I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 74 British Reinforcements

Then General Gis let loose, not hiding his dissatisfaction, and complained:

"We have always been fighting the enemy to the best of our abilities, Lieutenant, even taking on responsibilities far beyond our capacity!"

"From the King providing intelligence to your country, to refusing the Germans’ ’harmless passage’ and going to war with them, and then taking the initiative to attack their supply lines!"

"Is all this still not enough? Who else could do such things?"

"We didn’t have to do this, but we maintained Belgium’s dignity, and that’s important!"

"Yet we have been fighting alone, and in our most crucial hour, there is no sign of reinforcements, no reinforcements at all..."

General Gis spoke with such emotion that his words became somewhat incoherent, but Shire still understood what he meant to express:

Belgian King Albert I, during his visit to Germany six months ago, overheard the Schlieffen Plan and conveyed it back to France, marking a great service to France, though France did not capitalize on it.

Later, Belgium went to war with Germany to prevent them from using its territory to attack France, which was also a significant favor.

Then, when the Germans approached Paris, the Belgian Army, instead of remaining secure in their fortresses, took the initiative to strike at the Germans’ supply lines, which was another favor to France.

Belgium had always been supporting France, with "favors as heavy as mountains," but now, when Belgium needed help the most, France did not send any reinforcements.

No, there was one, and that was Shire!

Shire suddenly understood why the Belgian officers and soldiers at the airport had such an attitude towards him; they held the same thoughts as General Gis: "We’ve given France so much, yet France has not given anything in return!"

Shire did not know how to respond. The matter of reinforcements was beyond the authority of a lieutenant like him; all he could do was convey General Gis’s sentiments back to France, which might have been the true intent behind General Gis’s complaints to him.

Just then, a communications officer came forward to report: "General, British reinforcements have arrived. General Winter is waiting outside for your reception!"

General Gis leaped to his feet: "Fantastic, please bring him in!"

He immediately left Shire behind, taking large strides towards the door to greet General Winter.

General Winter, tall and imposing, swiftly shook hands with General Gis upon entering: "Salute to you, General Gis! You and your men are the bravest group in the world, and your actions are commendable! I am honored to join you and contribute to this glorious anti-invasion war!"

General Winter’s words touched General Gis profoundly, erasing his previous despondency and restoring his confidence almost instantly.

"Thank you very much, Sir!" General Gis tightly gripped General Winter’s hand: "Salute to you, you are reliable and trustworthy friends who extended a helping hand when we needed it the most!"

These words seemed to be a veiled jab at Shire or at France, which Shire represented unofficially, even though he couldn’t officially represent France.

Shire was somewhat worried. General Winter spoke as if victory was within reach; his face clearly suggested that they could handle the remaining defenses and expel the enemy. However, Shire knew the reality was not so optimistic. freēnovelkiss.com

General Winter noticed Shire upon entering; French uniforms were always striking, especially the red trousers.

"French reinforcements are here too?" General Winter asked, puzzled.

Before Shire could answer, General Gis interjected: "No, he’s here to investigate the situation, just a lieutenant!"

His words were full of disdain.

Indeed, compared to Britain sending reinforcements along with a general, France’s sending just a lieutenant was indeed rather shabby.

It was like someone bringing a ten-thousand-dollar gift while Shire sneaked in a newspaper. It was no wonder he was met with such scorn; being thrown out would have been expected.

...

On September Fourth Avenue in Paris, Arman and Grevy sat in the carriage returning to the estate.

Amid the rhythmic clattering of hooves, Arman asked nonchalantly:

"How can you ensure he won’t return, Grevy?"

"The mission is real, so is the pilot, and the pilot is waiting for him to complete the task and then fly back!"

"What if he completes the mission smoothly? It doesn’t seem too difficult!"

Grevy replied expressionlessly: "The focus is not on the pilot, Arman!"

Arman looked at Grevy, puzzled, as if saying, if the pilot and the plane could ensure his safe return, why weren’t they the focus?

Grevy smiled lightly: "You should know that Shire has become quite renowned by now, right?"

"Of course!" Arman nodded. "Virtually every newspaper reports on him. I’m starting to envy him!"

Grevy shook his head slightly; Arman would never envy Shire for that reason. If one day Shire had a beautiful companion by his side, then Arman might feel envious.

However, that seemed unlikely. An individual who couldn’t return certainly wouldn’t have a companion.

Grevy leaned back, crossed his legs, and took a breath, saying: "So, the Germans know about him too!"

His voice was soft, but Arman was startled, silently admiring Grevy’s cleverness.

Shire was an inventor who had created tanks and sidecars.

He was also a strategist and tactician, having repeatedly designed plans to defeat the Germans, at least as reported in the newspapers.

From any perspective, the Germans wouldn’t want Shire to return alive.

They would attempt to capture Shire for their use, and if they couldn’t, they would destroy him; letting him go would only leave Germany at a disadvantage.

No matter the outcome, Shire wouldn’t return and wouldn’t become Grevy’s enemy.

So, just let the Germans know that Shire is in Antwerp... the rest is up to them!

Arman asked again: "Aren’t you worried he’ll defect to the Germans?"

If a talent like Shire defected to and worked for a powerful Germany, it would undoubtedly be a nightmare for France.

Grevy tightened his coat and looked at the buildings moving past the window, answering lightly: "That would have nothing to do with us, Arman. That would be a matter for France and the left-wing to worry about!"

Arman suddenly understood.

In this case, if Shire defected and became a German capitalist, the industry he developed would compete with the French left-wing capitalists rather than with the right-wing aristocrats.

This could even be beneficial for the right-wing, as the left-wing capitalists would go bankrupt one by one, and the workers they controlled would revert to being peasants...

Arman was secretly startled, wondering if Grevy’s real purpose in carrying out this plan was actually to force Shire to defect to Germany?

He was amazed that Grevy could think so far ahead, while he was only realizing it now!