I Reincarnated as a Prince Who Revolutionized the Kingdom-Chapter 65: Urging the Duties of the Crown

The royal palace of Elysee had become a hub of ceaseless activity. Officials moved through its halls carrying documents, officers met in council chambers, and the scribes continued copying decrees that would be distributed across the kingdom. Prince Bruno had spent the last few days ensuring his newly issued reforms were being carried out efficiently. Reports flowed in from across the land, detailing both compliance and pockets of resistance that still needed to be dealt with.

Despite the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, there was another matter pressing upon him—one that had been steadily pushed by Antoine Leclerc.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting golden light through the palace windows, Bruno sat in his private study, reviewing yet another set of reports. Across the room, Leclerc stood with his arms crossed, watching him with an expectant expression.

Bruno sighed and placed the parchment down. "Just say it already, Leclerc. I can see that look on your face."

Leclerc smirked. "You’ve made great progress, Your Highness. The kingdom is stabilizing, your government is forming, and the people are beginning to accept your rule. There’s just one thing left."

Bruno leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. "Let me guess—marriage?"

Leclerc nodded. "Precisely. The people need to see a complete restoration of the monarchy. That means not just a ruler, but a dynasty. If we are to proceed with your official coronation, you must secure an heir."

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Bruno exhaled slowly. He had known this conversation was inevitable, but now that it was here, he found himself hesitating.

"I have ruled without a queen thus far," he said. "The government is running, and my authority is not questioned. Why does the coronation hinge on marriage?"

Leclerc adjusted his spectacles, his expression patient but firm. "Symbolism, Your Highness. The monarchy is not just about power; it is about continuity. The nobility, the common people, and even our enemies will look to your court and ask—who will follow after you? A ruler without an heir invites uncertainty. It gives your opponents an excuse to question your legitimacy. Right now, you hold power through strength, but in the years to come, you must secure it through legacy."

Bruno frowned but didn’t immediately object. He understood the logic. A stable dynasty meant fewer internal threats.

Leclerc studied him carefully. "I can see it in your face, Your Highness. You’ve already thought about it."

Bruno tapped his fingers against the desk, considering his words. "There is someone," he admitted after a pause.

Leclerc smirked knowingly. "Lady Amélie de Vauclerc."

Bruno’s sharp gaze flicked up, but there was no point in denying it. "You’re too observant for your own good, Leclerc."

Leclerc chuckled. "It’s my job, Your Highness." He took a step forward. "She is a suitable candidate. Her family once held great influence, and though they suffered under the Republic, she has proven herself to be resilient. More importantly, she is widely respected among both nobles and commoners alike."

Bruno nodded slightly. He had seen it firsthand. In the short time since their last encounter, Amélie had continued her work among the people, helping to organize relief efforts and support orphaned children affected by the war. She had not sought power, yet power seemed to gravitate toward her.

"She is intelligent, pragmatic, and understands the realities of rule," Bruno said. "More than most nobles."

Leclerc raised an eyebrow. "You also find her intriguing."

Bruno scowled. "That is not relevant."

Leclerc smirked. "Oh, but it is. If you are to marry, it is better that you choose someone you respect and can work alongside. Lady Amélie is not just a political tool—she is someone who could genuinely strengthen your rule."

Bruno leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "And what do you think? Will the council support this match?"

Leclerc nodded. "Most certainly. The nobility will accept her because of her lineage, but she does not carry the weight of an overambitious family that might challenge your authority. The people will admire her because she has worked among them rather than above them. Even your military officers have noted her dedication to the state’s well-being."

Bruno exhaled. "It seems you have already made up your mind for me."

Leclerc smiled. "I only present the facts, Your Highness. The choice is yours."

Bruno was silent for a moment. He had spent so much of his life focused on survival, on power, on ensuring that he reclaimed Elysea. Now, he was faced with a decision that was less about conquest and more about the future.

A queen.

An heir.

A dynasty.

Finally, he stood from his chair, straightening his coat. "Arrange for a meeting with Lady Amélie," he said. "I will speak with her myself. But after that, we are going to conduct economical reforms…because our economy is still not doing well."

"What do you propose?" Leclerc asked.

"I’m planning on establishing a national bank."

Leclerc adjusted his spectacles, watching Bruno carefully. "A national bank?"

Bruno nodded, his fingers tapping lightly against the wooden desk. "Yes. The treasury is in ruin. The Republic spent recklessly, printing money until it was worthless. We need stability, and a central financial institution is the only way to regulate our economy."

Leclerc exhaled. "A bold move. But one that will not be easy. You will need an expert—someone who understands the intricacies of finance."

Bruno leaned forward, resting his arms on the desk. "I already have someone in mind."

Leclerc’s eyebrows raised slightly. "You mean Jean-Baptiste Moreau."

Bruno nodded. "He was the finest finance minister my father ever had. He predicted the economic collapse long before it happened, but the old court ignored him. When the Republic took power, he refused to serve them and went into exile."

Leclerc smirked. "A man of principles. Which means convincing him will not be easy."

Bruno’s eyes sharpened. "I will make him understand. If he truly cares about Elysea, he will see that this is the only way forward."

Leclerc nodded. "Shall I send a formal summons?"

Bruno shook his head. "No. If he sees a royal decree demanding his presence, he will reject it out of spite. I will meet him myself."

Leclerc’s expression faltered slightly. "Your Highness, you cannot just leave the palace on a whim. If word gets out that you are personally visiting an exiled minister, people will talk."

Bruno smirked. "Then let them talk. This is too important to leave in the hands of messengers."

Leclerc sighed, rubbing his temple. "Very well. Where is he?"

Bruno reached for a parchment and unrolled it. "Moreau has been living in Montreval, a small town near the northern border. He has kept to himself, refusing to take part in any government since the fall of the old monarchy."

Leclerc crossed his arms. "Montreval is… far. That region is still unstable. There are former Republican loyalists there who have not fully accepted your rule."

Bruno smirked. "Then I suppose this will also be a test."

Leclerc shook his head. "You are impossible."

Bruno chuckled. "Prepare a small escort. We leave at dawn."