I Reincarnated as a Prince Who Revolutionized the Kingdom-Chapter 135: Peace

July 10th, 1701 – Elysee, Capital of the Kingdom of Elysea

Royal Palace

Marshal André Masséna sat quietly in a comfortable chair, his hands resting on his knees as he waited for King Bruno to speak. He had been summoned to the king's private study, a place he had visited many times before, though never comfortably. It always meant orders, discussions, or debates—rarely good news.

King Bruno finished writing something down and looked up, placing his pen aside. He gave Masséna a thoughtful look before leaning forward slightly.

"Marshal," the king began, "I know we previously discussed assigning you to a quiet post in the Southern Provinces, something easy and restful after all you've been through."

Masséna listened carefully, instantly realizing where this conversation might be going. He remained silent, nodding politely.

The king hesitated, tapping his fingers gently against the polished wooden desk. "However, there have been developments in the colonies. Pan America, specifically."

Masséna felt his chest tighten slightly, but he kept his expression neutral. "Developments, Your Majesty?"

Bruno sighed and shook his head slowly. "Nothing major. No rebellion, no threats like before. But stability in Pan America remains fragile. There is still some resentment among the colonists and local leaders regarding the reforms we put in place."

"I see," Masséna said carefully.

"I need someone to take command there," Bruno continued, his voice calm but firm. "Someone who knows the land, who understands the people. Most importantly, someone who commands respect without needing force. Marshal, you are the only one capable of ensuring peace there."

Masséna's eyes shifted slightly downward. He had just returned, and now the thought of returning to the colonies weighed heavily on him. He had seen enough of war and rebellion. Going back was the last thing he wanted.

"I understand your hesitation," Bruno said gently, noticing Masséna's unease. "This is not a command given lightly. But I trust you completely."

Masséna finally met the king's gaze. "Your Majesty, forgive me for asking, but isn't there anyone else? Someone younger, perhaps eager for the assignment?"

Bruno smiled lightly, understanding Masséna's point. "There are many young officers willing, certainly. But they lack your experience, your calm authority. Sending them would risk repeating past mistakes."

Masséna sighed quietly, accepting the reality. "And you fear another Roux."

The king nodded solemnly. "Exactly. Roux was a lesson we cannot afford to repeat. Your presence alone will reassure the colonists and remind the military that Elysea remains watchful but fair. You've already shown restraint and wisdom. They respect you."

Masséna sat quietly for a long moment, his thoughts conflicted. Finally, he gave a slow nod. "I accept, Your Majesty. If that is what the kingdom needs, I will return to Pan America."

Bruno visibly relaxed, nodding gratefully. "Thank you, Marshal. You will have full authority as the governor, reporting directly to me. I trust you to enforce the new reforms without excessive force."

Masséna stood and bowed. "I will do my best."

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"I know," Bruno replied warmly. "That is why I chose you."

October 25th, 1701 – Port-Soleil, Pan America

Governor's Residence

The journey back across the ocean had been smoother than Masséna anticipated. He spent most of his time on the deck of the ship, gazing out over the rolling ocean waves, quietly reflecting on what awaited him in Pan America. The sailors and marines on board treated him respectfully but kept their distance, sensing the marshal's need for solitude.

When the ship finally docked at Port-Soleil, Masséna found the port bustling with trade and commerce, busier and more energetic than he'd seen it before. New buildings had risen along the harbor front, businesses reopened, and the streets buzzed with life once more.

Colonel Devereux met him at the docks, smiling genuinely as they shook hands. "Welcome back, Marshal."

"Colonel," Masséna greeted him warmly. "I trust everything has been calm since my departure?"

Devereux walked alongside him, leading him toward a waiting carriage. "Relatively calm, sir. The colonists are adjusting slowly to the new reforms. Most accept them, though there have been some minor issues. Complaints mostly."

Masséna nodded. "Understandable. Change is rarely popular, especially after a war."

Devereux opened the carriage door, and both men stepped inside. The ride through Port-Soleil felt oddly comforting to Masséna. The familiar sights and sounds of the colony—vendors selling fruit and bread, children playing along the cobblestone streets, soldiers patrolling with relaxed discipline—felt reassuring. Maybe the king had been right after all. Perhaps his return here would indeed help keep the peace.

