I Became a Tycoon During World War I - Chapter 149

Chapter 149: Did You Do This on Purpose?

The rain fell silently, varying in intensity, sometimes stopping briefly only to resume its endless drizzle.

As the two-week deadline drew near, the railway was completed ahead of schedule and formally opened for traffic.

To prevent the Germans from discovering when the tanks would be shipped out from the Charles Tractor Factory, a train arrived at the factory promptly at five o'clock every evening and departed back to Paris at five o'clock the next morning.

Not all the trains were empty. Gallieni publicly announced that the military had signed a long-term agreement with the Charles Tractor Factory for the purchase of tractors and motorcycles, explaining that the railway was built to ensure their timely delivery to the battlefield.

This statement was partly true—military demand for tractors had been completely monopolized by the Charles Tractor Factory.

Although Francis had a factory and production line capable of producing 500 tractors a month, he dared not enter this market to compete with Charles.

However, the real purpose of the train shipments was to prepare for the Battle of Lafox.

One day, the trains would carry not tractors or motorcycles but tanks and troops, and no one would notice. This meant the Germans would be unable to pinpoint the timing of Charles' offensive.

For over a week, Charles had relative freedom, focusing on training troops for the Lafox offensive and thus not needing to report to headquarters.

...

On this day, as Charles and Colonel Estigny were discussing the coordination between sidecar motorcycles and tanks, Laurent approached to report:
"Lieutenant, the General has asked you to come to headquarters!"

Charles was somewhat surprised. Gallieni had fully entrusted him with the training and had stopped interfering, so why the sudden summons to headquarters?

After giving Estigny a quick instruction, Charles, filled with doubt, climbed into the car with Laurent.

On the way to headquarters, a thought suddenly struck Charles, and a faint smile appeared on his lips. He muttered to himself that he was likely in for another scolding.

...

Sure enough, as Charles entered headquarters, Gallieni immediately led him into the lounge.

Gallieni picked up a newspaper from the table, turned, and handed it to Charles with a heavy tone:
"Care to explain this?"

Charles took the newspaper and saw a large headline on the front page:

"Charles Believes Speed and Mobility Are Key Attributes for Tanks to Evade Enemy Artillery."

Gallieni stared at Charles, his eyes burning with anger, and asked,
"Did you say this?"

"Apologies, General..." Charles replied. "I let it slip."

This had happened the previous evening. Charles had left training early before the day's drills concluded. With Estigny and Browning overseeing the exercises, he had no concerns.

As soon as he stepped out, he was swarmed by reporters who shouted one question after another:

"Lieutenant, General Joffre launched a third offensive yesterday but was once again thwarted. What are your thoughts on this?"

"As the inventor of the tank, do you believe such offensives are necessary?"

"Do you think their tactics need improvement?"

Charles typically avoided answering any questions. Given the sensitive nature of the subject, even a single word could inadvertently reveal critical information to the enemy.

Colonel Laurent cooperatively led soldiers to block the reporters, allowing Djoka's car to pass through.

Just as the car was about to drive off, one reporter leaned in and shouted,
"Lieutenant, many people believe your tanks are vulnerable. Is that true? By abstaining from bidding and delaying the deployment of your tanks, are you tacitly admitting this?"

Charles, unable to hold back, turned and retorted,
"Which tanks are vulnerable? Surely the battlefield has already proven that!"

"But they claim your tanks are no different!" The reporter, sensing an opportunity, continued to provoke Charles.
"Many think your tanks are even worse, given that they’re armed only with machine guns and lack cannons. Even the machine guns are few in number!"

Charles sneered and replied disdainfully,
"Guns and cannons are irrelevant. That’s their biggest mistake. Tanks need speed and the ability to cross trenches. They must first reach the enemy’s trenches to be effective. Otherwise, they’re doomed to be ‘vulnerable.’"

The reporters erupted in excitement. Many of them, having written extensively on military matters, realized that by Charles’ reasoning, the CA-1 tanks and Saint-Chamond tanks were undoubtedly heading in the wrong direction.

Upon further reflection, his statement made sense: if a tank couldn’t even reach the enemy’s position, what use were its guns and cannons? They were merely ornaments.

The reporters swarmed in for photos, frantically snapping pictures of Charles while bombarding him with more questions:
"Then do you think General Joffre’s offensive should cease?"

"Do your tanks have the capability to defeat the enemy?"

"Do you have confidence in your tanks? If you were in command of this battle..."

Realizing he had misspoken, Charles hastily urged Djoka to drive away, fleeing the scene.

...

Gallieni could no longer contain his anger. Pointing at the newspaper, he said mockingly,
"Now, your brilliant ideas are laid bare for everyone to see, Lieutenant!"

"Congratulations! Many now believe you’re right. You’ve once again become the hero of France, the sole voice of reason!"

"The public now thinks you should lead this battle. They’re calling everyone else ignorant fools who don’t understand tanks!"

"But..."

Gallieni’s expression darkened.
"Did you ever consider that the Germans now know all of this as well?"

"Yes, of course!" Charles replied calmly, smiling.

"You...!" Gallieni was taken aback, sensing something amiss. After a moment’s thought, he suddenly laughed.
"You did this on purpose, didn’t you?"

Charles nodded slightly. "Yes, General. My factory is riddled with spies, and I can’t eliminate them all in a short time. This was the only way."

Gallieni’s expression turned peculiar. After a moment of silence, he nodded and sighed,
"You tricked me, you little rascal! But... I forgive you."

Charles was stunned. Shouldn’t it be his decision whether to forgive Gallieni?

Then, catching him completely off guard, Gallieni suddenly erupted, shouting,
"You actually disclosed such vital information for all to see, including our enemies!"

"This borders on espionage!"

"Do you understand the consequences of your actions?"

"We will pay dearly for this, not just in tanks but in the lives of French soldiers!"

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