I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France
Chapter 148 Command Authority

Chapter 148: Chapter 148 Command Authority

Letting Charles use the "Saint Chammon" in battle is a crafty scheme:

If Charles wins, it proves that the problem lies not with the "Saint Chammon" tank but with the person using it.

If Charles loses, then the myth of Charles’ invincibility crumbles.

Gallieni of course understands James’ thoughts. He replies calmly, without a hint of sarcasm, even seriously and respectfully: "Sir, please believe me: if the ’Saint Chammon’ can reach the enemy’s trenches to provide necessary cover for our soldiers, I will certainly suggest that Charles does so!"

The conference room resounds with laughter once more, and James, red-faced, sits back down.

Gallieni’s point is clear: unable to reach the trenches, the equipment is essentially useless; whether Charles can win the battle has nothing to do with the "Saint Chammon."

Other members continually pose questions to Gallieni, who remains composed, responding sharply and one by one.

Gallieni is self-assured. The fact is that the CA-1 and the "Saint Chammon" have already suffered defeats, along with Xia Fei; they’ve attempted four attacks so far, achieving nothing but losing over two hundred tanks and more than five thousand soldiers.

These are bloody costs, and to end this tragedy, Charles and his tank must take the field!

Grevy and Arman, among other right-wing members, sit quietly below the stage, only posing a few simple, irrelevant questions.

This is rather unusual; the CA-1 tank was developed with their support, and Charles’ participation directly impacts the right-wing’s interests.

However, unusually, they remain unaffected, as if none of this concerns them.

From start to finish, Grevy smiles continuously, not even glancing at Gallieni on stage, only occasionally scanning the other members in the hall.

These fools don’t realize that they cannot stop Charles from fighting this battle; it is everyone’s desire.

If they succeed in using their power to prevent Charles and his tank, the House of Representatives will be surrounded by angry crowds tomorrow, with a strong wave of strikes. People will shout:

"We know Charles can win, why don’t you let him command?"

"Our tanks have failed, but Charles’ tank is waiting. Why not try his tank on the battlefield?"

"We need Charles! You capitalists are preventing France from winning for your own benefit! You are criminals, you are vampires!"

...

This is common sense. If repeated attempts fail, it is time for a new person, especially if that person is Charles.

If not, even a fool would understand what’s going on; propaganda cannot change it.

Grevy would not do such foolish things, thinking only:

"If Charles commands his tank and still loses on the battlefield, if his tank fails to break through the German lines, then the CA-1 will not be questioned anymore, right?"

Grevy looks at James, who appears worried and is discussing with nearby members, murmuring: "You should thank me, fool!"

...

Events unfold exactly as Grevy expected; the House of Representatives fails to stop Gallieni, who successfully receives command of the Lafox battlefield.

The news spreads, and all of France rejoices. People pour into the streets, cheering loudly as if they had already regained Lafox and achieved victory.

A large crowd gathers in front of the City Defense Headquarters, shouting:

"Vive la France!"

"We support you, Charles!"

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

...

Then people organize spontaneously; some join volunteers to transport ammunition and aid the wounded for Charles’s troops. Many initiate fundraisers to provide additional supplies and bonuses for Charles’s troops.

They all declare publicly: It is only for the troops under Charles’s command because only Charles’s troops can win; we are willing to contribute for Charles’s troops!

The news soon reaches Davaz Town, and the townsfolk are exhilarated, gathering at Dejoka’s doorstep, excitedly calling to Camille:

"Madam Bernard, they’ve sent Charles to regain Lafox!"

"Charles is our pride, I am truly happy for him!"

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

...

Camille, scared to death, hurriedly runs out from preparing dinner, asking: "They... They’re sending Charles to battle again?"

The neighbors quickly explain:

"No, no, it’s sending his tank, Madam Bernard!"

"Rest assured, Charles is still in Paris commanding, just like he did during the Ypres battle."

"They wouldn’t really send Charles to the frontline, after all, the young fellow might not even know how to use a pistol!"

The neighbors burst into laughter.

But immediately someone adds: "But that doesn’t stop him from defeating thousands of Germans!"

The neighbors nod in agreement.

Camille feels a bit relieved hearing this, but she still hopes Charles comes home soon; only when he is home can Camille truly be at ease.

"If possible, they should let Charles command from home!" Camille murmurs: "Anyway, it wouldn’t make much difference!"

...

The City Defense Headquarters, Gallieni officially receives command of Lafox after a phone call with Xia Fei.

He walks to his desk, saying to Charles, who is contemplating the map: "Ready? Its area is only one-tenth of Ypres, with a total force of seven to eight thousand; it shouldn’t be too difficult for you, right?"

Charles hears this for the first time as a way to rate battle difficulty and replies: "General, you should ask the Commander-in-Chief of France, see how he would respond!"

Gallieni chuckles: "He is already very dissatisfied with me, you don’t need to ask to know!"

That’s undeniable, proven time and again as mediocre and incapable, yet carrying the titles of "hero" and "Commander-in-Chief"; no one can tolerate such disgrace.

"Oh right!" Charles quickly returns to his desk to fetch a document and hands it to Gallieni: "This needs your signature, General!"

"What is this?" Gallieni takes the document, picking up glasses from the desk.

"Grenades!" Charles replies: "As I mentioned before, I’ve produced them!"

"So quickly?" Gallieni tilts his head, somewhat surprised.

From factory setup to worker training to production, it should take at least a month, yet Charles achieves this in just a few days!

"Actually!" Charles explains: "I’ve signed a cooperation agreement with the Saint-Etienne arms factory; this is our joint production!"

Gallieni utters an understanding "Oh," realizing why Steed sided with Charles during the House inquiries.

It is all about benefits!

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