I Became a Tycoon During World War I - Chapter 106

Chapter 106: Colonel Estigny

The atmosphere in the living room grew somewhat awkward. Armand, ever perceptive, stepped in to steer the conversation.

“This is no longer something we can change, Francis!” Armand seemed to defend Grevy. “We all know that perhaps it could have been altered before the conscription orders were issued, but once the orders are out, it’s an announcement to everyone that he will become a soldier. If we try to intervene…”

Armand gestured dramatically by running his hand across his neck, indicating that even they, as parliamentarians and party leaders, would face ruin.

Francis sighed. He understood this, but he still wanted to make one last attempt to see if there was any room for negotiation. Now it seemed there truly wasn’t.

At this moment, Nicolas interjected with a hint of dissatisfaction in his tone, his gaze sharp: “You promised me an exclusive report afterward, but now…”

“That’s because you fell behind Le Petit Journal, Nicolas!” Grevy interrupted him. “I can still give you an exclusive report, but the question is—do you still need it?”

Nicolas was left speechless. Grevy was right—he never specified “when” the report would be given!
Yet, this was undeniably Grevy’s misstep. He hadn’t anticipated Charles’ return, failing to grasp the timing, which directly led to Le Figaro suffering a major defeat at the hands of Le Petit Journal.

Grevy didn’t care about the monetary loss—it wasn’t his money being lost. What he cared about was the gradual erosion of the traditional aristocracy’s voice.

Le Figaro was one of the most important platforms for the right-wing faction. It could have once again risen to prominence, swaying numerous politicians and military officers. Instead, the opposite had occurred.

Francis sank into a chair, looking dejected. After a while, he seemed to calm down.

“A more pressing problem lies before us, gentlemen,” Francis said heavily. “Charles has earned a good reputation in Belgium. Now, no one can shake his position among the military and civilians. This means they’ll place even more faith in Charles’ tanks. His tanks will easily crush us, leaving us utterly defeated…”

Grevy nodded. This was precisely the main issue he wanted to address.

Armand turned his gaze toward Grevy. It was time for him to take action.

However, Grevy remained silent, leisurely sipping his wine as if he hadn’t heard Francis’ words.

An eerie silence fell over the living room, as if everyone had run out of options.

Until a servant entered the room to report: “Mr. Grevy, there is a Colonel Estigny at the door. He says you invited him.”

Grevy nodded and gestured for the servant to let him in. Raising his wine glass, he said, “Gentlemen, I’d like you to meet someone.”

As he spoke, a colonel entered the living room. He walked with confidence, his chest puffed out, a sword at his waist, and long boots on his feet. Unlike the red pants worn by infantry officers, his trousers were blue with broad red stripes running down each side.

Francis and the others immediately recognized the uniform as that of the artillery. Their eyes filled with curiosity, Armand included. None of them could understand why Grevy had invited an artillery colonel to this “family meeting.”

“Welcome, Colonel!” Grevy stood to greet him warmly, offering him a seat and pouring him a glass of wine.

Grevy introduced everyone present to Colonel Estigny, who politely saluted each of them in turn.

Finally, Grevy turned his attention back to Colonel Estigny and asked, “Could you share your thoughts with us, Colonel?”

“Of course!” Colonel Estigny nodded.

He paused to collect his thoughts, then leaned forward slightly, raising his glass toward Francis. “It is an honor to meet you, Mr. Francis. The soldiers at the front have received the tanks you produced. However, I am not here to express gratitude. I believe they have significant room for improvement—this is also the sentiment of the frontline soldiers.”

At that moment, everyone realized Grevy’s intention—he wanted feedback from frontline officers and soldiers.

Soon, they also realized that this was no simple matter.

Colonel Estigny retrieved a document from his bag and distributed it to everyone in the room. “This is my concept for a new type of tank. Of course, it’s just a prototype and has many shortcomings, but we can improve it step by step.”

Francis glanced at the design sketch with a trace of wariness. “How does it differ from our current tanks?”

“The main difference is firepower, Mr. Francis,” Colonel Estigny replied. “We need greater firepower. Your tanks are equipped only with machine guns, but we hope to mount artillery cannons on the tanks.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

“An excellent idea!” Armand exclaimed. “It will surely catch Charles off guard!”

The group shared a cooperative laugh.

“Do you think Charles hasn’t thought of mounting artillery on tanks?” Grevy asked uncertainly.

“As far as I know, he hasn’t,” Francis said confidently. “At least not yet.”

Many workers from Charles’ tractor factory had previously worked in Francis’ factories, making it easy for him to plant informants.

Grevy nodded, taking the design sketches to examine them closely. “This is exactly my point, gentlemen. We cannot remain complacent. We need to make progress too. Only by doing so can we maintain our advantage. Competition is harsh, realistic, and urgent. We cannot wait to be defeated!”

Francis and Colonel Estigny nodded in agreement, but Nicolas and Armand exchanged uneasy glances.

Grevy had always opposed such competition, considering it pointless internal friction. He believed outstanding products would emerge naturally during production rather than through the “self-cannibalization” of capitalists.

Only Grevy himself knew the real reason—there had been no Charles before, and he had no desire to engage in low-level rivalries.

Now, he had no choice. If he couldn’t eliminate Charles, he would have to face his tanks head-on.

Colonel Estigny discussed the new design with the group for over an hour. Grevy expressed his support and pledged to bring the design to fruition, even offering to purchase the rights to the new tank—provided it could be perfected.

“What do you think?” Armand asked, watching Colonel Estigny’s figure disappear through the window. “Can he beat Charles?”

“I’m not sure,” Grevy replied, his gaze fixed on the design sketches on the table. “But it’s better than what we currently have, and that means we’re making progress.”

Armand nodded slightly. There was no doubt about that.

Grevy raised his head and swept his gaze across the room. “I believe our greatest advantage is that we can consider the needs of the frontline soldiers, while Charles, sitting in the Paris Defense Command, can only act as an advisor. He can’t possibly know what the frontline soldiers want! And that’s crucial!”

Everyone nodded in agreement. Tanks ultimately ended up in the hands of frontline soldiers, who tested them in battle.

If Charles couldn’t match that and they could, Charles would lose this battle.

What they didn’t realize was that this was precisely Charles’ greatest strength…

Table of content - Next Chapter >>>