I Became a Tycoon During World War I - Chapter 154

Chapter 154: Charles Has No Secrets

The next day, the newspapers in Paris were filled with news about Charles:

"The parliament has decided to appoint Charles as the commander—can he create another miracle?"

"If Charles successfully recaptures Lafox, it will not only prove his own abilities but also signify that his tanks have defeated the enemy!"

"Even France's tactical theories could be rewritten because of this!"

...

And it wasn't just France. Media outlets from the UK, the US, Russia, and even Germany turned their focus to this short defensive line, only a few dozen kilometers long.

They dispatched reporters to the Lafox area, with some battlefield journalists even venturing directly to the front lines to secure exclusive stories.

Lafox, once an obscure region, instantly became the hot topic, as if the entire 300-plus kilometers of the front line was centered on this small section!

...

On the western side of the Lafox line, about ten kilometers from the front, the small town of Ferwo had early on gathered reporters from all over the world.

In addition, volunteer groups and the first batch of donated supplies were making the town, which usually only had a few hundred residents, quite bustling.

Some people were holding umbrellas, others wearing raincoats, and some were running around in the light drizzle, appearing quite busy.

Everyone was waiting for Charles's forces and his tanks, but they had not yet arrived.

The journalists naturally turned their cameras towards Joffre, who had not yet withdrawn:

"General, do you think Charles will successfully recapture Lafox?"

"We heard that the Germans have reinforced their artillery at Lafox, and now their artillery and shells are several times more than before. Do you think this is fair to Charles?"

"Is your presence here to put pressure on Charles?"

...

Joffre could ignore the other questions, but the last one hit a sore spot.

Gallieni had repeatedly insisted that Joffre and his command headquarters withdraw from the Lafox area, as it could potentially threaten Charles's command:

Charles was directing operations remotely from the Paris defense command via phone and radio, while the front line had a supreme command set up by the French General Staff.

In wartime, if Joffre were to issue orders to the attacking forces, what would the frontline troops do? Or, if communications were interrupted, would Joffre be expected to take over command of those forces?

This could create immense pressure on Charles and his troops, making them feel as if their command could be taken away at any moment. Troops would worry about being sent to the battlefield as mere pawns in an internal struggle.

Everyone knew this, but Joffre had his own explanation.

Straightening his back in front of the reporters, Joffre answered without changing his expression:

"I believe a competent commander should at least be able to personally oversee the battlefield."

"The pace of change on the battlefield often exceeds everyone's imagination, and unforeseen urgent situations always arise."

"Commanding by phone and radio is always insufficient for handling such problems!"

"The reason my headquarters and I remain here is to ensure that such dangers do not occur!"

...

Other reporters quickly nodded in agreement, but only the journalist from Le Petit Journal was less tactful and asked another question:

"But General, as I understand it, you maintain a punctual schedule, even during wartime."

"How do you handle these urgent situations while you are sleeping?"

Joffre paused, then hastily answered, "I arrange for temporary commanders, sir, I am confident they can properly handle those emergencies!"

The reporter pressed further: "Could Charles use the same command model? I mean, could Charles, like you, arrange temporary commanders to deal with urgent situations at the front, while he focuses on strategic command and planning from Paris...?"

The Deputy Commander, Carnes, interrupted just in time: "Gentlemen, the interview time is over. The General has many other matters to attend to. Any further questions can wait for the next time!"

With that, Carnes ushered Joffre away amidst a flurry of questions, and they left the scene in a rather disheveled manner.

As the reporters dispersed, disappointed, someone in the crowd shouted, "Charles's troops have set off! They're on their way!"

Sensing a hot lead, the journalists swarmed over:

"What's going on? How do you know Charles's troops have set off?"

"Who told you?"

"Is the information reliable?"

...

It was a volunteer speaking, and he replied, "Charles’s train usually departs at five in the morning, but today it has only just left!"

The reporters looked at the time—now past eight—and indeed it seemed unusual. This could suggest that the tanks and troops were being transported.

Someone then expressed concern: "Doesn’t this give the Germans a heads-up that they’re coming?"

A military journalist glanced around, laughing as he explained, "Seems there's no need to hide it!"

The reporters quickly understood, some nodding in agreement, others shaking their heads with subtle concern.

At that moment, Lafox was in chaos, with people packed together, some of whom were likely German spies or bribed informants, making it impossible to conceal the movements of Charles's troops.

A reporter from Le Petit Journal let out a light laugh: "Do you think someone is deliberately letting this information slip?"

The reporters exchanged looks, their expressions becoming strange. The military journalist made a silencing gesture, and the group silently communicated through their eyes.

Under normal circumstances, Ferwo, as a bridgehead for the attack on Lafox, should have been under martial law.

Moreover, the roads from the train station to Ferwo should have been sealed off and guarded, and police or military forces should have been deployed to search for any potential spies in the area.

But now, nothing was happening—anyone could come and go freely. Was this normal?

...

In Paris's 16th arrondissement, Steed lived in a mansion in this affluent area, where he even owned a vineyard dedicated to making red wine.

Seated at the dining table in his golden pajamas, Steed nonchalantly ate his food while taking the check from his butler.

"This is the payment from the military for purchasing grenades, sir!" the butler explained.

Steed raised an eyebrow, shaking the check with pride. Though its amount was modest, in Steed's eyes, it represented hope.

"Saint-Étienne is about to regain its glory, Luka!" Steed smiled, as if already envisioning the scene.

The phone rang, and the butler, Luka, hurried to answer it. After a while, he returned and reported, "It’s Le Petit Journal. They say Charles’s movements have been deliberately exposed. His operations at Lafox are no longer a secret!"

Steed grunted in acknowledgment. This was to be expected.

After all, his opponents included Joffre, Schneider, the Automobile Technical Service, and right-wing nobles, encompassing most of the powerful and influential figures.

Nevertheless, Steed was confident that Charles would still succeed, although Steed had no idea how he would accomplish it.

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