Disagreement

Separated from Akado, Seeker made his way back to the headquarters of the First Division. As he entered, he noticed Harmon intently studying a map. Acknowledging his confidante with a nod, Seeker settled down next to the table. "Akado has disappointed me greatly," he began, unscrewing the cap of his military kettle and taking a long sip of water. Harmon looked up, concern evident on his face. "What happened? Did Lieutenant Colonel Akado fail the task you assigned him?"

"No," Seeker replied, shaking his head. He gestured towards the combat map spread out on the table. "What's your assessment of the combat capabilities of the 15th Armored Division?"

"They're very strong," Harmon answered promptly. "The division is equipped with a significant number of armored reconnaissance vehicles. Their motorized capability is three times that of our First Division. Though their ranks are mostly filled with ordinary infantry, the mobility of their 103rd and 105th regiments is, frankly, terrifying."

"So, you're saying that those vehicles Akado procured are superior to the bicycles and war horses I've equipped you with?" Seeker asked, his tone tinged with displeasure.

Wiping his brow, Harmon knew all too well about Seeker's stubborn streak. "Of course, if there's enough fuel, their mobility indeed surpasses that of our First Division. However, their logistical support isn't always reliable. I'm confident we can defeat the 15th Division in a real combat scenario."

"You're right! And your analysis is excellent! Continue to develop the 1st Armored Division according to my plans. I will strive to add another ten bicycle companies to your division and provide 500 more horses to enhance our mobility further," Seeker declared, a smile breaking across his face. He then pointed to a location on the map with interest. "Are you planning to capture this position this afternoon?"

"Yes, General!" Harmon nodded.

"I wish you victory!" Seeker exclaimed, smiling as he walked away with his hands clasped behind his back. Harmon wiped the sweat from his forehead and sighed, "Another thousand bicycles? You might as well equip me with twenty trucks. Even our division's high-power radios and generators can only be towed by horse."

His lament was soft, barely audible, tinged with envy for Akado, who dared to speak his mind. Not everyone had the courage to express their thoughts in front of a superior, least of all Colonel Harmon.

Meanwhile, a French journalist approached Seeker with a smirk, notebook in hand. "General! Will Germany equip a large number of armored cars to re-arm itself?" It was a linguistic trap; if Seeker admitted to the rearmament with vehicles, it would confirm that Germany was indeed re-arming.

"Cars? Armored cars? Those fuel-wasting, impractical things are only good for delivering milk to my troops!" Seeker retorted sharply, pointing at a nearby truck.

His response drew laughter from an American journalist standing nearby, a beautiful woman with golden wavy hair. The French reporter touched his nose, satisfied, as it seemed that Germany's reluctance to adopt new weaponry indicated a backward stance.

"Sir! When can we get a car?" a soldier asked, saluting Akado as he approached with a grim expression.

"Soon, we will have cars and armored vehicles, and then we will be the most powerful army in the world!" Akado declared, returning the salute with precision.

"We are already the most powerful army!" the soldier responded confidently. "I hope you will always be our leader!"

"Yes! And I hope you continue to trust and support me!" Akado replied, heartened by the loyalty and eagerness for new equipment he saw in his troops. His efforts over the years were paying off.

Back at the headquarters, Grace, a young lieutenant, was interrupted by Geer who tapped her shoulder badge. "Lieutenant Grace, I know you're busy, but General Seeker has an important task for you!"

"What does the General need from me?" Grace asked, puzzled, but she stood and followed the slender Geer, leaving the captain she had been talking to shrugging helplessly as he continued to sip his coffee.

In the trenches, Grace met with Akado. "Lieutenant Colonel Akado, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit from such a distinguished officer as yourself?"

Akado pointed to several remittance slips on the table. "A few days ago, your baron father developed pulmonary edema, and a mysterious benefactor covered the medical expenses—210,000 marks."

"Lieutenant Colonel Akado, you've bribed the wrong person! I was brought up by General Siket, and I would never betray him for money! Plus, when I received the anonymous remittance, I immediately informed General Hickett. He's aware of it!" Grace retorted, turning to leave. As she walked away, she mockingly added, "Now that I know who kindly helped, I'll be relieved. I'll return the money to you slowly, generous Lieutenant Colonel Akado! And you might want to think of a good reason for having so much money when explaining it to General Seeker!"

"Very good, Siket's most trusted secretary! I truly admire you!" Akado clapped and laughed, then gestured towards the remittance slips. "I advise you to take a closer look."

Grace frowned, returned to the table, and picked up the slip, her face draining of color as she read. "Since you want to return the money to the creditor, I've kindly found the address for you. A large sum of 200,000 marks was mailed to your father and brother from Paris, France—100,000 each. The address is clearly the ninth branch of the French intelligence department. You can deny it all you want, but the Gestapo will execute your family members tonight for treason."

"You're framing me!" Grace exclaimed, staring at Akado with bitterness.

"Consider your fiancé. He's just joined the Gestapo and is set to undertake missions in the Soviet Union. I presume you don't want your lover to die in Siberia?" Akado said, his tone menacing.

"Despicable!" Grace spat out.

"Okay, I admit I'm despicable! But I have one final offer." Akado spread his hands. "If you cooperate, I can give you 10 million dollars after the event."

"What do you want me to do? Kill General Siket?" Grace gasped, shocked by the amount and slightly panicked.

"No! You don't need to do anything violent. Just omit certain details when reporting on some of my activities," Akado explained with a sly smile.

"You want me to help you embezzle military funds? We'd both be shot!" Grace stared at him, incredulous.

"Embezzle military spending? The German military budget isn't even sufficient! How much would I need to embezzle to promise you 10 million dollars? You think you can let half the National Defense Force starve without anyone noticing?" Akado teased.

"Then, what exactly do you want me to hide?" Grace asked, her voice filled with resignation.

"I plan to secretly purchase cars and artillery to equip the National Defense Forces. General Sikht doesn't agree with this aggressive plan, so I intend to proceed without his approval," Akado confessed.

"Is that all?" Grace exhaled, relieved. "You scared me! No problem, I can help with that…"