I Reincarnated as a Prince Who Revolutionized the Kingdom-Chapter 62: Potential Candidate?

Bruno took another sip from his goblet, still mulling over Leclerc’s suggestion. Marriage? It had never been something he actively considered. But now that the war was over and he had cemented his rule, the question of an heir and stability loomed over him.

His thoughts were interrupted as the grand hall doors swung open, and the light from the chandeliers reflected off something radiant. A woman, elegant and poised, stepped into the room, immediately drawing the eyes of the gathered nobles and officers. Bruno, too, found himself unable to look away.

She was stunning. Her long, soft pink hair cascaded down in waves, framing her delicate yet refined features. Her violet eyes carried a quiet intelligence, and the way she moved—graceful and measured—spoke of noble upbringing. She wore a sophisticated dress of ivory and black, adorned with gold embroidery and a modest corset that accentuated her silhouette. Ribbons of black silk tied her hair neatly, with two dark ornaments that resembled small horns, giving her an almost ethereal presence.

Bruno realized the hall had quieted slightly as people took note of her arrival. A noblewoman of such beauty and presence did not go unnoticed, especially when her arrival had not been announced.

Leclerc smirked. "Well, Your Highness, it seems Elysea has no shortage of elegant women fit for royalty."

Bruno shot him a glance before turning his attention back to the woman. He vaguely recognized her face but struggled to recall her name. If she was here, it meant she had survived the Republic’s purges—perhaps a noble family that had remained neutral or had recently been restored.

A voice called out from the crowd, breaking the brief silence.

"Lady Amélie de Vauclerc," an older nobleman said, stepping forward with a bow. "Your Highness, may I present my niece? Her family name was stripped during the Republic’s rule, but now, with your ascension, they have been reinstated."

Bruno studied her carefully. So, she was a member of the Vauclerc family. The name had once been prestigious—one of the most prominent houses in Elysea before the Republic had destroyed the aristocracy. He had heard of them in his youth, though he had never interacted with them personally.

Lady Amélie curtsied elegantly. "Your Highness," she greeted, her voice as refined as her appearance. "It is an honor to stand before you."

Bruno nodded slightly, keeping his expression neutral. "Lady Vauclerc. I see your family has returned to court."

She met his gaze steadily, unfazed by the scrutiny. "Yes, Your Highness. My father and elder brothers… did not survive the purges."

A flicker of something—pain, regret—passed through her violet eyes, but she composed herself quickly. "I am the last of my house."

Bruno had seen many noble families torn apart by the Republic. Some had been complicit in its rise, others had resisted, and many had simply been caught in the tide of revolution. The Vauclercs had been among the latter—a house that had remained loyal to the old order but had been hunted for it.

"I see," Bruno said. "Then you have endured much."

Lady Amélie gave a small smile, though there was something unreadable behind it. "As have we all, Your Highness."

For a brief moment, they simply regarded each other, the weight of the past hanging between them. Then Berthold, perhaps sensing the shift in the atmosphere, stepped forward and gestured toward the banquet table.

"This is a celebration, is it not?" he said jovially. "Come, Lady Vauclerc, join us. I am certain His Highness would not object."

Bruno inclined his head slightly. "Of course. You are welcome to partake in the banquet."

Lady Amélie gave another graceful curtsy. "You are too kind, Your Highness."

As the evening progressed, Bruno found himself observing her from across the room. She spoke with ease, navigating conversations with nobles and officers alike, neither arrogant nor overly submissive. She was intelligent, that much was clear. But there was also something else—something careful about her demeanor, as if she measured every word before she spoke.

At one point, she met his gaze from across the hall, her expression unreadable. Bruno didn’t look away. Neither did she.

It was only when Leclerc leaned closer and murmured, "Intriguing, isn’t she?" that Bruno exhaled sharply and turned his attention back to his goblet.

Leclerc chuckled. "Perhaps we have found our answer, Your Highness."

Bruno frowned. "What are you implying?"

Leclerc smirked. "Nothing at all. Simply that Lady Vauclerc seems… suitable."

Bruno shook his head. "You assume too much."

Leclerc raised an eyebrow. "Do I? You have barely looked at any other noblewoman tonight. But the moment she walked in, you took notice."

Bruno shot him a glare. "Enough."

Leclerc wisely took a step back, though the amused glint in his eyes remained.

Later that night, as the banquet wound down and the guests began to retire, Bruno found himself walking through the palace corridors, trying to gather his thoughts.

He had spent his life fighting for power ever since he got here in this world. He had never concerned himself with courtly matters, let alone marriage. And yet… Leclerc was right. The question of an heir, of securing his rule, would not go away. After all, he is a royalty.

As he reached the main hall, he found Lady Amélie standing near one of the grand windows, gazing out at the city. The glow of the lanterns illuminated her features, making her look almost unreal.

He hesitated for a brief moment before speaking. "Enjoying the view?"

She turned, surprised but composed. "It has been years since I stood here," she admitted. "I hardly recognize the city."

Bruno stepped forward, standing beside her. "Elysee has changed."

Lady Amélie glanced at him. "As have you, Your Highness."

Bruno gave her a sidelong glance. "You knew me before?"

She smiled faintly. "Not personally. But I remember when you were sent away. The court whispered about the ’forgotten prince.’"

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Bruno exhaled. "I suppose I was."

She studied him for a moment. "And now, you are its ruler."

He met her gaze. "And you, the last of your house."

There was a pause before she spoke again. "Our pasts do not define us, Your Highness. Only what we build from them."

Bruno considered her words.

Perhaps Leclerc had a point. Perhaps marriage was more than just a political obligation. Perhaps, in this new Elysea, he needed not just a queen, but an equal.

But that was a thought for another night.

For now, he simply nodded. "Wise words, Lady Vauclerc."

She gave him one last glance before turning toward the exit. "Good night, Your Highness."

Bruno watched as she disappeared down the corridor, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

And for the first time in a long time, the future seemed… uncertain.