I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 218: After Modification - Shire’s Influence

In the lounge, the light cast three faint shadows on the office desk.

Gali’s old injury seemed to have relapsed. He frowned and rubbed his abdomen instinctively, but quickly released it and returned to his usual expression.

Shire noticed this and turned to make a cup of coffee for Gali.

"Thank you, Colonel!" Gali looked a little surprised when he took the coffee, then slightly nodded, eyes showing a trace of comfort and a smile.

"It’s like this!" Albert I looked at Shire with a hint of expectation: "You’ve heard about the Ottoman Empire (Turkey) joining the Central Powers, haven’t you?"

"Yes, of course!" Shire nodded.

This happened last month, when the Battle of the Marne had just ended not long ago.

The cause was Britain withholding two Dreadnoughts ordered by the Ottoman Empire for the war, and even refusing to return the money.

This was exploited and instigated by Germany, eventually spiraling out of control and leading to the Ottoman Empire joining the Central Powers.

Gali snorted: "British arrogance!"

This was indeed Britain treating the Ottoman Empire with disdain, not giving them the most basic diplomatic respect.

Albert I did not comment much, being the king of a small nation, it was not appropriate for him to critique Britain.

Albert I spread a map on the table, pointing at it: "Subsequently, many believed that if we cannot break through from the front, we might need to land on the enemy’s flank or even rear to open a new battlefield."

Shire glanced at Gali. Not long ago, Gali had asked Shire a similar question: whether he could use "Shire A1" to break through the enemy line from the front.

Shire’s answer was negative, so Gali switched to support Britain’s rear landing.

Gali did not speak, merely sipping his coffee, indicating his acquiescence.

"There are several plans for rear landing." Albert I continued, ignoring their expressions: "Some believe we should land from the northern Baltic area, while others suggest landing from the southern Mediterranean area, a debate that remains unresolved."

Shire was a bit confused: "But this seems irrelevant to us; we’re the army, this is a matter for the navy?"

Gali’s lips curled: "Perhaps it has nothing to do with me, but it may be related to you."

Albert I nodded and looked at Shire: "Many people are eager to hear your opinion."

"My opinion?" Shire was puzzled, why listen to a colonel’s view?

Gali seemed to see through Shire’s thoughts, glanced at him strangely and said lightly: "You seem unaware of your influence, Colonel?"

Seeing Shire’s confused expression, Gali smiled and shook his head slightly:

"Do you think, after inventing so many equipment and winning so many battles, others would still treat you as an ordinary person?"

"France might, because it is controlled by capitalists, and the capitalists control the parliament."

"But in any other country besides France, including Britain and Russia, all strategists hope to get your approval when drafting plans and making decisions!"

Albert I nodded, affirming Gali’s words: "They may not say it out loud, but they regard your opinion as the standard answer, Colonel!"

Saying this, Albert I’s eyes flashed with pride, seemingly honored to be friends with Shire.

Shire was speechless because this influence seemed useless to him, only causing trouble, such as now Albert I seeking an "opinion."

Seeing the expectations in Albert I’s eyes, Shire understood this was not just about giving an "opinion."

As the King of Belgium, Albert I obviously hoped the Allies would land from the north because if successful, Belgium’s restoration wouldn’t be far off.

A southern landing wouldn’t have the same result.

Hence, Albert I hoped to garner Shire’s support.

And Shire’s stance could, as they’ve mentioned, likely sway the undecided northern and southern factions given Shire’s consistent accuracy and victories.

Albert I was destined to be disappointed; historically, the battle took place at the southern Dardanelles Strait, ending in failure with both sides losing 250,000 men and gaining nothing.

At this moment, a woman from the ball flashed in Shire’s mind—naval battle, landing, Minister of the Navy, lover...

This meant all Allied plans would be exposed to the German Army without any secrets.

Thinking of this, Shire seriously pointed north: "I believe we should land from the north."

"Yes, I think so too!" Albert’s previously tense expression relaxed instantly, eyes flashing with excitement, pointing at the map: "Once our forces successfully land in the north, we can immediately attack the German Army stationed in Belgium from behind, cutting off their transport and supply lines."

Shire struggled to nod: "This could determine the war’s outcome, forcing the German Army to abandon the entire Western Front."

Saying this, he thought: Your Majesty, Belgium built the Liege Fortress, although partly destroyed, several strongholds were left when surrendering, guarded by Germans. What would our landing forces use for attack?

Thinking this but not showing it, he continued to support Albert I.

Gali frowned: "But this also means we’d be attacked by German main forces from all directions, even the German Fleet!"

"I think we need not worry about the German Fleet." Shire replied: "Britain has always implemented the double plan; for every ship Germany builds, they build two. Now is the time for the British Fleet to play its part!"

"I think so too." Albert I nodded repeatedly: "Britain can certainly block the German Fleet while sending ships to reinforce the landing troops."

Shire added: "Doing so has an advantage; both fleets are in the Atlantic, and the landing fleet can assist the blockade fleet if needed. If landing from the south..."

"Very good idea." Albert I’s excitement was palpable: "Landing from the south means the landing fleet would enter the Mediterranean, making mutual support impossible."

Shire concluded: "We must consider this: during our landing operations, the German Fleet might break through, catching the British Fleet off guard. Unless Britain is confident they can match the German Fleet, we should land from the north."

This analysis left Gali speechless, as there was indeed such a risk.

(The above picture shows the British "Ireland" ship, formerly known as "Reshadieh," one of the battleships withheld by Britain from the Ottoman Empire)

(The above picture shows the British battleship "Agincourt," formerly known as "Ottoman Sultan I," one of the battleships withheld by Britain from the Ottoman Empire)

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