Chapter 177: A Strange Alliance

Chapter 177: A Strange Alliance

By morning, the rain had stopped, and the sun even made a brief appearance. After the rain, Ost Park looked like an enchanted paradise, the world infused with a fresh, crisp air, mist lingering faintly among the valley trees, with a babbling mountain stream beside them and lush green grass beneath their feet.

At first, Armand was puzzled as to why Grévy had brought him there, but as they climbed a grassy hill and looked down upon the town of Dawa and its industrial area, he understood. It was an ideal observation point; with a pair of binoculars, every move at Charles's tractor factory was in full view. This time, however, Grévy's gaze was fixed on Francis's tractor factory.

Following Grévy's line of sight, Armand murmured, "Oh, so Schneider has already moved into Francis's tractor factory!"

Grévy gave a slight nod. Evidence was clear: a railway spur had been laid directly to the factory, and the previously deserted facility was now abuzz with activity, cars coming and going as production resumed. But they weren't manufacturing the outdated "Holt 60." Instead, they were producing the more advanced "Holt 120," superior to Charles's model.

It was obvious Schneider hadn't bothered setting up a new factory; instead, they upgraded the already infamous Francis Tractor Factory, intending to suppress Charles's operations.

"Charles must be feeling the pressure," Armand chuckled.

Schneider had money to burn, but Charles did not. Schneider's plan was clear: leverage their financial advantage to shrink Charles's market, even if it cost them 10 francs just to deny Charles 1 franc in profits.

Grévy shook his head. "Not necessarily."

Armand looked at him curiously. "I heard that Schneider is pricing the Holt 120 at 1,200 francs, the same as Charles's Holt 75. Who would still buy the Holt 75?"

If the same money could buy a better, more advanced tractor, why wouldn't they? Even those who admired Charles—crowding the streets of Paris to greet him, offering flowers and gratitude—would probably buy the Holt 120 by nightfall.

"I've heard Charles is working on improvements to the Holt 75," Grévy said. "The difference between the Holt 120 and Holt 75 isn't that great. Given Charles's capabilities, it wouldn't be difficult for him to surpass the Holt 120."

Armand looked skeptical. "Schneider isn't lacking, either."

Was Grévy giving Charles too much credit? Charles might be talented in invention and military matters, but producing tractors required a solid technical foundation. Otherwise, he wouldn't have needed to purchase the Holt 75 production line in the first place.

"But it's not our concern," Armand said, sweeping his gaze across the two factories in the distance. "This is what you wanted—to draw Schneider's attention to Charles."

"That's still not enough, Armand," Grévy replied thoughtfully. "Far from enough."

Armand looked at him, shocked. "Are you suggesting Schneider isn't capable of handling Charles?"

Grévy didn't answer directly. He lifted his cane, turned back toward the carriage, and said, "If Schneider could handle Charles, Francis wouldn't have contacted us."

Armand was puzzled but mulled over Grévy's words as they returned to the carriage. Once seated, he carefully considered them again and suddenly understood.

Francis was a businessman driven solely by profit, and now he had thrown in his lot with Schneider. If Schneider believed they could handle Charles, they could have easily kicked Francis out of the picture and wouldn't have kept him managing the Francis Tractor Factory.

However, if Schneider lacked that confidence, they'd want Francis to maintain his connection with the right-wing faction. This way, Schneider could form an alliance with the right through Francis.

Realizing this, Armand's face lit with understanding. This was exactly what Grévy wanted. Francis was insignificant; Grévy was aiming for an alliance with Schneider.

The irony struck Armand deeply. The traditionalist right-wing was forming an alliance with a major capitalist. It was a strange turn of events indeed.

Had Charles really become so powerful?

Could he force France's two most influential factions—traditionally in opposition—to unite?

Not long after, Armand received an answer. When they arrived back at Bleid Manor, the butler approached to report, "Sir, Francis has called. He hopes to meet with you and Mr. Grévy this afternoon."

...

Charles, having breakfast at home, was also beginning to sense this shift.

Through a chain of unexpected circumstances, Francis—an otherwise minor figure—had managed to link Schneider with the entire right-wing faction, a union that would have seemed impossible. To Grévy, Charles was an even more formidable threat than Schneider, and he intended to use Schneider to push Charles out of the game.

Or, perhaps, not push him out entirely. Grévy still held onto hope, hoping this pressure would force Charles into the right-wing faction.

In Grévy's idealized vision for society, France would be an agricultural nation with limited industry. He would manage the agricultural sector, while Charles would oversee and develop industry.

Schneider's involvement was straightforward—they didn't want Charles jeopardizing their munitions business, especially in artillery. Together, Schneider and the right-wing faction could form an overwhelming majority in Parliament, rendering any alliance Charles made with Steed ineffective.

Clearly, Charles would face political obstacles going forward whenever he needed parliamentary support.

"What's on your mind?" Deyoka asked, finishing his breakfast. He stood and began clearing plates with Camille.

"Nothing, Father," Charles replied casually.

He didn't intend to discuss his rivalry with Schneider at home; there was no need to make Camille worry.

"Colonel Estigni came by last night," Deyoka mentioned. "He knows you have today off and said he'd like to discuss a few things with you. He's staying at the factory."

Colonel Estigni now held two roles: he was both an artillery officer responsible for commanding and training the tank unit and the chief designer at Charles's tractor factory. It suited him perfectly; he could research tactics while considering the future development of tanks.

"Alright, Father," Charles said, taking a few more sips of milk to wrap up breakfast, only to notice Camille watching him expectantly.

With a resigned smile, he picked up his cup and finished the milk in one gulp, even though he was already quite full.

Deyoka, with a hint of amusement, glanced at Charles and added, "Mathieu wants to speak with you as well. Seems he has a new idea to discuss."

Charles nodded, feeling a hint of satisfaction. It looked like Mathieu was finally settling into his role.

(End of Chapter)

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