I Reincarnated as a Prince Who Revolutionized the Kingdom

A day later.

Bruno, seated at the head of the table, idly tapped a fork against his plate as he awaited breakfast. When the servants brought out his meal, he was pleasantly surprised. The plate held a perfectly fried egg, its edges crisp and golden, paired with a generous serving of mashed potatoes seasoned with herbs.

He took a cautious bite, expecting blandness, but was instead greeted with a surprisingly rich and satisfying flavor. 

"Not bad at all," he muttered under his breath. For an era devoid of modern culinary techniques, the taste exceeded his expectations.

After finishing his meal, Bruno thanked the servants—a gesture that left them momentarily stunned before they hurriedly bowed and retreated. He made his way to his office, where a daunting stack of papers awaited him on the desk. Each sheet represented a piece of the reforms he had drafted the night before.

Bruno sat down and reviewed the documents one final time, ensuring the language was both clear and firm. These decrees would not only reform the island but also test the limits of his authority. The reforms touched on taxation, infrastructure, trade, and public welfare—measures that, if successful, could transform Corse from a backwater into a thriving hub.

As he was engrossed in his review, a knock echoed from the heavy oak door.

"Enter," Bruno commanded without looking up.

Antoine stepped in, bowing respectfully before standing at attention. "Good morning, Your Highness."

Bruno gestured for him to come closer and pointed to the stack of papers. "Antoine, these are the decrees I have drafted. They detail the tax reforms and policies we discussed yesterday, as well as several additional measures I believe are necessary for the betterment of this island."

Antoine stepped forward and hesitantly took the stack of papers. He flipped through the first few pages, his expression growing more apprehensive with each one. 

"Your Highness, these are... ambitious. May I ask what your expectations are for their implementation?"

Bruno leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze meeting Antoine's. "I expect them to be implemented in full. I understand that there will be resistance, particularly from the nobility. If that happens, I want to be informed immediately. I will deal with them personally."

"Personally, Your Highness?" Antoine repeated. 

Bruno smirked. "Yes, Antoine. The nobles must learn that I am not here to indulge their sense of entitlement. If they refuse to comply, they will face the consequences. Their wealth, their estates—everything they hold dear—is contingent on the Crown's favor. Remind them of that if necessary."

Antoine hesitated before nodding. "As you wish, Your Highness. I will ensure these decrees reach the appropriate parties and begin the process of enforcement. But... may I ask, what if the commoners misunderstand the reforms and fear further burdens?"

Bruno's smirk softened into a thoughtful expression. "A fair question. I've prepared an announcement to be read in every town square. It emphasizes that these reforms are designed to relieve the commoners' burdens by ensuring a more equitable distribution of taxes. It also outlines plans for infrastructure projects that will create jobs and improve their quality of life."

Antoine nodded, seemingly reassured. "I understand, Your Highness. I will oversee this personally and report back to you with updates." 

Bruno simply nodded in satisfaction and watched Antoine left his office.

With that, it was a waiting game. He'd expect that there'd be response within a week, so let's give them that.

***

A week later, Bruno sat at his desk, flipping through reports of the reforms being disseminated across Corse. The initial feedback from the commoners had been cautiously optimistic. The promise of reduced taxes and infrastructure improvements had kindled a flicker of hope among them, though many remained skeptical of the nobility's compliance. Bruno was keenly aware that the true challenge lay not with the peasants but with the aristocracy.

As expected, Antoine arrived with a report in hand, his face etched with worry. He entered the room and bowed deeply before approaching the desk.

"Your Highness," Antoine began with a tense tone. 

"I bring news regarding the nobles' reaction to your reforms."

Bruno set the papers aside and leaned back in his chair. "Speak freely, Antoine. I assume they didn't take kindly to being asked to part with their privileges."

Antoine hesitated, then began, "Your assumption is correct, Your Highness. The nobles find the reforms... outrageous. Many have outright refused to comply. Some have even branded the decrees as 'illegal' and claim you are overstepping your authority as governor of Corse."

Bruno's expression remained neutral, though his eyes gleamed with a calculated sharpness. "And what, precisely, are their grievances?"

Antoine unfolded the report, scanning its contents before responding. "Their primary complaints center on the taxation decree. They argue that exempting the nobility from taxes has been a long-standing tradition and that your reforms threaten the social order. Some have even begun rallying support among their peers, claiming that your policies will destabilize the island."

Bruno raised an eyebrow. "Rallying support? Do you mean they are conspiring against me?"

"Not openly, Your Highness," Antoine clarified. "But I fear that if their dissatisfaction is allowed to fester, it could escalate into organized opposition."

Bruno tapped a finger on the desk, his mind racing through the potential scenarios. "And what of the commoners? How have they reacted to the nobles' defiance?"

Antoine's expression shifted slightly. "Interestingly, Your Highness, the commoners seem to be growing increasingly vocal in their support of the reforms. Word has spread that you intend to alleviate their burdens, and many see the nobles' resistance as proof of their greed. There is talk of demonstrations in some villages, with peasants gathering to express their approval of your policies."

A faint smirk crossed Bruno's lips. "So, the nobles are losing the people's favor. Good. That will make it easier to isolate them if it comes to that."

Antoine looked uneasy. "Your Highness, while the commoners' support is promising, I must caution you against relying solely on their sentiment. The nobles still control vast resources, including armed retainers. If they choose to escalate this into a direct confrontation, we may find ourselves outnumbered." 

"Hmm," Bruno stroked his chin as he contemplated.

"Your Highness, what are you planning?" 

"I want you to arrange something for me, Antoine. A formal event, I want you to invite all the nobles. And give me every paper about them, records and documentation and such."

"I can do that, but why?" Antoine asked.

"You'll see."