I Reincarnated as a Prince Who Revolutionized the Kingdom-Chapter 75: Preparation of Imperial Conquest
The royal palace of Elysea was quiet in the early morning, but within its council chambers, the air was tense with purpose. King Bruno sat at the head of the long oak table, his gaze fixed on a detailed map of the Black Continent. Around him, his most trusted advisors—Antoine Leclerc, Jean-Baptiste Moreau, and Captain Vallier—studied the map with equal intensity.
The room was lit by flickering candlelight, the golden glow reflecting off scattered documents detailing trade routes, military capabilities, and political structures of the African kingdoms. Among them, one name stood out: The Empire of Tunis.
It was a name that carried weight, a name that represented both opportunity and danger.
Bruno exhaled, tapping his fingers against the table. "The future of Elysea lies beyond our borders," he said, his voice steady. "The powers of Europe are expanding, claiming lands, resources, and influence. If we do not act soon, we will be left behind."
Leclerc smirked, leaning back in his chair. "So, we set our sights on Africa?"
Bruno nodded. "Not immediately, but methodically. We do nothing without preparation. If we are to expand into the continent, we must understand it—its rulers, its wealth, its weaknesses."
Moreau adjusted his spectacles and flipped through a thick ledger. "The Empire of Tunis is the dominant force in the Black Continent. They control vast territories, oversee powerful trade routes, and maintain a standing army formidable enough to rival even some European nations."
Vallier folded his arms. "Which means if we misstep, we could find ourselves at war with a superpower before we’re ready."
Bruno smirked. "Which is why we don’t misstep."
Moreau cleared his throat. "We have gathered intelligence from merchants, traders, and foreign diplomats who have traveled through Tunis. Their empire is vast, wealthy, and—most importantly—politically fragmented. While their Sultan, Hassan III, holds supreme power, he is not without opposition. Several noble factions, tribal chieftains, and religious leaders hold influence over different regions."
Bruno nodded. "Internal division can be exploited."
Moreau continued. "Their economy thrives on gold, ivory, and spices, as well as extensive trade agreements with Germania, Orosk, and the Eastern Sultanates. Their ports are some of the busiest in the Mediterranean, and their navy, while not as advanced as European fleets, is large enough to be a serious threat."
Leclerc raised an eyebrow. "How loyal are these trade partners? If we move into the region, will we be stepping on foreign toes?"
Moreau flipped to another page in his notes. "Not immediately. Germania and Orosk are only interested in profitable trade. If we offer better terms, they may be willing to shift their alliances. The Eastern Sultanates, however, share religious ties with Tunis. They may be more difficult to sway."
Bruno tapped the map where the Tunisian capital was marked. "And their military?"
Vallier leaned forward. "They have a well-trained standing army, but it is not unified. Different regions have their own forces, some directly under the Sultan’s command, others under local warlords. Their cavalry is fearsome, and they have large numbers, but their weapons and tactics are behind the European standard. If it came to war, our advantage would be superior firepower, artillery, and disciplined formations."
Bruno listened carefully, then turned to Leclerc. "Before we make any move, we need more than reports—we need eyes on the ground."
Leclerc smirked. "Spies, then?"
Bruno nodded. "Agents, merchants, diplomats—anyone who can move through Tunisian society unnoticed. We must gather real intelligence. I want to know who their allies are, who their enemies are, and what their weaknesses are."
Leclerc chuckled. "It will take time to infiltrate their networks."
Bruno smirked. "Then we start now."
Moreau steepled his fingers. "While we gather intelligence, there is another approach—trade. If we begin small, expanding our presence in North Africa through commerce rather than conquest, we can establish a foothold without direct conflict."
Bruno nodded. "Go on."
Moreau flipped to another set of documents. "Several independent city-states along the North African coast are not directly controlled by Tunis but exist within its sphere of influence. They trade with the empire but maintain a degree of autonomy. If we secure trade agreements with these states, we can weaken Tunis’s monopoly on regional commerce."
Leclerc grinned. "Cut them off at the purse, and they’ll bleed without us firing a shot."
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Bruno smirked. "Exactly."
Moreau continued, "We can start with grain, textiles, and manufactured goods. Elysea’s industrial expansion allows us to produce goods at a larger scale than these city-states. If we undercut Tunisian traders and flood the market with our goods, we could begin shifting loyalty toward Elysea."
Bruno exhaled. "We proceed carefully. Offer fair terms, avoid direct confrontation—but ensure that our influence spreads. If we control their economy, we will control their politics."
Vallier cleared his throat. "If we are moving into North African trade, we need to ensure naval superiority. The Tunisian navy, while not as advanced as ours, is numerous and well-supplied."
Bruno turned back to the map. "What do you suggest?"
Vallier gestured toward Corsica and Sardinia. "If we establish naval outposts on these islands, we can create supply stations for Elysean ships. This would allow us to control trade routes without relying on mainland ports."
Bruno nodded. "Do we have the resources to begin construction?"
Moreau sighed. "It will be costly, but if we prioritize our efforts, we can have fortified naval bases operational within a year."
Bruno turned to Vallier. "Then make it happen. If Tunis tries to challenge us, we must be prepared to blockade their ports and cut off their trade."
Bruno stood, surveying the expansion plans laid before him.
Intelligence Operations – Send spies and merchants to gather information on Tunis’s political factions, military strength, and trade dependencies.
Trade Expansion – Secure agreements with independent North African city-states to weaken Tunis’s economic influence.
Naval Power Projection – Build naval bases in Corsica and Sardinia to control the Mediterranean trade routes.
Political Maneuvering – Exploit internal rivalries within Tunis to divide its power structure.
Military Preparedness – Expand Elysea’s navy and modernize its army in case war becomes necessary.
Bruno turned to his council. "This is how we move forward—not through reckless war, but through strategy, precision, and patience. If we play this correctly, we will not need to fight for control of Africa—we will have it handed to us."
Leclerc smirked. "And if they resist?"
Bruno’s eyes darkened. "Then we remind them why Elysea is not to be denied."
A silence settled over the room, heavy with the weight of their ambition.
Elysea’s march toward empire had begun. Not with war—but with preparation.