I Reincarnated as a Prince Who Revolutionized the Kingdom-Chapter 86: Becoming an Empire

April 25, 1695 – The Royal Palace of Elysea

The grand chamber of the Elysean war room was filled with quiet murmurs as ministers, generals, and high-ranking officials took their seats. At the head of the table stood King Bruno de Elysea, his sharp gaze fixed on the parchment before him—the official treaty signed by Sultan Hassan III.

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It was over.

The war had ended without another battle.

Elysea had won.

Bruno leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming against the polished oak table. He had read the treaty twice already, yet he still felt the weight of its implications.

Elysea now held Carthage, one of the most important trade hubs in North Africa. The Sultan, though forced into this agreement, had retained his throne, ensuring some level of stability in the region. Elysea’s military presence would be confined to Carthage, but their economic and political influence would stretch far beyond the city’s walls.

And most importantly, no other European power would be allowed to claim Tunisian territory without consulting Elysea first.

It was a victory.

But it was also a warning.

Elysea had just become an empire.

Bruno exhaled through his nose, shifting his gaze to Chief of Staff Antoine Leclerc, who sat beside him.

"The war is over," Bruno stated, his voice even. "But the real work begins now."

Leclerc nodded, adjusting the papers in front of him. "Carthage is ours, but stabilizing it will take time. The transition from Tunisian to Elysean rule will not be easy."

Foreign Minister Charles Dufort leaned forward. "The treaty allows Tunisian merchants to continue operating in the city under Elysean oversight, but resentment remains high. The people of Carthage may have stopped fighting, but that does not mean they accept us."

Bruno smirked. "Then we will give them a reason to."

Leclerc raised an eyebrow. "What do you propose, Your Majesty?"

Bruno tapped the table. "We need to secure their loyalty through prosperity. If we want them to see Elysea as a force of stability rather than occupation, we must invest in the city. Expand the port, improve infrastructure, and enforce fair trade policies. Give them roads, jobs, and industry."

Leclerc nodded slowly. "A blend of military strength and economic persuasion."

"Precisely," Bruno confirmed. "And we will begin by reopening the markets."

Dufort frowned slightly. "The city is still reeling from the war. There are shortages—food, medicine, basic supplies. If we open the markets too soon, we risk chaos."

Bruno met his gaze. "Then we control the supply chain. We send Elysean merchants first, set fixed prices, and regulate trade carefully. The Tunisians must see that commerce thrives under our rule, not suffers."

Leclerc exhaled. "This will take time."

Bruno smirked. "We have time. And more importantly, we have control."

The room fell into silence as the weight of Bruno’s words settled over them.

Elysea had done what no other European power had managed before—securing a foothold in North Africa without prolonged war. But now, they had to hold it.

Bruno turned to Leclerc. "Draft a plan. I want a full proposal on how we integrate Carthage into our empire while maintaining stability."

Leclerc inclined his head. "It will be done."

Bruno then shifted his gaze to Dufort. "Begin diplomatic correspondence with the Sultan. Keep the peace stable. If he believes we are willing partners rather than conquerors, he will be less inclined to seek revenge."

Dufort hesitated before nodding. "Understood."

Finally, Bruno addressed the military. "General Roux is still in Carthage. He defied my orders, but his victory has placed us in a position of strength. He will remain there for now, ensuring order is kept."

Leclerc’s lips pressed into a thin line. "And when the city is secured?"

Bruno’s expression darkened. "Then I will deal with him personally."

Roux had made a bold move. He had won a battle, but in doing so, he had forced Elysea’s hand into empire-building faster than anticipated. Bruno had no intention of removing him immediately—he was too valuable—but he would make sure Roux never acted beyond his authority again.

The council dispersed, leaving Bruno alone with Amélie.

She studied him carefully, arms crossed. "You’re thinking ahead again."

Bruno chuckled. "Always."

She smirked, walking over to his side. "An empire, Bruno. Do you ever stop to consider what that means?"

Bruno looked up at her, his expression unreadable. "It means we win."

She shook her head but smiled. "Then let’s hope you’re ready for what comes next."

Bruno exhaled, glancing back at the map of North Africa.

He was ready.

And soon, the world would know it.

April 30, 1695

The streets of Carthage were filled with quiet tension. The banners of Elysea hung from key government buildings, their golden lions fluttering in the Mediterranean breeze. Soldiers patrolled in formation, their blue-and-gold uniforms a constant reminder of who now ruled the city.

Despite the victory, the air still carried an undercurrent of resistance.

General Armand Roux stood on the balcony of the Governor’s Palace, surveying the streets below. The city had stopped burning, but the scars of battle remained. Rubble still littered the alleyways, buildings stood half-collapsed, and the markets—once vibrant and bustling—remained eerily quiet.

It would take time.

But time was something he had.

A knock at the door drew his attention.

"Enter."

Captain Étienne Giraud stepped inside, saluting. "General, reports from the city."

Roux gestured for him to continue.

"The markets are beginning to reopen, but there is resistance to Elysean merchants. Many locals refuse to do business with us."

Roux smirked. "That will change. Hunger and desperation make for excellent teachers."

Giraud hesitated before speaking again. "We have also identified potential agitators—former officers of the Tunisian army who have remained in the city. They are rallying small groups, spreading anti-Elysean sentiment."

Roux exhaled. "Keep them under surveillance. If they become a threat, remove them."

Giraud nodded. "Understood."

Roux turned back to the city, watching as an Elysean supply convoy rolled through the main street, escorted by mounted dragoons.

This was his city now.

And he would keep it in order.

For Elysea.

For King Bruno.

And for the empire that was only just beginning to rise.