I Reincarnated as a Prince Who Revolutionized the Kingdom-Chapter 74: Prelude to the Imperial Conquest

The transformation of Elysea had begun, but the real work was far from complete. In the days following King Bruno’s coronation and wedding, the Royal Council had moved swiftly to enact the reforms he had outlined. The first decrees had been signed, the National Bank had begun stabilizing the economy, and the military reforms were in motion.

But Bruno knew that words on paper were not enough. If Elysea were to modernize, he needed more than laws—he needed results.

Inside the royal study, Bruno sat at the head of a large oak table, reviewing stacks of financial reports and industrial projections. Across from him, Jean-Baptiste Moreau, the Minister of Finance, adjusted his spectacles as he prepared to deliver his latest assessment.

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"Your Majesty," Moreau began, "our first round of taxation reforms has been enacted in the capital and its surrounding regions. Revenue collection has improved by fifteen percent, but we’re encountering resistance from rural provinces still dominated by noble estates."

Bruno tapped his fingers on the table. "What kind of resistance?"

Moreau sighed. "Some landowners are using legal loopholes to avoid paying their share. Others are intimidating tax collectors, making it difficult to enforce the new system."

Bruno exhaled sharply. "Send in state inspectors, accompanied by the Royal Guard if necessary. Make it clear—tax evasion is treason. If they refuse to comply, we seize their estates and redistribute them to loyal industrialists and farmers willing to work under the new system."

Moreau smirked. "That should get their attention."

Bruno leaned forward. "It’s time they understand: Elysea belongs to those who serve it, not those who cling to outdated privileges."

Moreau flipped through his notes. "Now, regarding industrialization—our efforts are already yielding results. The textile mills in the south are increasing production, and our first steel foundries have begun operations near Montreval."

Bruno nodded. "Good. But that’s not enough. Elysea cannot compete with the major powers unless we move beyond small-scale industrialization. We need mass production."

Moreau hesitated. "That will require a major investment—one that many noble financiers are unwilling to support."

Bruno smirked. "Then we bypass them. Establish state-owned industries where private investors refuse to act. The crown will take direct control of key sectors—steel, railways, and shipbuilding."

Moreau’s eyebrows rose slightly. "A bold strategy. It will work, but it places more burden on the treasury."

Bruno exhaled. "Then we’ll make the nobles pay for it. If they won’t invest voluntarily, we increase their taxes and funnel that wealth into industry."

Leclerc, who had been listening with amusement, chuckled. "Robbing the rich to build a new Elysea? I like it."

Bruno smirked. "I don’t care if they like it or not—as long as they comply."

Bruno turned to Captain Vallier, who had been waiting patiently. "What’s the status of our military restructuring?"

Vallier folded his arms. "The transition to a standing professional army has begun, but we face logistical challenges. Training men from scratch takes time, and we lack enough modern weaponry to fully equip them."

Bruno frowned. "How much time?"

Vallier sighed. "At least a year before we have a fully trained, modernized force. That’s assuming we can secure more firearms, artillery, and uniforms."

Bruno glanced at Moreau. "Can the National Bank fund large-scale military production?"

Moreau nodded slowly. "If we divert resources, yes. But if you want a fully modern army, we’ll need to import weapons while expanding domestic production."

Bruno smirked. "Then we import what we must—and once our industry catches up, we outproduce them."

Leclerc leaned back. "And who do you intend to buy from?"

Bruno pointed to the map spread across the table. "We establish trade agreements with the Orosk Empire for firearms and Germania for artillery blueprints. We’ll learn from them, then surpass them."

Vallier grinned. "I like your confidence, Your Majesty."

Bruno met his gaze. "Confidence is nothing without results, Captain. I intend to get them."

Leclerc tapped the map. "Speaking of results—diplomatic negotiations are progressing, but some of our neighbors remain wary of Elysea’s sudden rise."

Bruno smirked. "Let them watch. Soon, they’ll fear."

Leclerc chuckled. "So, do you plan to charm them—or pressure them?"

Bruno leaned back. "Both. We begin by forging alliances with nations willing to trade resources with us. But for those who resist—we apply economic pressure, cutting off their access to Elysea’s growing industries."

Moreau grinned. "Turn Elysea into a trade empire before they realize they depend on us."

Bruno nodded. "Exactly."

Leclerc smirked. "And when diplomacy fails?"

Bruno’s eyes darkened. "Then we take what we need."

As the meeting continued, the doors opened, and Queen Amélie entered, moving with calm authority.

The council members stood briefly. She acknowledged them before taking a seat beside Bruno.

She glanced at the documents spread across the table. "I see you’re already redrawing the future of Elysea."

Bruno smirked. "Someone has to."

Amélie turned to Leclerc. "And what of the nobility’s response to these reforms?"

Leclerc exhaled. "Some accept it, seeing no alternative. Others scheme in the shadows, hoping to reverse your policies."

Amélie’s violet eyes glinted. "Then they should be reminded of their place."

Bruno chuckled. "You sound like me."

She smirked. "You married me, did you not?"

Leclerc laughed. "Truly a perfect match."

Bruno turned to Amélie. "You understand politics better than most—what’s your assessment?"

She leaned forward. "If Elysea is to grow, you need more than fear and ambition—you need loyalty. The people must see why they fight for you, why they work for you."

Bruno studied her for a moment before nodding. "Then we make sure they do."

Bruno stood, surveying the map of Elysea and beyond. The pieces were in motion.

The economy was being restructured.

The military was being rebuilt.

The nobility was being reshaped—or removed.

And the world was beginning to take notice.

Bruno exhaled, placing his hands on the table. "This is only the beginning."

Leclerc smirked. "It’s going to be one hell of an era."

Bruno chuckled. "Let’s make sure of it. Now, onto the next phase of our rise. It is now our time to expand in the Black Continent."