Massena's Reaction

July 3rd, 1701 — Governor's Estate, Port-Soleil, Pan America

The sun was high over Port-Soleil, casting long golden beams across the lush green hills that surrounded the Elysean governor's estate. The sound of birds echoed in the distance, mixed with the occasional hammering of repairs still being made in the aftermath of the war. Troops patrolled the outer perimeter. Civilians passed through checkpoints. But inside the estate's grand office, the world was quiet.

General André Masséna sat behind a wide oak desk, the sea breeze filtering through the open shutters. On the table in front of him was a scroll, sealed with the red wax of the crown and the insignia of King Bruno.

He had known something like this would come.

But not so soon.

Masséna turned the scroll over once more in his hand before finally breaking the seal and unfurling the parchment. His eyes scanned the opening lines slowly, his brow furrowing with each sentence.