I Became a Tycoon During World War I - Chapter 132

Chapter 132: My Tank Will Not Participate in the Bidding

Djoka had also heard rumors about the TAS department's efforts to develop tanks, as it was a publicly funded government project.

Thus, when he and Charles saw the nearly completed "Mark I" tank in the tractor factory's development department, Djoka voiced his concerns, saying, “Have you heard about the development of another new tank?”

“Yes, Father!” Charles replied. “It’s said to be initiated by the Automobile Technical Services Department!”

As Charles spoke, he studied the "Mark I" tank, contemplating how infantry could coordinate their attacks alongside this new war machine.

“I’ve heard their tanks are equipped with cannons,” Djoka suggested. “Should we consider doing the same?”

“No!” Charles firmly declined.

Charles knew such a move would be a mistake.

Much like a novice eager to imitate everything, people of this era wanted tanks to be a do-it-all "mobile fortress" capable of withstanding any firepower.

The balance between engine power and weight, and the division of tasks between tanks and infantry, needed to be clearly defined. Otherwise, the battlefield would teach a harsh lesson—no matter if the tank was jointly produced by Joffre, the Automobile Technical Services Department, and Schneider.

To others, these tanks might seem "unsurpassable," but to Charles, they were "junk."

The tank developed by the Automobile Technical Services Department was the "Saint-Chamond," while the one from the Francis Tractor Factory was the "CA-1."

The Saint-Chamond faced disastrous failure in its first battle. A small shell hole could trap it completely, leaving it immobile. Of the 16 tanks deployed in combat, 15 broke down. They were later relegated to rear positions as mobile artillery.

A tank meant to shield infantry from bullets ended up being used as a stationary gun platform, rendering its armor meaningless—it might as well have just been a regular cannon! Its continued presence in the army was only due to the influence of the "big three" involved in its development. Eventually, it was converted into a transport vehicle, albeit a slow-moving one prone to breakdowns, as sluggish as an ox.

As for the "CA-1," it suffered a 57% destruction rate from enemy fire during its first deployment, leaving French soldiers with deep psychological scars. After the battle, its cannons were immediately removed, and it was reclassified as an assault vehicle.

In short, the excessive ambitions of these so-called tanks led to all their added equipment being stripped away after their initial combat trials.

Charles felt no need to worry about competition from such "junk."

Joseph, wiping his hands with a cloth, approached and said, “Master Charles, the trial run can be conducted in two days. Should we cautiously consider mass production?”

Joseph seemed skeptical of the "Mark I" tank’s potential.

“No!” Charles replied in a tone that brooked no argument. “Proceed with mass production immediately after the trial. Time waits for no one!”

To Charles, time was not just money but opportunity.

He needed the production and combat trials of the "Mark I" to gain experience and train personnel, all in preparation for the future development of the "Renault" tank.

“Master Charles...” Joseph began but was silenced by a glance from Djoka.

At this moment, Charles appeared as an obstinate tyrant, unwilling to heed any advice, no matter how well-intentioned.

“He knows what he’s doing,” Djoka said.

Though outwardly supportive, Djoka thought to himself: Just recently, one deal netted over two million francs. If he wants to take risks, let him—he can afford it.

...

The sun dipped behind the sycamore trees, its slanted rays filtering through the branches and casting golden light on the fallen leaves, like a gilded tablecloth spread across the ground.

After a long day at the factory, Charles and Djoka finally drove out in their car.

Just outside the gates, a carriage stood waiting—two white horses hitched to a black coach. Its understated luxury was distinctly Grevy’s style.

Djoka glanced around nervously. Seeing Laurent and the guards standing on either side of the road, rifles at the ready, he felt somewhat reassured.

Seated in the carriage, Grevy caught sight of Charles’ car and promptly stepped out. Stretching casually, he waved to Charles with a smile.

“Shall we talk?” Grevy’s expression brimmed with confidence.

Djoka stopped the car next to Grevy, but Charles made no move to step out.

“I don’t think we have much to discuss, Mr. Grevy,” Charles replied.

“We should be allies, Charles...”

“I know what you’ve done!” Charles interrupted.

Though lacking proof, Charles was certain Grevy was behind the trap in Antwerp. It was just the sort of scheme a "thinker" like Grevy would devise.

Grevy understood the implication. Smiling, he candidly admitted, “It was a matter of differing positions, Charles. Things are different now.”

“Nothing has changed,” Charles replied curtly and decisively.

A flicker of doubt crossed Grevy’s face. “You must have heard about Schneider’s development of a new tank.”

Charles’ expression remained blank as he nodded.

“So...” Grevy pressed, “don’t you think only by joining forces can we contend with them? That’s Schneider, along with Joffre and the Automobile Technical Services Department!”

When Grevy first heard of this, he saw not trouble but opportunity—a rare chance.

The presence of a powerful rival like Schneider could compel Charles to join forces with him. Charles was a smart man; he would know what to do!
God, the thought of an alliance with Charles was exhilarating!

But reality soon shattered Grevy’s hopes...

“This has nothing to do with me, Mr. Grevy,” Charles replied coolly.

“What do you mean?” Grevy spread his hands in disbelief.

“My tank will not participate in the bidding!” Charles said expressionlessly. “I’m building it for fun. So, this is between you and Schneider.”

Grevy stared at Charles, dumbfounded.

From the driver’s seat, Djoka glanced back, unaware that the tank would not be entering the bidding process. He instinctively assumed Charles was bluffing, intending to pit Grevy and Schneider against each other.

The car drove away, leaving Grevy standing there in a daze.

Before coming, Grevy had considered countless possibilities but had never expected this outcome.

Not participating in the bidding? Then why spend money building tanks?
“For fun”? Grevy certainly didn’t believe that!

So was it a ploy to sit back and watch Schneider and him fight?

Unlikely. The winner would secure the contracts, while Charles, by not bidding, would be eliminated from the start.

Then the truth hit him...

A flash of fear appeared in Grevy’s eyes.

There was one other possibility: Charles didn’t see either Schneider’s or Grevy’s tanks as worthy rivals at all!

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