Two Years Later

January 20th, 1690 – Loretto, Capital of Corse

Prince Bruno de Elysea stood atop the grand balcony of the Governor's Palace in Loretto, overlooking the city square where hundreds had gathered. The people of Corse—nobles, merchants, and common folk alike—filled the streets.

Behind Bruno, members of his retinue stood in disciplined silence. General Berthold was among them, his posture rigid as he observed the restless crowd below. The victory at Fort Cervo had been decisive, and now it was time to cement Elysean authority over Corse.

Bruno raised a hand, and the murmuring crowd fell into silence. His voice was firm, carrying across the square with an unwavering tone.

"People of Corse, the rebellion has been crushed. The forces that sought to defy the rightful rule of Elysea have been annihilated, and Fort Cervo stands under our control. The traitors who led this futile uprising met their end, and those who followed them have paid the price for their disloyalty."

A murmur spread through the crowd, but no one dared to speak against the prince. Bruno continued.

"With this victory, order is restored. No longer will Corse be plagued by instability and treachery. Under my rule, you will have peace, prosperity, and security. The Elysean crown does not seek to destroy, but to unify. Those who accept this new order will thrive. Those who resist will share the fate of the rebels."

He paused, scanning the crowd for any sign of dissent. The silence that followed was heavy, but it was the silence of resignation. Bruno gave a small nod.

"From this day forward, Corse belongs fully to Elysea. It will be governed with strength and wisdom. Let today be the beginning of a new era—one of stability, progress, and order."

With that, Bruno stepped back, signaling the end of the proclamation. The soldiers lining the streets struck their muskets against the cobblestone in unison, a show of force and finality. The message was clear—Elysea had won, and Corse would kneel.

***

Two years later, the landscape of Corse had changed drastically. What was once a region defined by instability and rebellion was now being transformed under Prince Bruno's rule. 

One of the prince's first major initiatives was the establishment of public schools across Corse. These institutions were modeled after the best learning centers in Elysea, focused on literacy, arithmetic, and vocational skills. Attendance was not yet mandatory, but incentives were put in place to encourage commoners to send their children. Scholarships were introduced for promising students, particularly in the fields of engineering, law, and finance—all essential to the new order.

Additionally, Bruno enacted legal reforms, consolidating local laws under Elysean governance. Courts were reorganized to prevent arbitrary rulings, ensuring uniformity in justice. Corrupt officials, many of whom had exploited the instability before Elysean control, were swiftly removed and replaced with more competent administrators.

Bruno's next major move was the monetary reform. The island's previous fragmented system, where local merchants relied on a mix of bartering, foreign coins, and promissory notes, was replaced with a standardized Elysean currency.

A new central mint was established in Loretto to produce gold and silver coins marked with Elysean insignias, eliminating reliance on foreign mints. This move stabilized the economy, reduced fraud, and facilitated large-scale trade. Banks, previously few and unregulated, were now under the supervision of the Elysean Bureau of Finance, ensuring consistency and security for investors.

Bruno understood that true power came not just from military dominance but from economic and industrial strength. He directed funding toward infrastructure projects, including paved roads, bridges, and ports, ensuring that goods could move efficiently across the island.

The largest transformation, however, came from the rise of industrial sites.

One late afternoon, Bruno visited a steel production facility in the industrial sector outside Loretto. Dressed in a reinforced coat and wearing protective gloves, he stood at the observation platform, watching as workers operated massive Bessemer converters, turning molten iron into steel.

The facility was one of many built under his orders, its blast furnaces roaring, emitting an intense glow as liquid metal poured into molds. Engineers and workers—many of whom had been trained through the newly established technical academies worked methodically.

"Your Highness," one of the industrial supervisors, Julien Moreau, approached and bowed. "Production has increased significantly since last year. With the new furnaces, we expect a 20% rise in output by the end of this quarter."

Bruno nodded, observing as workers used crane systems to transport the heavy steel beams. "And what of the labor force? Are they trained to maintain this pace?"

Julien gestured toward a nearby section where younger workers were being supervised by skilled metallurgists. 

"We have integrated an apprenticeship program. Most of these men were farmhands before the reforms, but with proper training, they are becoming proficient steelworkers."

Bruno walked further along the observation deck, glancing down at the rolling mills, where red-hot steel was being shaped into rails, beams, and machinery parts.

"We are building an industry that will secure Elysea's dominance for the next century," Bruno remarked. "Steel will not only be used for construction—it will arm our fleets, strengthen our cannons, and ensure our railways expand across the empire."

Julien nodded in agreement. "With this facility alone, we can now supply the navy, the rail projects, and major infrastructure expansions. Also we can export those excess steel to other nations, Your Highness."

Bruno exhaled, pleased. "Good. The more self-sufficient Corse becomes, the stronger our grip on the region. Have the finance ministry oversee negotiations for exports. We will prioritize our own military and infrastructure first, but surplus production must not go to waste."

Julien nodded. "Of course, Your Highness. The markets are eager, and with consistent output, we will be able to establish Corse as an industrial hub for the empire."

Bruno continued along the observation deck, his sharp gaze assessing the rows of rolling mills, the rhythmic pounding of steel against steel echoing through the facility. He turned to one of the engineers overseeing the molten steel pouring process.

"How soon before we can produce specialized alloys?"

The engineer, an older man with calloused hands and a soot-streaked coat, hesitated before answering. "If we refine our methods and acquire more skilled labor, we could begin producing high-carbon steel and ship-grade plating within months."

"Very well, we will invite more."

***

Later that week, Bruno visited another critical project—the steam engine production facility. Located near one of Corse's coal mines, this facility was tasked with manufacturing steam locomotives, stationary engines, and naval propulsion systems. 

Bruno entered the cavernous assembly hall, where massive iron components were being bolted together by teams of mechanics and engineers. 

The air was thick with the scent of oil and coal, the sounds of hissing steam and grinding metal filling the space.

Thomas Beaulieu, the facility's lead engineer, approached and bowed. "Your Highness, welcome. We are currently assembling the second batch of steam engines for the upcoming rail expansion."

Bruno walked past a row of half-built locomotives, each one in varying stages of completion. "What of naval engines? Have we made progress on steam-powered warships?"

Beaulieu gestured toward a side section of the factory where a steam turbine prototype was being tested. "This model is still experimental, but once refined, it will be more efficient than sailmast. Your Highness, your genius in engineering always astounds me when I work on those machines. You came up with everything. Is the capital already that advanced?"

Bruno shook his head. "No, I don't think the capital has something that we have here. For now, in this world, we are the only place where industrialization is present. Keep up the good work."

While Bruno was inspecting the site, Antoine ran towards him.

"Your Highness!"

Bruno glanced over his shoulder and saw Antoine. 

"Antoine," he said, fully turning towards him. "What is it?" 

"Your Highness—I have urgent news! There is an Elysean Fleet heading towards the port." 

"Did you just say Elysean fleet?" Bruno repeated. For almost three years, Bruno hasn't had any contact with the mainland, and this is the first time that he might establish one. 

After all, what he was doing here was a test to see if he is a capable ruler. Well, if he can present to the crown that he had increased the economy, the way of life, and infrastructure. He could land himself a spot to the crown. 

Though not that he wanted the crown. He wanted recognition of his works, and if they were going to recall him to the capital, he would refuse and stay on the island.

"Your Highness? What should we do?" 

"Well, Antoine, there is only one thing we can do. Let's welcome them," Bruno replied.