I Reincarnated as a Prince Who Revolutionized the Kingdom-Chapter 84: Finishing What they Started

April 11, 1695 – The Royal Palace of Elysea

The war room in the Royal Palace of Elysea was eerily quiet despite the weight of the discussion unfolding within its walls. A large map of North Africa stretched across the long oak table, its surface marked with Elysean military positions, trade routes, and areas of conflict. Around the table stood King Bruno de Elysea, Chief of Staff Antoine Leclerc, Foreign Minister Charles Dufort, and several high-ranking officers.

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The tension was palpable.

Bruno stood at the head of the table, arms crossed, his gaze sharp as he studied the newly acquired reports from Carthage. His mind was racing, piecing together the events that had transpired while he was focused on domestic affairs.

General Armand Roux had gone too far.

Bruno had always trusted his generals to act decisively, but for them to launch a full-scale invasion without his explicit approval was not something he could ignore.

Still, there was no undoing what had already been done.

Carthage belonged to Elysea now.

And that meant war with Tunis was only a matter of time.

Bruno’s voice cut through the silence.

"Walk me through it again," he ordered, his gaze locked onto Leclerc.

Leclerc, ever composed, adjusted his coat before responding.

"Months ago, our delegation, under Foreign Minister Dufort and General Roux, was sent to Tunis to establish trade relations. Initial talks with Grand Vizier Suleiman were successful—Tunis agreed to lower tariffs in exchange for exclusive access to our firearms."

Bruno nodded. "I remember the reports."

Leclerc continued, "However, tensions between our soldiers and the Tunisian people worsened. Our men—particularly the younger officers—looked down on them. This arrogance led to an altercation in the Grand Bazaar, where an Elysean officer insulted a merchant, resulting in a riot."

Bruno exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. "And then?"

Leclerc’s expression darkened. "The Elysean troops fired on the crowd. Tunisian soldiers retaliated. The situation escalated, and the Grand Vizier demanded the surrender of those responsible."

Bruno’s jaw tightened.

"And instead of resolving the matter diplomatically," Bruno said, voice edged with restrained fury, "Roux decided to launch a full invasion."

Leclerc nodded. "He feared that handing over our officers would set a dangerous precedent. He claimed that if we showed weakness, our influence in North Africa would be finished."

Bruno scoffed. "And so, instead of protecting our interests, he gave me a war."

A heavy silence settled over the room.

Finally, Dufort, who had been silent, spoke. "Your Majesty… while I did not approve of Roux’s decision, I will not deny that we have won."

Bruno narrowed his eyes. "At what cost?"

Dufort hesitated. "Four thousand Elysean casualties. But we inflicted three times that number on the Tunisians. And most importantly, we control Carthage."

Bruno stared at him, his expression unreadable.

Dufort pressed on. "It may not have been your intention to expand our empire, but we have done so. If we abandon Carthage now, it will be seen as a sign of weakness. Other nations—Germania, Orosk, even Iberia—will take advantage of our hesitation."

Bruno didn’t immediately respond.

Because he knew Dufort was right.

Despite his frustration, despite the recklessness of his generals, the fact remained: Carthage was theirs.

And the world was watching.

Bruno turned his attention back to the map.

The Tunisian forces had retreated inland, but reports suggested that Sultan Hassan III was preparing for war.

"We have two choices," Leclerc said, voice measured. "We fortify Carthage and prepare for an inevitable counterattack—or we move first."

Bruno’s gaze hardened. "Roux’s foolishness has forced my hand. If we do nothing, the Sultan will regroup, amass his forces, and strike with everything he has."

He turned to Dufort. "Send a message to the Sultan. Offer a formal negotiation."

Dufort raised an eyebrow. "You want to negotiate?"

Bruno smirked coldly. "We will give him the illusion of a choice. Offer peace—but on our terms. Carthage remains under Elysean control. If he accepts, we secure trade dominance in North Africa without further bloodshed."

"And if he refuses?" Leclerc asked.

Bruno tapped the map, pointing toward the inland Tunisian strongholds.

"Then we take his capital."

The room fell silent.

Everyone understood what Bruno was saying.

If Tunis did not submit peacefully, Elysea would break the Sultanate.

Amélie, who had been listening in silence, finally spoke.

Bruno glanced at her. "What about him?"

She met his gaze evenly. "He disobeyed you. Acted without your permission. And yet, you’re about to solidify his conquest."

Bruno leaned back in his chair, his smirk returning. "Yes. And once this war is won, I will deal with him."

Leclerc’s expression was unreadable. "You will remove him?"

Bruno chuckled. "I will not remove him. But I will remind him who he serves."

Roux had won a battle—but Bruno would win the war.

Bruno rose from his seat, signaling the meeting’s conclusion.

"Leclerc, have our best spies infiltrate Tunis. I want to know their every move."

Leclerc nodded. "It will be done."

Bruno turned to Dufort. "Draft the peace offer. Send envoys to the Sultan, but ensure that they report back immediately. If the Sultan refuses… then we march."

Dufort sighed but nodded. "Understood."

Bruno’s gaze swept across the room, his mind already strategizing the next step.

War had come to North Africa.

And whether it ended with diplomacy or conquest—Elysea would emerge victorious.

As the council dispersed, Amélie remained seated, watching her husband carefully.

Bruno met her gaze. "You disapprove."

She smirked slightly. "I think you enjoy this more than you admit."

Bruno chuckled, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "I enjoy winning."

She shook her head, but there was a trace of admiration in her expression.

"You’re building an empire, Bruno."

Bruno grinned.

"I know."

Amélie sighed, watching Bruno as he studied the map, his mind already moving several steps ahead. She had known from the beginning that he was ambitious, but now, his ambitions were shaping into something much greater—something unstoppable.

Bruno turned to Leclerc one last time. "We move carefully. If the Sultan rejects our peace terms, I want our armies ready to march within the month."

Leclerc nodded. "Understood, Your Majesty."

Bruno exhaled, rolling his shoulders. "Then let’s prepare for the inevitable."