September 3, 1695 – The Royal Palace of Elysea
King Bruno de Elysea stood in the war room, eyes fixed on the massive map spread across the table. His finger traced a route from Carthage down into the heart of Africa. The room was silent, save for the quiet crackle of the fireplace and the rustling of parchment.
Across from him stood General Armand Roux, his posture rigid, waiting for orders. He had seen this look in the king's eyes before—Bruno was planning something big.
"Carthage is just the beginning," Bruno said, tapping a specific region further south. "We expand from here."
Roux's gaze followed the king's hand. "These territories are unexplored by any European power. What makes them valuable?"
Bruno leaned forward. "Gold. Diamonds. Minerals. Wealth beyond what Germania, Orosk, or Iberia even suspect. If we move fast, we claim it all before they realize what they're missing."