mayor, an elderly man named Henri Lemoine, addressed the gathered townsfolk after the infiltrators were brought to justice.

"These deceivers sought to turn us against one another," Lemoine said with a raised voice. "But His Highness Bruno has shown us integrity and justice. He has promised us protection and has delivered on that promise. We will not be divided by the Republic’s lies!"

The villagers responded with resounding approval, their loyalty to the royalist cause solidified.

Back at Fort Vaillac, Prince Bruno’s army continued to grow. Hundreds of volunteers arrived from surrounding regions, many bringing their own weapons and supplies. Engineers worked tirelessly to expand the fort’s defenses, while new recruits underwent rigorous training under the supervision of General Berthold and Captain Vallier.

Antoine Leclerc, Bruno’s chief advisor, approached him in the command chamber. "Your Highness, our forces have swelled to nearly five thousand. More volunteers are expected in the coming weeks. At this rate, we’ll have enough manpower to launch an offensive on the next stronghold, Fort Rochevelle."

Bruno nodded thoughtfully. "And what of supplies?"

"Abundant," Leclerc replied. "The local farmers have pledged food, and merchants are providing materials. We’ve also secured additional artillery and ammunition from hidden stockpiles that sympathizers had been guarding for years."

"Good," Bruno said. He paused, then added, "What of the Republic’s movements?"

Leclerc sighed. "They’re scrambling to contain the situation. Reinforcements are being mobilized from the north, but they’re stretched thin due to the coalition’s pressure on their borders. Still, we must remain cautious. They won’t let us march to the capital unchallenged."

Bruno leaned over the map on the table, his finger tracing the route toward Fort Rochevelle. "They’ll likely try to reinforce this position next. If we can strike before they organize, we’ll maintain the momentum."

Meanwhile, in Elysee, the Revolutionary Council was in disarray. Minister Voss, General Bellerose, and Jean-Paul Lafayette convened in an emergency session to assess the rapidly deteriorating situation.

"Our efforts to destabilize the royalists have failed," Voss announced bitterly. "The infiltrators were exposed, and now Bruno’s propaganda machine is stronger than ever. More towns are declaring allegiance to him by the day."

Bellerose slammed his fist on the table. "We need more troops! Send everything we have to Fort Rochevelle. We’ll crush him there and end this rebellion before it spreads further."

"We don’t have the luxury of mobilizing everything," Lafayette argued. "Our northern borders are under constant threat from Greater Germania and Britannica. If we overcommit to the south, we risk losing territory to the coalition."

"Then we must make an example of one of these rebellious towns," Voss said coldly. "If they see what happens to those who defy us, fear will return to their hearts."

Bellerose shook his head. "That won’t work. Bruno’s forces have the support of the people now. Brutality will only drive more of them into his arms."

"No… it will work. It happens throughout history," Voss insisted, her voice cold and resolute. "When people see what happens to those who defy authority, they’ll choose survival. Fear can be a stronger motivator than hope. They’ll be forced to join us."

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General Bellerose crossed his arms, skepticism etched on his face. "Perhaps. But we’ve already seen how quickly Bruno responds to our tactics. He anticipated the infiltrators, exposed them, and turned it to his advantage. Any heavy-handed measures may backfire just as quickly."

"Fear works only if your enemy doesn’t have a protector," Lafayette added cautiously. "Bruno is that protector now. Any drastic punishment will push more towns and villages to his cause."

Voss narrowed her eyes. "Then we must act with precision. We won’t attack the entire region—just one key town. A place where royalist influence is growing but not yet solidified. If we strike decisively, other communities will hesitate before joining him."

Bellerose sighed and leaned forward over the table. "Fine. Choose your target. But we don’t have much time. Bruno will push for Fort Rochevelle soon. If he takes it, the southern front is lost."