I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 97 Dismissed by God

Two rows of torches were neatly placed on both sides of the runway, like two lines of guards, indicating the plane’s position and direction.

Soon, the sound of an engine could be heard in the air, growing louder and closer.

Gallieni looked up at the pitch-black sky, unconsciously taking two steps forward, but was stopped by the guard: "General, it’s too dangerous to get too close!"

Gallieni replied with an "Hmm" and stepped back as instructed.

The pilot could see nothing in the night, only the two rows of torches. If someone stood by the runway, they might be cut in half by the passing wing, whether soldier or general.

Finally, the plane appeared in the night sky, descending lower and lower. The people below could already see it, though it was still a blurry shadow.

On the first landing attempt, the plane seemed to misjudge the angle, descending as if to land but soon pulling up again, circling twice before finally landing steadily on the runway.

Gallieni immediately led a group of soldiers to surround the plane.

In the torchlight, Gallieni could see someone standing up from the cockpit from a distance. It was the little guy, indeed. He let out a sigh of relief, his anxious heart finally at ease.

Then, Gallieni embarrassingly realized that he had considered all safety issues but had not thought to bring Shire some clothes.

Shire was shivering in the cold wind, wearing pajamas and hugging a pillow.

Without hesitation, Gallieni quickened his pace while taking off his military coat, rushing forward to drape it over Shire, comforting him, "It’s alright, little guy. We’re home. It’s alright now!"

"G...General!" Shire was trembling uncontrollably, his teeth chattering loudly: "I left my uniform and weapons... in Antwerp, and also the mission report!"

Gallieni laughed. He was still thinking about the mission report?

"Bring more clothes!" Gallieni turned and called.

Immediately, dozens of coats were handed to Gallieni, and Shire was wrapped up like a cocoon and carried into a car, with Gallieni’s general’s hat on his head.

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Shire figured he must look quite disheveled in front of so many people. But strangely, the people’s eyes gazed at him only with respect.

As the car started, Shire turned his head with difficulty and shouted to Eric, "I’ll come to find you, Uncle Eric!"

"Alright!" Eric waved back: "I’ll be waiting for you here, little guy!"

At that moment, Shire didn’t know that he wouldn’t need to come here to find Eric. As an escort pilot who took Shire to Antwerp, Eric was also on Gallieni’s suspect list, even though he brought Shire back.

The car drove along the road back to headquarters, with cavalry leading the way and guards stationed on both sides, the entire road blockaded.

Gallieni, sitting in the passenger seat, was silent for a long time, then suddenly laughed and turned slightly to ask Shire in the back seat, "I hear you did great things in Belgium and even received a Kingdom Crown Medal?"

Shire then remembered the medal, and answered regretfully, "I left it in Antwerp!"

Gallieni chuckled: "Don’t worry, Lieutenant, it won’t be lost! The King will send it back to you!"

"What?" Shire was puzzled.

Gallieni explained: "During the more than three hours you were on the plane, a lot happened in Antwerp. Everyone in Antwerp knows about General Gis’s conspiracy now!"

Shire replied with a hum.

This was within his expectations. General Winter was not alone; he led a force of ten thousand men. After Shire left safely, they would naturally reveal the truth as quickly as possible.

"Do you want to know what happened to General Gis?" Gallieni asked.

"Was he dismissed?" Shire guessed.

Gallieni smiled slightly and replied, "Yes, he was dismissed!"

This little guy actually thought that imprisoning the savior of the entire city, even repaying kindness with betrayal by handing him over to the Germans, and finally forcing him away, putting Antwerp in dishonor and danger... such treason would merely result in dismissal?

General Gis was not just dismissed. Before Albert I could dismiss him, angry citizens stormed his headquarters and dragged him out, nearly beating him to death.

The person who saved him was Albert I himself because the King wanted General Gis to face trial in front of everyone, especially to uncover the mastermind and more accomplices.

But Albert I soon became disappointed. When General Gis was sent to the hospital, he had over a dozen cuts made by a scalpel without any anesthesia, each cut skilfully avoiding vital areas. The doctors said it was to find broken bones, but unfortunately, they didn’t find any.

General Gis finally took his last breath in pain and despair...

There was no need to let the little guy know about these things. Let it be just dismissal, but dismissed by God!

Gallieni handed Shire a piece of paper, saying, "This is a telegram from Albert I to you. He apologizes to you and says he will send back your uniform, belongings, and medal!"

Shire took the telegram and, unable to see it in the dark, shoved it into a pocket, acknowledging the content.

"But you might not need that uniform anymore!" Gallieni mused, his gaze drifting toward the buildings on both sides.

Shire didn’t ask much more, as the car had already stopped at the headquarters entrance. With others’ help, Shire returned to his dormitory, wrapped himself in a blanket, drank two cups of hot milk, and only then felt warmer, before groggily falling asleep.

Early the next morning, Shire finally understood what Gallieni meant by "not needing that uniform anymore." Orderly Adrian brought Shire two brand new sets of uniforms, including a revolver and other equipment.

Shire was puzzled. Why two sets of uniforms? He had only lost one; the other was still in the dormitory!

After changing into the new uniform, Shire realized that there was an extra stripe of gold braid on the cuff, which meant... he was now a lieutenant!

Gallieni, satisfied, watched Shire enter the war room in his new uniform. The people in the command room collectively applauded and cheered:

"Well done, Shire!"

"You brought honor to France!"

"They say sending you alone was more useful than sending a thousand men from Britain!"

...

Gallieni originally wanted to put on a harsh demeanor as usual.

However, after considering it for a moment, he nodded and praised, "You performed excellently in Antwerp, Lieutenant. This is well deserved! Keep it up!"

Shire was stunned, then immediately understood that Gallieni saw no need to put on a show for the capitalists anymore.

After all, regardless of the situation, the capitalists would always be their enemies, and that was unavoidable.

"Yes, General!" Shire stood at attention, his voice no longer trembling.

"Today is your day off!" Gallieni glanced at his pocket watch and said, "Have breakfast and then go home. Your parents should be waiting for you!" freeweɓnovel.cѳm

"Yes, General!" Shire replied, looking a bit confused. He thought he had just returned to duty at headquarters.