I Became a Tycoon During World War I - Chapter 81

Chapter 81: The Third Option

“Your Majesty!” General Gillis urged anxiously, “This concerns all our lives…”

“There is no room for discussion, General!” King Albert I interrupted decisively. “I believe the vast majority of Belgians would make the same decision as I have. They would never hand over Charles. Never!”

General Gillis grumbled inwardly. This was governance, this was politics—it was no place for chivalric ideals. The King failed to grasp that “between nations, there are only interests!”

But Gillis refrained from voicing his objections. He knew Albert I was immovable, just as he had been when choosing to wage war against Germany, prioritizing principle over Belgium’s interests. Even when Belgium could have stayed safe, the King had insisted on raiding German supply lines, angering them and inviting disaster.

What had Belgium gained from these actions?

Meaningless accolades and praise?

The nation and its people might disappear in the midst of these empty songs!

General Gillis resolved he could not stand idly by as this unfolded. He intended to bring the matter to Parliament and let them decide!

Albert I seemed to sense Gillis’s thoughts. He stared at the general, his expression unreadable, as if silently declaring: I will convince Parliament. They will support my decision because it is the right one!

As tensions simmered between them, Charles’s youthful voice broke through. His words were muffled, his mouth still full of cream: “You plan to build the defensive line here to stop the Germans?”

Initially, none of them paid Charles any attention, believing their discussion far more pressing.

However, General Winter’s eyes suddenly lit up.

“Wait, General Gillis!” Winter said. “Perhaps there’s a third option!”

He nodded toward Charles, who was intently studying the map.

General Gillis hesitated before realizing Winter’s meaning. If Charles could help France defeat the Germans, could he not also help Belgium achieve the same?

If they defeated Germany, there would be no need to hand over Charles, nor would Belgian lives be at risk.

General Gillis scoffed dismissively. “You really think he can turn the tide of war? Winter, you’re treating him like a god!”

Winter replied, “I think trying won’t hurt us, will it?”

He turned toward Albert I, seeking his support.

Albert I understood and responded with action. He stepped gracefully to the table and extended a polite hand to Charles. “You’re the Charles they speak of, aren’t you, Lieutenant?”

“And you are?” Charles returned the handshake.

“I am King Albert of Belgium,” the King replied. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Charles froze for a moment, astonished to meet a real king in his lifetime. He felt a touch of nervousness. “The honor is mine, Your Majesty!”

Albert I gestured for the two generals to join the conversation.

General Gillis and General Winter complied, one moving briskly, the other more composed. They flanked Albert I and faced Charles.

General Gillis glanced at the map reluctantly and pointed to a newly drawn line. “We plan to position the British forces here to protect the water supply system…”

“You won’t be able to protect anything!” Charles interrupted.

General Gillis raised an eyebrow and turned to Winter, as if to say: This youngster disrespects your army. Now it’s your turn to respond.

Winter, though irritated, replied firmly, “I think we can, Lieutenant! I’ve brought our finest troops. They are well-equipped…”

“It has nothing to do with their quality or equipment. You’ll be crushed because you can’t see the enemy!” Charles pointed to a point behind the defensive line. “You’ve overlooked something. Just one kilometer behind the defensive line is the second-tier defense, Elgin Fortress. The Germans will focus their heavy artillery on it…”

Before Charles finished speaking, both generals understood and cried out in alarm:

“When they bombard Elgin Fortress, they’ll also destroy this defensive line!”

“A kilometer is within their artillery’s margin of error. My God, we’re saving the Germans ammunition!”

Albert I watched the two generals with interest, curious how such a mistake could occur. Two generals adorned with medals were being schooled by a mere lieutenant on a rookie error.

It was not surprising, however.

Belgium had seen no warfare for 75 years. General Gillis had only gained combat experience a month ago when Germany launched its offensive.

As for General Winter, he was a politician and a naval rear admiral. His experience was limited to naval warfare, with virtually no knowledge of land battles.

Meanwhile, Charles had the advantage of modern military knowledge. In his presence, they weren’t even fit to be students.

“Well!” General Gillis grew serious. “Where do you think we should place the defensive line?”

“We shouldn’t establish a defensive line!” Charles replied, finishing his meal and wiping his mouth with a napkin.

“Let the enemy attack?” Gillis asked skeptically.

“Exactly!” Charles nodded.

Gillis objected, “You might not know this, Lieutenant, but the Germans’ heavy artillery has a far greater range than ours. We would be defenseless…”

“Which is why we must let them attack!”

“What do you mean?” Gillis asked, perplexed.

Charles calmly took two red flags representing the enemy and placed them on the map. He pushed them toward Antwerp, explaining, “Once the Germans destroy Wavre Fortress, they’ll have to move their heavy artillery forward to bombard Elgin Fortress in the second tier.”

“Correct!”

“Indeed!”

The group nodded in agreement, waiting for Charles to continue. But Charles merely spread his hands, indicating he was done.

“And then?” Winter prompted.

“Then their heavy artillery will be destroyed!” Charles replied.

“Impossible!” Gillis shook his head with a faint smile, his expression one of disbelief.

Winter reminded Charles, “Elgin Fortress’s artillery can’t reach the enemy either, Lieutenant!”

Charles countered, “What about Wavre Fortress?”

“Wavre Fortress has already been destroyed…” Winter trailed off, then gasped. “My God, it’s a brilliant idea! We’ll destroy the Germans’ heavy artillery, rendering their offensive insignificant!”

“What?” Gillis still didn’t understand.

Albert I nodded slightly, his gaze filled with admiration and awe as he looked at Charles. “It’s a good plan. We’ll disguise Wavre Fortress to make it appear destroyed. Then the enemy will bring their heavy artillery right to its doorstep!”

General Gillis’s eyes widened as he stared at Charles, his expression a mix of surprise, embarrassment, and doubt. He couldn’t believe such a strategy had come from this young man!

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