I Became a Tycoon During World War I - Chapter 152

Chapter 152: Command Authority

Having Charles use the "Saint-Chamond" in battle was a double-edged strategy:

If Charles won, it would prove that the problem wasn't with the "Saint-Chamond" tank, but rather with the person using it.

If Charles lost, the myth of his invincibility would collapse in an instant.

Gallieni, of course, knew James's intentions. He answered calmly, without a hint of sarcasm, even sounding serious and respectful: "Sir, please believe me: if the 'Saint-Chamond' can reach the enemy's trenches and provide the necessary cover for our soldiers, I would certainly suggest Charles do so!"

Laughter rang out in the meeting room once again. James, red-faced, sat back down.

Gallieni’s point was clear—if the tank couldn’t reach the trenches, it was effectively useless. Whether Charles won the battle had nothing to do with the "Saint-Chamond"!

Other members of parliament took turns questioning Gallieni, and he remained calm, responding to each with sharp words.

Gallieni was confident. The truth was that both the CA-1 and "Saint-Chamond" had failed, and so had Nivelle. They had already attempted four assaults with nothing to show for it, losing over two hundred tanks and five thousand soldiers.

These were bloody costs, and to end this tragedy, Charles had to lead his tanks onto the battlefield!

Grevy, Armand, and the other right-wingers sat silently in the audience, with only a few members asking unrelated brief questions.

This was a little unusual. The CA-1 tank had been developed with their support, and whether or not Charles went into battle directly affected the interests of the right wing.

However, they were unusually quiet, as if none of this concerned them.

Grevy kept smiling throughout, not once looking at Gallieni on stage. He occasionally glanced at the members of parliament in the room.

These fools had no idea they couldn’t stop Charles from fighting this battle; it was everyone’s desire.

If they managed to use their power to prevent Charles and his tanks from going to war, tomorrow the National Assembly would be surrounded by angry crowds, and there would be a massive wave of strikes. People would shout:

"We know Charles can win; why not let him command?"

"Our tanks have failed, but Charles’s tanks are ready; why not send his tanks to the battlefield and see?"

"We need Charles! You capitalists are blocking France’s victory for your own interests! You are sinners, vampires!"

...

It was common sense. If they lost battle after battle and still couldn’t turn things around, it was time for a change of leadership, especially when that leader was Charles.

If they didn’t change, even a fool could see what was going on. No amount of media brainwashing could work.

Grevy wouldn’t make such a foolish mistake. He was only thinking:

"If Charles leads his tanks into battle and loses, and his tanks can’t break through the German defenses, then the problem will be with his tanks, not with the CA-1!"

Grevy’s gaze shifted to James, who was discussing something quietly with a fellow parliamentarian, a worried expression on his face. He muttered to himself, "You should thank me, idiot!"

...

Just as Grevy had predicted, the National Assembly failed to stop Gallieni, who successfully took command of the Lafox battlefield.

When the news broke, all of France was in uproar. People flooded the streets, cheering as if Lafox had already been recaptured and victory was theirs.

A large crowd gathered in front of the city defense headquarters, shouting loudly:

"Long live France!"

"We support you, Charles!"

"We will fight with you, and you will surely win!"

...

Soon, people organized spontaneously. Some volunteered to help transport ammunition to Charles's troops, others helped with the wounded, and many started fundraising to provide extra supplies and bonuses for Charles’s forces.

They all made it clear: only the troops commanded by Charles would win, and we are willing to give everything for his army!

Not long after, the news reached the small town of Davaus. The people there were also in a frenzy, and neighbors gathered outside the Djoka house, excitedly calling out to Camille:

"Madame Bernard, they’ve sent Charles to recapture Lafox!"

"Charles is our pride, I’m so happy for him!"

"He will surely succeed, we believe in him!"

...

Camille was terrified. She had been preparing dinner when she hurriedly ran out of the house and asked, "They... they’ve sent Charles to the front again?"

The neighbors quickly explained:

"No, no, they’ve sent his tanks, Madame Bernard!"

"Don’t worry, Charles is still commanding from Paris, just like he did during the Battle of Ypres."

"They won’t really send Charles to the battlefield; after all, that little guy probably doesn’t even know how to use a pistol!"

The neighbors burst into laughter.

However, someone quickly added, "But that doesn’t stop him from defeating thousands of Germans!"

The neighbors nodded in agreement.

Camille, hearing this, felt slightly relieved. But she still hoped that Charles would return home soon. Only when he was at home could Camille truly feel at ease.

"If they could, they should let Charles command from home!" Camille murmured. "It wouldn’t make any difference anyway!"

...

At the city defense headquarters, after Gallieni spoke with Nivelle on the phone, he officially gained command of Lafox.

He walked to his desk and said to Charles, who was staring thoughtfully at the map, "Are you ready? The area is only one-tenth the size of Ypres, and it’s only seven to eight thousand soldiers. This shouldn’t be too difficult for you, right?"

It was the first time Charles had heard an assessment of battle difficulty expressed this way. He replied, "General, you should ask the French Commander-in-Chief that question, and see how he responds!"

Gallieni chuckled, "He’s already very displeased with me; no need to ask, you’ll know the answer!"

There was no doubt about that. Time and again, he had proven himself mediocre, yet still held the title of "hero" and "Commander-in-Chief." No one could tolerate such shame.

"By the way!" Charles quickly walked to his desk, grabbed a file, and returned. He handed the file to Gallieni and said, "This needs your signature, General!"

"What’s this?" Gallieni took the file and put on his glasses.

"Hand grenades!" Charles replied. "As I mentioned before, I’ve had them produced!"

"So soon?" Gallieni tilted his head in surprise.

From the factory to the workers to production, it should have taken at least a month, but Charles had managed to produce them in just a few days!

"Actually!" Charles explained, "I signed a cooperation agreement with the Saint-Étienne Arsenal. This is a product of our collaboration!"

Gallieni nodded, understanding. No wonder Steed had supported him during the questioning in the National Assembly.

It was all for profit!

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