I Reincarnated as a Prince Who Revolutionized the Kingdom-Chapter 111: Another War?

September 1697 – The Royal Palace of Elysea

King Bruno sat at the head of the grand war council chamber, a massive oak table stretching before him, covered with maps, reports, and letters from across the empire. The room was filled with high-ranking officials—military commanders, colonial administrators, and members of the royal cabinet. The scent of burning candles and ink filled the air as scribes prepared to record the discussions.

At the far end of the table, Marshal Armand Roux's latest report from Pan-America lay open, detailing Elysea's dominance over the continent's eastern regions. The war in Pan-America was progressing faster than expected, but it was also drawing unwanted attention.

Bruno tapped his fingers against the table as he read the details. Fort San Rafael was now an impenetrable stronghold, Iberian resistance had been obliterated, and Elysea had established multiple settlements, including Nouvelle-Solenne, which had rapidly grown into a strategic colonial city.

The Iberians had underestimated them.

A smirk tugged at the King's lips. "It seems Marshal Roux has exceeded expectations."

Antoine Leclerc, his Chief of Staff, nodded. "Elysea's presence in Pan-America is now undeniable. We control key trade routes, military outposts, and a growing colonial population. The Iberians have been driven back, and their influence is waning."

Bruno leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "And yet, they still refuse to accept their defeat."

Leclerc sighed. "That brings us to our next issue. The Iberian ambassador has requested an audience."

A murmur passed through the room.

Bruno raised an eyebrow. "And what does he want?"

Leclerc handed him a sealed letter. "He demands an explanation regarding the recent battles in Pan-America. According to him, the Iberian Crown considers the engagements near Fort San Rafael to be an act of war, even though no official declaration was made."

Bruno let out a low chuckle. "They send an army to wipe us out, we slaughter them, and now they want an 'explanation'?" He shook his head. "Typical."

Leclerc gave a knowing smile. "It appears that they did not expect the kind of firepower we brought to the field."

Bruno thought back to the Gatling guns Roux had deployed. Reports described how the Iberian forces had been torn apart, their tactics shattered by a weapon they had never encountered before.

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"They assumed we would fight with muskets and sabers," Bruno mused. "Instead, we gave them something far deadlier."

A general on the council leaned forward. "Sire, do we grant the ambassador his audience?"

Bruno smirked. "Of course. Let's hear what he has to say. But make no mistake—we will not apologize for our victories." Explore more stories at novelbuddy

Later that afternoon, Ambassador Hernando de Villanova arrived at the royal palace, escorted by a pair of Elysean guards. He was an older man, his graying beard neatly trimmed, and his silk Iberian robes displaying the colors of his king. His expression was carefully neutral, but his eyes held undisguised tension.

Bruno sat upon his throne, dressed in a regal black and gold coat, his crown resting lightly atop his head. Leclerc and several advisors stood behind him, forming a wall of silent authority.

De Villanova bowed stiffly before speaking. "Your Majesty, I come as a representative of the Iberian Crown, seeking clarification on the unprovoked aggression that has occurred in Pan-America."

Bruno raised an eyebrow. "Unprovoked?"

De Villanova adjusted his stance. "Our forces in Pan-America were defending our rightful lands, and yet they were met with overwhelming force from your armies. Fort San Rafael was taken by bloodshed, and our soldiers were massacred in the fields."

Bruno's smirk did not fade. "Ah, so now it is a massacre when you lose?"

De Villanova's lips tightened. "Your Majesty, you must understand that these engagements cannot be ignored. The Iberian Crown demands an explanation. Are we at war, or are these mere accidents?"

Bruno exhaled slowly, as if considering his words carefully. Then, he leaned forward.

"Tell me, Ambassador, did your king declare war before sending an army to attack our holdings?"

De Villanova hesitated. "The forces that engaged your troops were merely responding to an unlawful occupation—"

Bruno interrupted with a sharp chuckle. "Unlawful? Elysea claims what it can hold. Your Iberian commanders thought they could wipe us out, yet they failed. And now, instead of victory, they send you here to save face."

The ambassador's expression hardened. "The Iberian Crown does not take this lightly, Your Majesty. If an agreement is not reached, Iberia will be forced to take action."

Bruno sat back, amusement in his eyes. "Then take action."

The room fell silent.

De Villanova's face paled slightly. "Your Majesty…"

Bruno's voice was smooth, but firm. "Elysea will not back down. We will not return Fort San Rafael. We will not halt our expansion. And we will not answer to the Iberian Crown." He leaned forward again. "If your king wishes to escalate this into war, then let him try. We will be ready."

De Villanova swallowed. The ambassador had likely expected a negotiation, perhaps some reparations to smooth things over. Instead, he had encountered absolute defiance.

Realizing that no further discussion would change the King's mind, de Villanova straightened his posture. "I will relay your words to my king."

Bruno gave him a dismissive wave. "Do so. And tell him Elysea is here to stay."

With that, the meeting was over.

As soon as the ambassador left, Leclerc chuckled. "That certainly did not go the way he had hoped."

Bruno smirked. "No, but it went exactly the way I wanted."

One of the advisors frowned. "Sire, if Iberia declares war, it could bring European powers into the conflict. We must be prepared for more than just Pan-America."

Bruno nodded. "Then we prepare."

He turned to Leclerc. "Increase production of gatling guns and modern weaponry. We will need more for the coming war."

Leclerc nodded. "I will see to it immediately."

Bruno's gaze fell back to the map of Pan-America, his fingers tracing the newly conquered territories. Elysea had made its first real move on the world stage, and now, there was no turning back.

Iberia had a choice—accept their defeat, or fight a war they could not win.

And Bruno knew exactly which one they would choose.