Chapter 441: Belgium Is a Country, Not a Road
July 21st is Belgium's National Day, marking the day 85 years ago when Belgium declared its independence and Prince Leopold was elected its first king.
Although the war was not over, King Albert I still made his way to Brussels to hold a military parade.
This parade was quite special—it lacked the neat uniforms and equipment typically seen in such events. Instead, the participating troops were guerilla forces commanded by Colonel Eden. The soldiers wore all kinds of clothes and carried rifles from various countries, including British, French, and even German.
In addition, the 3rd Tank Regiment stationed in Brussels sent several tanks and armored vehicles to represent France in the parade.
As soon as the parade entered the streets, it was met with cheers from the crowds lining both sides. People waved frantically at the procession, raised Belgian flags, and shouted in support.
King Albert I stood on top of one of the armored vehicles, waving at the crowd with excitement and joy in his eyes.
The parade continued, moving slowly through the cheering crowd until it reached the Grand Place in Brussels. The armored vehicle carrying King Albert I stopped in the center.
King Albert I waited for a moment, allowing the cheering to subside, then raised his voice to address the crowd: "Indomitable Belgians, I am so glad that we can still hold this National Day celebration in Brussels this year!"
The crowd erupted in applause.
Once the noise settled, King Albert I continued:
"Last year, at this time, the Germans asked if we would allow their troops to pass through. They called it a 'harmless passage.'"
"My response was: Belgium is a country, not a road!"
The crowd erupted into cheers once more, loudly supporting King Albert I's response.
"I told them we would defend our dignity to the death. We will repel every attack from foreign powers using our strength!"
"If we must be crushed to dust, let us do so with honor."
"But at no time will Belgium ever yield!"
The crowd roared with excitement. King Albert I's words perfectly reflected Belgium's situation over the past year. Since last August, when Germany invaded, many had been questioning:
"Is all this suffering worth it?"
"What's the point of all this?"
"Does a small country really have to involve itself in the struggles of the great powers?"
...
King Albert I gave a powerful answer: only by resisting with unyielding courage could Belgium become a thorn in the side of any invading enemy—though small, it could still inflict pain, forcing the enemy to reconsider.
This was the helpless reality of small nations, and it was the only thing they could do.
King Albert I didn't spend too much time thanking the British and the French. He knew Belgium had already paid its dues in this war and had done more than enough. Belgium owed nothing to the UK or France.
However, he did mention one person: "I thank Charles for his contributions to Belgium. This is the second time he has defeated the Germans in Antwerp. The Germans have been tripped up by him in the same place, twice!"
Laughter erupted from the crowd.
"He is my friend and a friend of Belgium."
"He could not be here today because he is still fighting the Germans in Antwerp."
"He has brought Belgium safety, freedom, and great victory!"
"Therefore, I am proud to announce that Charles will become an Earl, and the title will be passed down through the generations!"
The crowd erupted into cheers, clearly happy for Charles. Many people shouted:
"He deserves this honor!"
"We support him; he saved Belgium!"
"Belgium welcomes Charles!"
...
When Charles heard that he was being made an "Earl," he was somewhat stunned.
He knew that a title didn't carry much practical weight; it was more of an honor. However, this also meant that Charles was being inducted into the Belgian nobility, which could have some advantages in terms of social connections and business dealings.
Thinking about the land that King Albert I had mentioned selling at a low price to Charles yesterday, it felt like the granting of land and title—a way to tie Charles more closely to Antwerp.
Charles' instincts were correct.
Although Belgium was edging toward victory, King Albert I remained uneasy. Belgium, a small nation with a population of less than 7 million, was stuck between several major powers: to the north, across the sea, was Britain; to the west, France; and to the east, Germany.
(As a note: Belgium's population in 1900 was 6.13 million, while Hong Kong today has a population of 7.47 million.)
If the great powers were at peace, it wouldn't be so bad. But when they went to war, Belgium would unfortunately be at the center of their struggles.
Last year, the Germans had invaded; this year, the French had pushed the Germans out. What if next year the Germans defeat the French again?
Would Belgium forever be caught in the middle of these conflicts?
King Albert I voiced his concerns to Colonel Eden, who confidently replied, "Your Majesty, with Charles here, you never need to worry about the Germans invading again."
King Albert I nodded, "Yes, I believe that. But the premise is 'with Charles here.'"
Colonel Eden looked at him in confusion.
King Albert I sighed, "Not all French soldiers are under Charles' command, Colonel. And not every unit is one of Charles' units. We've all seen that other French forces don't fare as well."
Colonel Eden understood, then nodded in agreement.
To illustrate his point, he mentioned Foch's 9th Army.
Charles' forces had broken through the German defenses from Cambrai all the way to Antwerp. If it hadn't been for the ocean ahead, Colonel Eden believed they could have kept advancing easily.
But Foch's 9th Army, part of the Northern Army Group, was one of France's elite forces. Foch himself was considered the "military god" of France, but even they had gotten bogged down at Mons. In the end, it was Charles' forces that had to intervene and relieve them.
So, what really mattered? Was it the French Army in general, or Charles and his troops?
Colonel Eden firmly believed it was the latter.
After thinking for a moment, Colonel Eden suggested, "Your Majesty, I believe we should keep Charles in Belgium."
"You think I haven't tried?" King Albert I smiled and shook his head. "When he was still a second lieutenant, I wanted him to lead the Belgian Army, but he refused without hesitation!"
King Albert I's smile turned bitter.
The truth was, Charles had made the right decision. He could become a general in France, and soon enough rise to the top of France's military. Why would he tie himself down to such a small country like Belgium?
Colonel Eden hesitated for a moment, then suggested, "Your Majesty, as a French general, he may refuse to lead Belgium. But as a capitalist, I believe he cannot turn down the opportunities Belgium can offer him."
"What?" King Albert I looked at Colonel Eden in surprise, not realizing he had such diplomatic insight.
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