A Day After

A day later, in Bruno's estate. In his bedroom.

Sunlight streamed through the windows, and the rays landed on his face, causing him to squint. Prince Bruno de Elysea stirred, his body slowly waking as his mind replayed the events of the previous night.

The echoes of musket fire rang faintly in his memory, mingling with the desperate cries of the condemned nobles. His face remained impassive as he recalled the grim but necessary display of authority. There had been no room for hesitation, no space for mercy. Treason demanded consequences, and those consequences had solidified his power.

He exhaled sharply, pushing the thoughts aside. The banquet, after the executions, had gone on without incident. The remaining nobles had sung his praises, their fear palpable, and their allegiance clearly declared. The fear he had instilled would linger, ensuring cooperation in the days to come.

Bruno swung his legs over the edge of the bed, sitting up. The warmth of the sunlight did little to soften his resolve. Today, the real work began—the restructuring of Corse's administrative system and the appointment of loyalists to key positions.

Rising to his feet, he stretched briefly before summoning a servant. The attendant entered swiftly, bowing deeply before approaching to assist.

"Prepare my bath," Bruno ordered, his tone even.

"Yes, Your Highness," the servant replied, retreating to carry out the command.

Moments later, Bruno immersed himself in the warm waters of the bath. The heat soothed his muscles, though his mind remained sharp, already calculating the day's agenda. 

Once bathed and dressed in his usual attire—a meticulously tailored high-collared coat adorned with the Elysean crown's insignia—Bruno made his way to his office. His polished boots clicked against the tiled floor as he walked with purpose.

The double doors to his office were already open, and inside, Antoine stood near the desk, a stack of documents in hand. His expression was composed but focused, as though he had been anticipating Bruno's arrival.

"Good morning, Your Highness," Antoine greeted, bowing slightly. "I trust you slept well."

"Well enough," Bruno replied, stepping into the room and closing the doors behind him. "I see that you have arrived in my office early."

"That's because you willed it, Your Highness," Antoine let out a soft chuckle. 

"Let's get to work then," Bruno said as he took his seat. "Do you remember what I told you yesterday?"

"Administrative reforms?" Antoine recalled. 

"That's correct, I want to reform the way the territory is being managed. What do you know about the current system in Corse in terms of administration?" 

"In simple words, feudalism."

Bruno leaned back slightly in his chair, his fingers steepled as he absorbed Antoine's succinct response.

"Feudalism," Bruno repeated, his tone flat yet contemplative. "A system that has outlived its usefulness. The decentralization of power in Corse has bred inefficiency, corruption, and, as we witnessed last night, treason."

Antoine nodded. "The nobles wield their authority unchecked in their respective territories, collecting taxes, enforcing laws, and maintaining their own small armies. It allows them too much autonomy, which in turn weakens the crown's influence."

Bruno's eyes narrowed. "Precisely. Corse needs an administration that answers directly to the crown, not one that operates as a collection of independent fiefdoms. We will dismantle this outdated structure and replace it with one that centralizes authority."

Antoine tilted his head slightly, curiosity glinting in his eyes. "Do you have a specific framework in mind, Your Highness?"

Bruno leaned forward, his elbows resting on the desk as he spoke. "A system of appointed governors and officials. Loyalists to the crown, tasked with overseeing Corse's regions. They will report directly to the central government here in Loretto. Taxation, law enforcement, and military recruitment will be standardized under this system."

Antoine nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Ambitious, but effective. Such a system would strip the remaining nobles of their power without requiring the sword—a political victory as much as an administrative one. But the nobles that we executed, they have their small armies. What are we going to do with them?"

Bruno's gaze sharpened as Antoine posed the question. He stood from his chair, his hands clasped behind his back as he paced slowly across the room.

"The small armies of the executed nobles must be dealt with swiftly and decisively. We cannot allow remnants of their power to linger, nor can we risk those forces becoming rallying points for discontent."

Antoine watched the prince intently. "Your Highness, are you suggesting disbanding them entirely?"

Bruno turned, his piercing gaze locking onto Antoine. "Not entirely. That would be inefficient. Instead, we will integrate these forces into the royal army. Their leaders will be removed and replaced with officers loyal to the crown. The soldiers themselves will be given a choice: swear allegiance to Elysea or face dismissal."

Antoine nodded thoughtfully, stroking his chin. "A pragmatic approach. It would bolster the strength of the royal army while neutralizing any potential threats. However, there may be resistance among the soldiers."

Bruno's lips curled into a faint, cold smile. "Resistance is expected, but it will be minimal. Their loyalty to their previous lords died with them. For most, survival and livelihood will outweigh rebellion."

Antoine placed a document on the desk, sliding it toward the prince. "I've already taken the liberty of drafting a plan for the integration process. The officers we trust can oversee the transition, ensuring order and discipline."

Bruno reviewed the document briefly, nodding in approval. "Good. Begin implementing this immediately. Start with the garrisons nearest Loretto and work outward. Ensure that the transition appears as seamless as possible to the common folk. I want this settled before we engage with the last threat." 

"The last threat being—" Antoine paused and then remembered who Bruno was referring to. "You mean the rebels?" 

Bruno nodded in confirmation. "That's right. A fight between our army and theirs is inevitable and is looming soon. We have to deal with them swiftly in order to regain peace and stability in the area. However—it's kind of weird that they haven't made their move yet."

"Perhaps they are preparing for something big?" Antoine said. 

Bruno sighed. "We shouldn't talk about the rebels that much. They are nothing but nuisance. I am sure that when the day of confrontation comes, our army will emerge victorious. Speaking of the army, how are they?"

"The locals are being integrated into our armed forces smoothly. Give it a month or two and we can send them in a campaign."

"That's better."