I Became a Tycoon During World War I: Saving France from the Start

Chapter 152: Command Authority

Allowing Charles to use the Saint-Chamond tank was a double-edged tactic:

If Charles won, it would "prove" that the Saint-Chamond wasn't the problem but the fault of those who operated it. If he lost, Charles's undefeated legend would crumble.

Gallieni saw right through James's intentions. He responded calmly and respectfully, "Sir, please trust me: if the Saint-Chamond could reach the enemy trenches and provide essential cover for our soldiers, I would certainly recommend Charles to do just that!"

Laughter rippled through the chamber. Gallieni's message was clear: equipment that couldn't make it to the front lines was as good as useless, and any victory Charles achieved had nothing to do with the Saint-Chamond.

Other deputies took their turns questioning Gallieni, but he remained poised, dismantling each point with incisive responses. He had complete confidence—CA-1 and Saint-Chamond tanks had both failed under Joffre's leadership, costing over 200 tanks and more than 5,000 soldiers in four fruitless attempts.

These sacrifices were tragic and glaring evidence that the time had come for Charles and his tanks to take the field.

Meanwhile, Grevi and other right-wing leaders sat quietly, only occasionally posing inconsequential questions. It was unusual; after all, CA-1 tanks were developed with their support, and Charles's deployment directly affected their interests. However, today, they remained uncharacteristically restrained, as if they were uninvolved in the proceedings.

Throughout the debate, Grevi wore a calm smile, barely glancing at Gallieni and instead watching the deputies scattered throughout the room.

"Fools," he mused. "They don't realize they can't stop Charles from leading this battle—everyone wants him to fight."

If they used their power to prevent Charles and his tanks from entering the battlefield, Parliament itself would be surrounded the next day by furious crowds. Strikes would erupt, with people chanting:

"We know Charles can win—why not let him lead?"

"Our tanks have failed, but Charles's tanks are waiting—why not give them a chance?"

"We need Charles, yet you capitalists are blocking France's victory! You're criminals—leeches!"

The reality was clear: when repeated losses proved futile, it was only logical to let someone else lead, especially if that person was Charles.

Any attempt to prevent this would only expose corrupt motives. Not even the media could twist the public's perception.

Grevi wouldn't make that mistake; he simply thought, "If Charles takes his tanks into battle and fails, unable to break through the German defenses, then perhaps CA-1's flaws will seem less significant."

Grevi glanced at James, who looked tense, murmuring to himself, "You should be thanking me, you fool!"

Events unfolded just as Grevi anticipated; Parliament couldn't stop Gallieni from obtaining command of the Lafaux front. When the news spread, all of France erupted in excitement, with crowds taking to the streets, celebrating as though they'd already recaptured Lafaux.

Outside the Defense Headquarters, a large crowd gathered, chanting:

"Vive la France!"

"We support you, Charles!"

"We fight alongside you—you will lead us to victory!"

People organized themselves, with some volunteering to transport supplies or assist the wounded, while others launched fundraising campaigns to provide Charles's troops with extra resources and bonuses. They emphasized that these donations were specifically for Charles's command, believing only he could secure victory.

The news soon reached the small town of Davaz, sparking a similar enthusiasm among the locals. Neighbors gathered outside Deyoka's home, calling excitedly to Camille:

"Madame Bernard, they've sent Charles to retake Lafaux!"

"He's our pride and joy! I couldn't be happier for him!"

"He'll succeed—we believe in him!"

Camille was initially alarmed; she hurried out, asking, "They... they're sending Charles to the front again?"

The neighbors quickly reassured her:

"No, no, just his tanks, Madame Bernard!"

"Don't worry, he's still in Paris, directing from there, just as he did in the Ypres battle."

"They won't send him into battle himself. The boy probably wouldn't even know how to use a pistol!"

The neighbors chuckled, though one added thoughtfully, "But that doesn't stop him from defeating thousands of Germans!"

They all nodded in agreement.

Camille felt somewhat relieved, but she still wished for Charles to come home soon; she could only truly rest easy when he was safe under her roof.

"If possible, they should let him command from home," she murmured. "It wouldn't make any difference."

At the Defense Headquarters, Gallieni officially secured command over the Lafaux front after speaking with Joffre by phone.

He approached Charles, who was studying the map, and said, "Are you ready? It's only a tenth the size of Ypres, with a mere seven to eight thousand troops. It shouldn't be difficult, right?"

Charles chuckled at the novel "scale of difficulty" Gallieni had just invented. "You should ask that question to the French commander-in-chief and see how he responds."

Gallieni laughed heartily. "He's already rather displeased with me, so I don't need to ask to know."

There was no doubt. Joffre's repeated failures had tarnished his reputation, and carrying the title of "Hero" and "Commander-in-Chief" would be an intolerable burden.

"Oh, right!" Charles quickly retrieved a document from his desk and handed it to Gallieni. "I need you to sign this, sir."

Gallieni took the document, retrieving his glasses. "What's this?"

"Hand grenades," Charles replied. "We discussed this earlier, and I've already started production."

Gallieni was taken aback. "So soon?" He tilted his head, surprised. From factories to labor to actual manufacturing, it should've taken at least a month. Charles had managed it in mere days.

"Actually," Charles clarified, "I partnered with the Saint-Étienne Arms Factory. We're producing them together."

Gallieni let out an understanding "Ah." No wonder Stede had been supportive in Parliament. As always, money had its own motivations.

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