Upon arriving at the governor's residence, Masséna immediately noticed the changes. Repairs had been fully completed. The estate now had freshly painted walls, new tiles along the courtyard, and neatly trimmed gardens. It felt less like a war command post and more like a genuine home.

He walked through the rooms slowly, inspecting everything with approval. Devereux followed, patiently updating him on various minor issues that required attention—grain shortages in one area, minor disputes over land titles elsewhere. Nothing major.

"I've had your chambers prepared upstairs," Devereux said after completing the tour. "I assumed you'd prefer familiarity."

Masséna smiled slightly. "You know me well, Colonel."

As Masséna settled back into his office that evening, he felt a quiet sense of peace for the first time in a very long while. He opened the windows to let in the evening breeze, carrying with it the faint scent of the sea mixed with blooming flowers.

October 30th, 1701 – Port-Soleil, Pan America

Town Square

The next few days passed without major incidents. Masséna had quietly met with town leaders, reassured nervous colonists, and listened patiently to complaints from both soldiers and civilians. He managed to resolve most issues with compromise rather than threats, reinforcing his image as fair and measured.

One afternoon, Masséna decided to walk through the town himself. Without the usual guard escort, he strolled calmly through the streets, quietly observing daily life. Most citizens recognized him, bowing or tipping their hats politely.

At the market square, he paused by a vendor's stall, examining some fresh fruit. The vendor, an older man named Lucien, eyed him with quiet curiosity.

"You're Marshal Masséna, aren't you?" Lucien asked respectfully.

Masséna nodded politely. "I am."

Lucien smiled softly. "Never thought I'd see the governor himself here buying fruit."

Masséna returned the smile. "Even governors must eat."

Lucien laughed warmly. "Well then, Marshal, allow me." He handed Masséna a small basket of ripe peaches. "On the house. A thank-you for bringing peace back to us."

Masséna hesitated briefly but then accepted the gift graciously. "Thank you, Lucien."

Returning to the residence later, he reflected on the conversation. Perhaps his presence here was exactly what the colony needed. Not forceful authority, but calm leadership.

But deep down, Masséna still carried a lingering fear. Roux had also started as a popular, respected governor, beloved by his people. Could Masséna himself change, lose sight of his loyalty? It worried him.

He promised himself quietly, "I will not become Roux."

That night, he invited Devereux and several other officers to dine informally. Over dinner, they discussed colonial matters, future plans, and local rumors. The mood was comfortable and relaxed.

Afterwards, Masséna stood on the balcony of his chambers alone, gazing over Port-Soleil lit by lanterns below. The town seemed peaceful, serene, untouched by past violence. Yet, he knew peace was fragile.

He thought again of Roux, imprisoned far across the sea. Roux had been talented, charismatic, trusted—but ultimately, he failed Elysea. Masséna wondered if Roux regretted his choices now, locked in a cell, forgotten by most of Elysea.

Masséna exhaled quietly into the night air. He would not repeat Roux's mistakes. He would govern with humility, always remembering whom he served and why.

"One day at a time," he whispered softly.

And so, days passed steadily. Masséna settled into a quiet routine. He visited local farms, attended town meetings, resolved minor disputes peacefully, and always reminded himself quietly of the lessons learned from Roux's rebellion.

Weeks turned into months. The colonies stabilized under his careful governance. No major crises emerged, only the daily challenges of colonial administration. Masséna rarely drew his sword; instead, he used patience, negotiation, and empathy.

The people came to respect him deeply. Soldiers obeyed him willingly. Colonists trusted him.

Slowly, Masséna began feeling something he had not felt in years—contentment.

Yet, every morning when he woke, Masséna whispered a quiet promise to himself.

He would never become Roux. He would remain loyal, humble, cautious.

And for now, peace held.

He turned away from the balcony and returned to his desk, sitting quietly to review paperwork for tomorrow's meetings. The papers were simple, ordinary—reports on crops, trade, minor disputes. No war, no battles. Just daily life. He felt a quiet relief, knowing that his leadership could make these normal days continue. Perhaps, Masséna thought, peace was not found in grand victories, but in small, careful choices. And as he placed his pen down and prepared for bed, he silently hoped those choices would always remain clear to him.

For tonight, at least, he was content.