The New Threat

The Iberians were not fools.

Marshal Armand Roux knew that Captain Castillo's visit was no mere diplomatic encounter. It was a test, a warning, and a message wrapped in pleasantries. The Iberian Crown was watching, measuring Elysea's strength, and planning its next move. Roux had no intention of waiting for them to act first.

Fort Saint-Louis was expanding rapidly, but it was still vulnerable. If the Iberians struck before Elysea could solidify its foothold, everything Roux had built in Pan-America would be at risk.

He wouldn't let that happen.

Preparing for the Inevitable

Roux wasted no time. Orders were sent out across the colony—more defenses, more troops, and more supplies. Every available man was put to work reinforcing the walls, digging trenches, and expanding the outer defenses of both Fort Saint-Louis and Nouvelle-Solenne.