I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France

The spring chill lingered, with yellow cottonwood fluff floating through the air.

The French plane trees would burst open when the fruits matured, scattering dark yellow tufts that danced with the wind, swirling like falling snowflakes, or gathering into clusters in some corners.

Shire sat in the command center, sipping coffee and looking out the window at the scenery.

Shire didn't like these plane tree tufts. Though they looked romantic, they were invasive, getting into clothes, eyes, and noses, making them impossible to guard against.

However, the French plane trees were ubiquitous in the streets and alleys of Paris, almost the most common roadside tree. Come May, one inevitably suffered because of them.

Under these circumstances, Shire preferred to stay in the office and read documents.

Tijani seemed used to it. As usual, he went to the training ground to be with the soldiers, especially now that a few "Shire A1" tanks had been transferred from the tank brigade to enhance tank coordination training, making Tijani even more enthusiastic.

There were two knocks on the door. After receiving permission, the guard came in to report, "General, General Winter wishes to see you. He is now at the base gate."

The police training base was a military stronghold. Without approval, no one could enter, including General Winter.

Shire was quite surprised. Shouldn't Winter be commanding the battle at Gelibolu?

However, Shire did not hesitate and nodded to give the order, "Let him in."

"Yes, General."

Soon, General Winter appeared before Shire.

He enthusiastically stepped forward to shake hands with Shire, then patted Shire's shoulder while glancing at his rank insignia. "Look, you're already a brigadier!"

"General." Shire said, "If you're here to ask me if there's a way to break the Gelibolu stalemate, I'm sorry, I'm helpless."

"I know, Shire." General Winter smiled and shook his head. "I've realized that this seems like an extension of the Western Front. If you could break the stalemate at Gelibolu, it would mean you could do the same on the Western Front."

General Winter then sighed, "You were right all along. We shouldn't have attacked Gelibolu in the first place. The Minister of the Navy's mistake was not listening to your advice, leading to this quagmire we're now stuck in."

Once a war begins, ending it is not so easy, even though many people know it's wrong.

For instance, is there still a chance for victory?

Should the Minister of the Navy fulfill his promise to serve as a soldier on the front lines?

And what would be the impact of admitting failure and a complete withdrawal?

(Note: Later, the Minister of the Navy did fulfill his promise to fight on the front lines, but he served for less than a month as an officer and not at the forefront. This instead became his political capital, portraying him as a politician who had been in the trenches.)

"We cannot withdraw our troops at this time." General Winter said firmly, "Not at the moment."

Shire looked at General Winter in confusion. If they were on the wrong path, shouldn't they end it as soon as possible?

"I should remind you, General." Shire said, handing General Winter a cup of instant coffee, "Spring is almost over, and then comes the hot summer and Gelibolu's rainy season. That will bring problems like disease, plague, and supply difficulties."

In battle, there would inevitably be bodies exposed in the wilderness, unable to be buried. The coastal summer heat and humidity would cause rapid decay and the spread of disease.

Historically, the Gelibolu campaign had to be abandoned when a plague broke out.

"I know." General Winter nodded, "But this period is crucial."

Shire misunderstood, "Do you have a new battle plan?"

He thought General Winter and others wanted to make one last attempt.

General Winter sipped his coffee and shook his head slightly, replying, "It's about Italy. We plan to win her over."

Shire immediately understood. To bring Italy, the middle power, into the Allies' fold, they couldn't afford to lose the battle.

Not only couldn't they lose, but they needed a victory...

Realizing this, Shire looked at General Winter in astonishment, "Is that why you're here?"

General Winter laughed, "You miss nothing. Yes, we hope you can command a battle, specifically a notable victory. We unanimously believe only you can achieve this."

Since Shire's victory at Gelibolu, even the Minister of the Navy trusted only Shire.

General Winter then explained, "This is why I came to you personally. The fewer people who know about this, the better. I haven't informed anyone in the French military, including General Gallieni."

Shire was silent for a while before asking, "This battle, must it be won? No options for failure?"

"You could say that." General Winter nodded, "If we lose, it might solidify Italy's decision to side with the Germans. It would be even harder to win her over, possibly at a greater cost."

Shire hummed in acknowledgment, "In that case, you should let the French military know."

"What do you mean?" General Winter gave Shire a puzzled look.

"You might know something about the Germans." Shire said, "They have new aircraft and tanks."

"Yes." General Winter nodded.

General Winter's information came from MI6, while Shire's came from the "Lady in White."

"But I only know this." Shire asked, "Do you have more detailed intel on them? For example, the new aircraft's speed, weaponry, and the new tank's armor thickness and firepower?"

"No, we don't." General Winter shook his head.

MI6 isn't omnipotent.

Shire spread his hands, "So, you should tell the French military."

Seeing General Winter still looking confused, Shire added, "Schneider has recently developed a new tank, and they intend to showcase it."

General Winter suddenly understood, "You mean the French military would send Schneider's new tank?"

"Why not?" Shire asked in return, "Schneider has always tried to prove his tank is superior to mine. On the other hand, if his tank doesn't get used, he won't get further orders, so..."

"So they will seize this opportunity!" General Winter realized, "And once their tank enters the battlefield, it will draw out the Germans' new tanks and aircraft, giving you the chance to be prepared!"

Shire nodded slightly, "This battle must be a victory; I can only fight a prepared battle!"

General Winter smiled meaningfully. Was Shire doing this for public or personal reasons?

For the public, this strategy indeed had a higher chance of victory.

For personal reasons, he could suppress his competitors.

But what did it matter?

As long as the goal benefitting Britain was met!