Chapter 668: Reaping Popularity
Hasselt Command Headquarters.
The moment King Albert I entered his office, he anxiously pulled out the telegram from his pocket. Indeed, it was from Gallieni:
"Following the recent collapse of British forces at the Somme, we believe only Charles's troops can reverse this disastrous situation.
Considering the Germans have deployed at least one tank division and three infantry divisions on the Somme, we intend to redeploy Charles's First Armored Corps and the main forces of the Sixth Army to that front.
To prevent the Germans from exploiting weaknesses in Belgium, Your Majesty must urgently strengthen your defenses!"
Albert hesitated briefly before giving General Eden an order: "Send back a telegram: 'I need clarification—is this General Haig's request, a decision by the French Parliament, or Lieutenant General Charles's own idea?'"
Not long after, General Eden returned, visibly relieved. "General Gallieni says there's no final decision yet; it's only General Haig's personal request!"
Albert let out a sigh of relief. If that was the case, there was still room for negotiation.
Without hesitation, Albert sent another telegram to Gallieni: "I don't consider this a wise choice, General. Please reconsider carefully. Moreover, Lieutenant General Charles's own views on this matter are crucial. I'm confident he will provide a satisfactory answer."
If Charles believed it was safe, then it definitely was. Even if things went wrong, Charles would accept responsibility and eventually return to recover lost ground.
Then Albert quickly ordered: "Prepare my car—I must travel to Paris immediately."
But he reconsidered quickly, amending his order: "No, prepare a plane!"
He had to reach Paris swiftly, even if it meant risking a night flight.
Just moments earlier, Albert had decided on a multi-pronged approach:
Firstly, he'd persuade French politicians in Paris that Haig's reinforcement plan would achieve nothing.
Secondly, he'd mobilize Belgian citizens to protest Haig's disregard for Belgium's security.
Most importantly, he needed to learn Charles's thoughts firsthand.
If Charles—the "Mars of France"—thought the plan unfeasible, Haig would lose most of his support immediately.
After his lengthy conversation with Gallieni, Charles left around ten o'clock, intending to visit the officers' club.
Yet strangely, Paris—once famed as the "City of Lights"—lay in eerie darkness. Previously lit streets were now dim, with only a few central intersections illuminated.
Entering the club brought even greater confusion.
Normally bustling well past midnight, the club was empty at ten o'clock. Lucia and Gabrielle were tidying up, preparing to close.
Seeing Charles, both women paused momentarily, their tired faces instantly lighting up with charming smiles—unclear if due to professional habit or Charles's rank.
Gabrielle gently nudged Lucia, then turned to Charles. "Just a moment, General. What can we get for you?"
"Just a soda water," Charles replied, avoiding coffee to ensure sleep.
Lucia added softly, "Regular soda water."
The club served two types: regular and alcoholic "hard" soda water containing about 5% alcohol—similar to beer.
"Certainly!" Gabrielle served them quickly, then returned behind the counter, switching on some decorative lights to add ambiance.
Charles glanced out into the dark streets. "Paris feels different now."
"Because of you," Lucia replied simply, sipping her soda water.
"Me?" Charles looked at Lucia in confusion.
She nodded, placing down her glass. "The capitalists are trying to create a hostile atmosphere against you."
"You've been busy commanding naval battles in Antwerp, so nobody told you about these hidden domestic plots."
Charles appeared genuinely confused. "Hostile atmosphere?"
"Yes," Lucia said, absently massaging her aching right arm from prolonged bartending. "Rumors have spread claiming you're manipulating resources through your 'echo-locators,' causing soaring prices."
"People now can barely afford electricity or candles; cinemas operate only three days a week, and the streets empty after ten."
"Nobody has extra money for leisure anymore—including visiting our club."
Charles shook his head, perplexed. "But I haven't done anything like that. I've only established insurance and shipping companies. Everything I bring in is sold at standard prices."
Resources should actually be more abundant now, as Charles's companies ensured safe transport without British interference.
"I know," Lucia laughed softly. "It's not really about you."
This further confused Charles.
First, she said it was "because of you," and now, "not really about you." Were those statements not contradictory?
Seeing Charles's confusion, Lucia leaned closer, smiling patiently as she explained: "Like I said, capitalists deliberately created this shortage. They buy up all your affordable goods and stockpile them in warehouses, artificially creating scarcity."
Charles finally understood.
Domestic capitalists were orchestrating blame against him—perhaps even with parliamentary collusion.
They took advantage of his control over secure shipping routes, simultaneously inflating prices for profit and undermining Charles's popularity—a dual victory.
"When did this start?" Charles asked. "I mean, this severe price hike didn't happen overnight, did it?"
"Shortly after your first major victory using the echo-locator," Lucia replied calmly.
Charles frowned slightly—two months had passed. "You should've informed me earlier."
Lucia raised an eyebrow playfully. "I think now is exactly the right time."
"What?" Charles was confused again by Lucia's cryptic remark.
Lucia smiled knowingly. "Only now, after you publicly clarify, will people realize they misunderstood you."
"They'll finally see the capitalists' sinister motives and realize they've been deceived."
"Then, they'll see an even greater injustice: while you risk your life at the front lines securing France's supplies, capitalists have been sabotaging your efforts at home."
Lucia gently clinked her glass with Charles's. "No need to thank me. It's what I should do."
Only then did Charles recognize Lucia's abilities extended far beyond simple intelligence gathering.
If Charles had suppressed this situation early, people would never have clearly seen the depth of the capitalists' betrayal. By waiting until now, the eventual revelation would cause maximum shock and outrage.
Undoubtedly, this would reap another huge wave of popularity for Charles.
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