Chapter 154: Charles Has No Secrets Left

Chapter 154: Charles Has No Secrets Left

The next morning, Paris newspapers were abuzz with headlines about Charles:

"Parliament Decides: Will Charles Create Another Miracle?"

"If Charles Reclaims Lafaux, It Proves Not Only His Abilities but the Superiority of His Tanks!"

"French Military Tactics Could Be Redefined."

And it wasn't just in France. Media in Britain, the United States, Russia, and even Germany turned their attention to the 20-kilometer-long Lafaux frontline. Reporters from around the world were stationed near the region, some even venturing directly into the trenches to capture exclusive front-line stories. Suddenly, Lafaux—a previously unknown stretch—had become the center of attention, as if it was the only active front in the 300-kilometer battlefield.

Lafaux Defensive Line, West Side

About ten kilometers from the front line lay Ferrocourt, a small town bustling with journalists from all over the world, volunteer groups, and the first wave of donated supplies. The town, usually home to only a few hundred people, had suddenly become a hive of activity.

Some were under umbrellas, others in raincoats, and some braving the drizzle unprotected, all eagerly awaiting Charles's tanks and troops. But Charles's forces hadn't arrived yet, leading the journalists to turn their attention to Joffre, who had yet to leave the front.

"General, do you think Charles can successfully reclaim Lafaux?"

"We've heard the Germans have bolstered their artillery at Lafaux, increasing their firepower several times over. Do you think this is fair to Charles?"

"Are you staying here to put pressure on him?"

Joffre answered most questions with measured indifference, but the last one struck a nerve. Gallieni had repeatedly asked Joffre and his staff to vacate the Lafaux area, fearing they might undermine Charles's authority. Charles would be commanding from Paris via phone and radio, yet if Joffre remained with his own high-ranking officers at the front, a conflict of authority might ensue.

During combat, Joffre could potentially override Charles's orders, leaving Charles's units in confusion. And if communications were cut off, Joffre could very well assume direct command, putting Charles and his forces under constant threat of being undermined. It was a real danger, with the troops potentially sacrificing their lives as pawns in internal disputes.

However, Joffre had his own explanation, straightening up and responding with his usual confidence, "I believe any competent commander must be able to lead directly from the front. The nature of battle changes quickly and presents many unexpected crises. Commanding by phone or radio often cannot address such issues in real time. My command staff and I remain here to ensure those dangers are handled swiftly."

Some journalists nodded approvingly, though a reporter from Le Petit Journal took the bold step of following up: "But, General, as I understand it, you keep strictly to a daily schedule, even during operations. How do you handle these emergencies while you're asleep?"

Momentarily taken aback, Joffre responded hastily, "I have designated interim commanders, and I'm confident they can manage any emergency situations."

The same reporter pressed further, "Then could Charles not adopt the same approach? I mean, appointing a deputy to handle immediate crises on the front while he coordinates strategy from Paris…"

At this, Joffre's deputy, General Canese, stepped in to cut the exchange short. "That's enough for today, gentlemen. The General has much to attend to. Any additional questions can wait for the next briefing."

As the journalists dispersed, disappointed by the abrupt end, a shout from another part of the crowd caught their attention: "Charles's forces are on the move! They've left!"

Sensing a story, the journalists swarmed around the source, asking eagerly:

"What's happening? How do you know they've left?"

"Who told you?"

"Is this confirmed?"

The speaker, a volunteer, explained, "Usually, Charles's train leaves at five in the morning, but today it didn't depart until just now!" The journalists checked the time; it was well past eight, an unusual delay, possibly indicating tanks and troops were finally being transported.

One journalist muttered in concern, "Doesn't that mean the Germans will know they're coming?"

A military reporter, glancing around at the surrounding crowd, chuckled, "It seems there's little need for secrecy here."

The journalists exchanged understanding nods and glances, some agreeing while others frowned thoughtfully. Lafaux was teeming with people, from journalists to German spies and bribed informants. It would be impossible for Charles's movements to remain hidden.

A reporter from Le Petit Journal smirked and said, "What do you think? Was this intentional?"

The others exchanged knowing glances. Under normal circumstances, Ferrocourt would have been under strict lockdown as a launch point for an offensive. Roads from the station to the town would have been closed, lined with guards and police screening for spies. But now, anyone could come and go freely—hardly normal protocol.

Paris, 16th Arrondissement

In the wealthy district, Stede sat at the dining table of his private estate, a grand chateau with a vineyard for his own wine production. Wearing a golden robe, he ate leisurely, accepting a check from his butler.

"This is the military payment for the hand grenades, sir," the butler explained.

Stede raised an eyebrow, giving the check a satisfied flick. Though a modest amount, it represented hope for him. Smiling, he said to his butler, "Saint-Étienne is about to shine once again, Lucas!" Stede seemed to relish the vision of his company's resurgence.

The phone rang. Lucas answered promptly, then returned to report, "Sir, that was from Le Petit Journal. They say Charles's actions are an open book; there are no secrets left about his operations in Lafaux."

Stede grunted, unsurprised. With Joffre, Schneider, the Motor Technical Services, and the conservative elite all working against Charles, he knew Charles was effectively surrounded by opponents with considerable power.

But despite the odds, Stede had confidence in Charles. Somehow, Charles would find a way to succeed—though Stede didn't know quite how.

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