I Became a Tycoon During World War I - Chapter 217

Chapter 217: The Third Faction of the Navy

Charles finished his meal, and as usual, he drank the milk in one gulp, ending his breakfast.

It had become a habit, forced upon him by Camille, to finish the milk; after a while, he would feel uncomfortable if he didn’t.

After setting the cup down, Charles continued the conversation from earlier: "I suppose you think the difference between the Army and the Navy lies in the construction timeline."

The Navy's construction cycle is long, and a warship takes years to complete.

Thus, for the Navy to determine whether an idea or attempt is correct, it might take years, and if there’s no war for an extended period, even longer.

On the other hand, the Army operates on a monthly timeline. For example, during this period, a tank prototype can be produced in just over a week using a tractor chassis and steel plates. If there is no need for urgent mass production for combat, the result can be determined in a month.

"No, Major," Tigani gently shook his head. "I don’t think so. You see, the Army is stubborn. They are often blinded by entrenched ideas, failing to see what is right and what is wrong, or they act out of self-interest, for fame, or some other reason, and continue to make mistakes."

This was the truth. For example, many people knew that the one-sided offensive theory was wrong, but no one was willing to admit it.

Similarly, the Red Army hats and trousers—everyone knew they weren’t conducive to warfare, and the soldiers were desperate to replace them, but they kept wearing them for a year before a change was finally made.

Changing uniforms, which required no technical skill and little cost—just halting production of the old ones and switching to a new style or color—was something they simply refused to do!

"Then why?" Charles asked.

Tigani, like a hungry man, began tackling another slice of pizza. He chewed while responding, "Because of you, Major!"

Charles answered without expression, "You don’t need to flatter me about the breakthrough, General. As a soldier, you should understand this is just a mission; you don’t owe me anything!"

"I know," Tigani answered calmly. "But that’s what I think."

Seeing that Charles still didn’t believe him, Tigani explained, "You’ve defeated everyone who disagrees with you, Major. You’re always right, again and again, and each time, it’s a crushing victory. From tanks to rocket planes, machine-gun planes, and most recently, the performance of the ‘Charles A1’ on the battlefield. Do you know what that means?"

Tigani looked at Charles, holding a piece of pizza in his hand. "You will unify the Army's equipment, and before long, everyone will be accustomed to this: Charles is always right. Even if he hands a revolver to a soldier on the frontlines, the soldiers will believe it can win the war!"

Tigani stuffed the last bite into his mouth, then wrapped up his thoughts in a rhetorical question: "By then, will we still need to consider what equipment the Army should choose? No, by then, there will only be one option: Charles' equipment!"

Charles laughed, "You’re too naïve. You’ve completely overlooked Schneider..."

Charles suddenly realized something and looked up, asking Tigani, "You’re not here representing yourself, are you?"

Tigani gave a half-smile and nodded, "You could say so, but also not."

...

Tigani was telling the truth.

After returning safely to Paris with his troops and resting, Tigani was eager to visit Charles, but he was too nervous to take action.

This was a situation Tigani had never experienced before. He didn’t even know why he was nervous, but there was an inexplicable feeling of panic inside him.

What if Charles looked down on him, this "useless" person?
What reason could he use to meet Charles?

Wasn’t it a waste of Charles' valuable time to disturb him without proper cause?

At that moment, Wells walked up to Tigani and, with a neutral expression, said, "I need you to talk to Charles, Tigani. This may be the only purpose the Army has for you!"

...

Charles understood. Tigani had become a bridge between Wells and Charles.

Wells was the owner of the Brest shipyard, and in principle, he couldn't have too much personal contact with Charles.

But Tigani was different. He was from the military, an Army Major General. He had just been rescued by Charles, thanked him briefly, and then became friends. This was perfectly normal.

"What does Wells want?" Charles asked.

Charles was well aware that Wells wouldn't support him unconditionally; businessmen only cared about profit.

Tigani took a napkin, wiped his mouth, and answered, "An answer. He hopes you can clear up the Navy's confusion. The confusion in the Navy is causing the shipyard to lose direction. My father believes your military genius might help the shipyard out of this predicament."

Then, Tigani added with a knowing look, "In fact, I think he's just as confused as the Navy."

This double entendre referred not only to the shipyard's future but also to the relationship between Wells and Charles: if Charles couldn't help the shipyard or only helped to a small degree, Wells’ support for Charles might remain superficial.

Charles thought for a moment. He felt that he should win over Wells so that he wouldn't be completely passive when facing Schneider and Grevy in the assembly.

After considering this, Charles nodded and asked, "If I give you an answer, can you convince the Greenwater Navy and the traditional Navy?"

Tigani responded, "That’s our problem! At least if we know the development direction, the shipyard won’t continue to follow the Navy's chaotic decisions and go astray!"

Charles agreed. Direction was equally important to a business.

If Wells knew which equipment would dominate in the future, he could concentrate resources into developing that direction.

The Navy’s research and construction had to be forward-looking. It could take years, even decades. If they went wrong, they might fall behind, and all the investment would be wasted.

Moreover, Charles' research for the Army wouldn’t compete with Wells’ naval ships, and occasionally, Charles' brilliant ideas might even help Wells defeat his competitor, Schneider.

This was Wells’ need for Charles, and the basis for their cooperation.

Charles felt that he had already reached the threshold of dividing up France's military equipment, at least now negotiating with Wells of the shipyard.

After deciding, Charles asked, "You just said, the Navy is divided into two factions?"

"Yes, the Greenwater Navy and the traditional Navy," Tigani casually answered.

Charles then asked, "What if the third faction is the right one?"

Tigani laughed, "There is no third faction..."

Before he could finish, Tigani realized what Charles meant. "You’re saying neither faction is the future direction?"

Charles nodded lightly.

"But why?" Tigani asked in confusion. "I’m just curious. Also, what exactly is the third faction?"

Charles answered slowly, "The Greenwater Navy's torpedo boats, while theoretically viable, can only operate in near-shore waters due to their tonnage. The traditional Navy's battleships, though armed with large cannons and armor, are always limited by their speed. The third faction should combine the strengths of both!"

Tigani suddenly realized and exclaimed, "Torpedo boat destroyers! The third faction is the torpedo boat destroyer!"

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