Chapter 714: Invisible Power
The 1st Armored Division was stationed at Verdun.
This was at Foch's request. In his telegram to Charles, he wrote:
"General, we all understand the role of the armored division. On the battlefield, it is without rival.
Though I know the division has fought continuously for over a week and needs rest, the front still needs its presence.
Please rest assured, my request is modest—I only ask that the division remain in Verdun for a time. I will personally see to your supply and quarters."
Charles immediately understood what Foch meant.
The Meuse River defensive line was being fiercely contested. Both sides could easily fall back into a deadlock of trench warfare.
Only the presence of Charles's armored division could break that stalemate.
Even if the division did nothing, its mere presence in Verdun would serve as a powerful deterrent to the Germans.
It sent a clear message: no matter how solid your defensive lines are, the armored division can appear in front of them at any moment, should the need arise.
In such a scenario, trench warfare would no longer develop, and Foch's offensive would proceed far more smoothly.
It was a sound strategy—and one that Charles had already intended to implement.
But the way Foch phrased his request was what caught Charles's attention.
Foch was the Supreme Commander of the French Army. He could have simply issued an order.
Instead, his words were cautious, almost deferential, as if afraid of offending Charles.
That's when Charles truly felt the presence of power.
It was something intangible, unseen, yet very real.
This wasn't about rank or official position—it was about influence.
It was the ability to call on both the military and the public at a moment's notice. The power to ruin rivals with a few words or subtle implications. The ability to quietly push someone like Foch out of office.
And right now, Charles realized he had that power.
Foch arranged for the 1st Armored Division to be stationed at Fort Belleville, located behind Verdun. It had previously been used as a training camp for new recruits.
Those recruits had since been sent to man the Meuse line, leaving the base empty for Charles's division.
When passing through Verdun, Charles ordered the division to bypass the city rather than enter it.
It wasn't about maintaining some noble image or avoiding disturbing the civilians—Charles simply thought it was too dangerous.
If Archduke Ferdinand had taken more precautions to protect himself, he might not have been assassinated. And perhaps the war wouldn't have started at all.
So why take such a meaningless risk just to appear brave?
Charles wouldn't make that mistake. He wasn't going to place his life in the hands of some anonymous assassin. He wouldn't give the enemy the chance to exchange a single bullet for his life.
But Charles had underestimated the public's enthusiasm.
The citizens of Verdun, upon hearing that his division would be passing by, rushed out of the city to line the roads in welcome.
They came running, many on bicycles. Men and women alike tossed their bikes aside when they arrived, cheering and handing flowers to the soldiers.
"You are the heroes of France—thank you!"
"You brought us peace. We no longer have to fear those bastards' shells."
"Thank you so much! We'll never forget you!"
...
Some excited young women even kissed the soldiers.
Suddenly, a shrill voice called out from the crowd: "Look! It's Charles! Charles is over there!"
Everyone turned toward his armored car. A thunderous cheer erupted as people shouted, jumped, and waved. Some blew kisses—one old woman even toothless—straight at him.
Charles was speechless.
He had deliberately ducked low to avoid being noticed, but they still managed to "capture" him.
Helpless, he stood and waved, which sent the crowd into a fresh frenzy.
Soon, flowers and food came pouring toward the armored car. Many people even ran alongside, just to shake his hand.
Charles was filled with anxiety.
He couldn't help but worry—if someone had slipped a grenade into the crowd, he'd never know until it was too late.
...
At the Peleș Castle in Sinaia, Romania, King Ferdinand I was listening to a report from General Davidescu.
(Image above: Peleș Castle, completed in 1914)
(Image above: King Ferdinand I of Romania, cousin of German Emperor Wilhelm II)
"Charles's maneuver was an extraordinary success," reported General Davidescu.
"His victory is almost unbelievable. He not only crossed the Ardennes with 20,000 troops, but defeated hundreds of thousands of German soldiers—including their elite 1st Tank Division."
King Ferdinand looked up, shocked. "You mean the German 1st Tank Division was defeated?"
"Not just defeated, Your Majesty," Davidescu corrected. "Destroyed. Charles invented a new type of incendiary bomb. These bombs burned the entire tank division in the forest. Not a single tank escaped."
Ferdinand was speechless for a long moment.
To think that an entire German tank division could be wiped out by a single type of bomb—it defied belief.
Romania was still officially friendly with Germany at the time. The king knew all about the German 1st Tank Division—it was their most elite unit, equipped with two of their most advanced tank models.
But against Charles, they'd been utterly crushed.
After a long silence, Ferdinand asked, "What's the situation on the Eastern Front?"
General Davidescu replied, "The Russian Army is advancing rapidly. The Austro-Hungarian lines have been broken. The entire army is in chaos. Every day, thousands are being killed or surrendering."
Ferdinand nodded, gently stroking his beard.
After a pause, he asked, "General, why do you think the Entente hasn't welcomed our entry into the war?"
He was referring to last year.
At that time, he had sent envoys to Paris to secretly negotiate with Joffre. They had agreed that Romania would declare war on the Central Powers within days.
But at the last minute, France backed out—and Joffre was dismissed shortly after. The matter was dropped.
"They said they feared Romania's resources would fall completely into German hands," Davidescu replied. "They didn't trust our military."
Ferdinand gave a thoughtful "hmph," his gaze fixed intently on the general. "Do you believe that? Do you think it still holds true now?"
Davidescu paused—then realization dawned.
A year ago, perhaps that concern was valid. At that time, Germany was still on the offensive. The Entente was at a disadvantage. Russia was being routed on the Eastern Front.
But now?
Charles was tearing through German lines like a hurricane. The Russians were enjoying sweeping victories.
There was no longer any real danger of Germany occupying Romania.
"The German army is not as formidable as it seems," Ferdinand murmured.
"Charles has only 20,000 men—and he's defeating them repeatedly."
"More importantly, if we don't join the war now, we'll lose our chance."
"I mean, by then, they won't need us. And no one will support our claim to Transylvania."
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