I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France
Chapter 173: Revised - 173 Strange Alliance

Chapter 173: Revised: Chapter 173 Strange Alliance

The rain stopped in the early morning, and the sun even came out.

After the rain, Os Park looked like a fairyland. The whole world exuded a sense of freshness. Mist lingered in the valleys and trees, accompanied by the murmuring mountain springs and the green grassy land underfoot.

At first, Arman wondered why Grevy brought him here, but they soon understood when they climbed the grassy slope and gazed down at Davaz Town and the industrial area.

This was a great observation point. With a pair of binoculars, they could see every movement at Shire Tractor Factory.

However, this time, Grevy surprised him by focusing on Francis Tractor Factory.

Looking along Grevy’s gaze, Arman let out an "Oh": "Schneider has already settled in Francis Tractor Factory!"

Grevy responded with an "Hmm". This could be seen from the railroad extension being built into Francis Tractor Factory.

The previously quiet Francis Tractor Factory resumed production, with cars coming and going, showing a busy scene.

But they were not producing the outdated "Holt 60", but rather the more advanced "Holt 120".

It was clear to those in the know that Schneider opted to upgrade the already tarnished Francis Tractor Factory instead of reopening a new one, aiming to suppress Shire Tractor Factory.

"Shire must be feeling the pressure!" Arman chuckled lightly.

Schneider had the money, but Shire did not.

Schneider’s intention was to leverage his advantage to squeeze Shire’s space. Even if he spent 10 francs more to make Shire earn 1 franc less, it was worth it for Schneider.

Grevy shook his head gently and said, "Not necessarily!"

Arman looked at Grevy in confusion, "I heard Schneider’s ’Holt 120’ is sold for only 1200 francs, which is the same as Shire’s ’Holt 75’. Would anyone still want to buy ’Holt 75’?"

If they could buy a better, more advanced tractor for the same price, why not?

Some people might idolize Shire, might surround him on the Paris streets in the morning, or crowd to offer him flowers and express their gratitude, but would still place an order for "Holt 120" in the evening.

"I heard Shire is working on improving ’Holt 75’." Grevy said, "There isn’t much difference between ’Holt 120’ and ’Holt 75’. With Shire’s capability, surpassing ’Holt 120’ would not be difficult."

Arman responded indifferently, "Schneider is not bad either."

Grevy might have overestimated Shire. Shire might be very talented in invention and military, but tractors tested fundamental technology.

Otherwise, Shire wouldn’t have needed to purchase the production line of "Holt 75"!

"But this has nothing to do with us!" Arman glanced at the two factories in the distance, "This is what you want to see, leading Schneider to confront Shire."

"That’s not enough, Arman!" Grevy replied thoughtfully, "Not nearly enough!"

Arman looked at Grevy in astonishment, "Do you mean to say Schneider isn’t enough to deal with Shire?"

Grevy didn’t answer directly. He raised his cane and walked back to the carriage, saying, "If Schneider could handle Shire, Francis wouldn’t be contacting us!"

Arman was puzzled. What did one have to do with the other?

He followed Grevy back to the carriage, and after sitting down, he carefully thought over the previous statement, suddenly realizing:

Francis was a businessman who only cared about profit and had already embraced Schneider.

If Schneider believed he could handle Shire, he could completely kick Francis out and wouldn’t let him continue managing the Francis Tractor Factory.

But if Schneider lacked this confidence, he would want Francis to maintain his ties with the right-wing, thus enabling Schneider to form some kind of alliance with the right-wing through Francis.

With this thought, Arman suddenly understood. This is what Grevy wanted. Francis is insignificant; what he wants is an alliance with Schneider.

An absurd feeling arose in Arman’s heart, that the traditional aristocratic right-wing would ally with big capitalists. Truly, the world is unpredictable!

Is Shire really so powerful?

Can he force France’s top two forces to unite against him?

Moreover, these two forces have fundamental conflicts and are like water and fire!

Arman would soon know the answer.

As soon as the carriage returned to Brad Manor, the butler approached to report: "Sir, Francis called. He hopes to meet with you and Mr. Grevy this afternoon!"

...

Shire, who was having breakfast at home, also noticed this subtle shift.

Francis, an insignificant person, had somehow managed to connect Schneider and the entire right-wing, which seemed impossible to unite.

Grevy viewed Shire as a more threatening opponent than Schneider, intending to use Schneider to push Shire out of the picture.

Or maybe not to push him out; Grevy still held hope, hoping to force Shire into the right-wing this way.

Then the ideal society Grevy envisioned would appear: a France dominated by agriculture, supplemented by industry. Grevy would manage agriculture, and Shire would naturally be the one developing and managing industry.

As for Schneider, it purely did not want Shire to threaten its military industry, especially the artillery field.

Combining their forces would immediately give them an overwhelming advantage in parliament, rendering any alliance between Shire and Steed ineffective.

It was clear that any matter that had to be resolved through parliament in the future would inevitably face problems.

"What are you thinking about?" Dejoka, who finished eating faster today, stood up to help Camille clear the dishes.

"Nothing, father!" Shire responded casually.

Shire didn’t intend to discuss becoming enemies with Schneider at home to avoid worrying Camille.

"Colonel Estiny came last night." Dejoka said, "He knows you’re off today and mentioned he has some questions he hopes to discuss with you. He’s staying at the factory."

Colonel Estiny now has two roles: as a colonel artillery officer commanding and training the tank unit, and as the chief designer of Shire Tractor Factory’s research department.

This seems quite suitable for his development, researching tactics while considering the direction of tank development.

"Alright, father!" Shire took a few sips of milk, intending to finish breakfast, but noticed Camille watching him.

Shire helplessly picked up the cup and drank the milk in one gulp, though he was already a bit full.

Dejoka looked at Shire with a pitying expression, and after Shire finished, he added: "Matthew also wants to talk to you. He seems to have some new ideas!"

Shire responded with an "Hmm", showing some gratification in his eyes, thinking that guy had finally settled down!

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