NOVEL WEB Chapter 392 You Played a Significant Role
Paris in May is like a flirtatious woman, quietly descending upon the City of Light.
The lights on both banks gradually lit up from far to near, casting a reddish glow on the river under the night, as if countless stars had fallen into the mortal world.
The leaves of the plane trees swayed gently in the breeze, rustling as if whispering about today's battles.
(Note: During the era of Louis XIV, Paris developed extensive sewer and lighting systems, making it the first city in the world with public lighting at night. Thousands of street lamps with candles illuminated Paris's 912 streets, hence it was called the "City of Light.")
At that time, Charles was sleeping soundly in his dormitory when he was abruptly awakened by a cheer. He rolled over and sat up, his head still groggy but his feet already opening the door and running toward the command center from where the sound came.
This was a habit Charles had developed during battles. Sometimes he felt as if his body and soul were separate; the former would instinctively follow wartime protocols, without needing his brain.
When he reached the command center, Tijani had also arrived, along with a few other staff members, all in their pajamas, looking drowsily at the on-duty signalman.
"General." The signalman ran excitedly to Charles to report, "They've joined us. Italy, just now, they declared war on Austria-Hungary and urgently mobilized their army!"
The crowd was momentarily stunned, then echoed the signalman's cheers, with some even hugging in celebration.
Only Charles remained calm, thinking to himself, what's all the fuss about? Just this!
Charles nodded, casually handed the telegram back to the signalman, yawned, and turned to head back to his dormitory.
Tijani quickly caught up from behind, speaking with a hint of confusion, "Brigadier, you don't seem to care about this?"
"Should I care?" Charles slowed his pace and asked.
"Of course," Tijani replied, "A country has joined us, and it's through your efforts. Isn't this a major victory? This war might end because of it, yet you seem indifferent."
Tijani looked Charles up and down; he seemed as if nothing had happened.
Charles stared at Tijani in disbelief. These guys actually thought the war might end because of Italy's entry!
But on second thought, it seemed plausible. At this moment, the Allies were evenly matched with the Central Powers. Italy's entry should logically tilt the balance in favor of the Allies.
But Charles knew the truth was different.
Historically, Italy had gathered over a million troops to launch an offensive but was pushed back by Austria-Hungary's hundreds of thousands at the Isonzo River. Later, when Germany sent reinforcements, Italy was nearly wiped out.
Should Charles cheer for this ally? Self-deceptively believe the war would end because of this?
Charles sighed lightly, his gaze sweeping Tijani with pity, "I'll continue dreaming. You do your part."
Without further explanation, he walked into his dormitory, closed the door, and fell stiffly onto his bed like a zombie.
In his mind, he thought, tomorrow he should tell the signalman not to disturb his precious sleep with any more news about Italy!
...
It wasn't just Tijani who thought this way. The citizens of Paris, the people of France, even the entire Allied nations thought so.
After all, it was Italy, a major power capable of easily summoning millions of troops.
The French Army also had just over a million troops, yet had managed to hold their own against the Germans. Now Italy's million-strong army would face the weakest link, Austria-Hungary, with a fivefold numerical advantage, like crossing a bridge.
So, early the next morning, when people read the news in the newspaper, all of Paris bubbled over with excitement. The streets and alleys were filled with cheers, and people enthusiastically discussed:
"Charles dealt a heavy blow to the Central Powers. The victory at Combray secured Italy for us, and their entry will end this war!"
"Yes, it makes Gelibolu less important. The Central Powers' flanks are exposed to Italy's spearhead."
"No, no, the victory at Gelibolu is also critical; it ties down the Central Powers' forces!"
...
As the war dragged on, many citizens had shifted from being completely ignorant about military matters to becoming half-experts, being able to narrate the state of battles with some logic. Some even made quite valid points.
After getting up, Charles munched on the bread sent by the orderly as usual, soon receiving a call from General Winter.
"You played a significant role in this matter, Brigadier," General Winter said.
"I know," Charles replied lazily, "Everyone says so. The victory at Combray, I've heard it over and over…"
"You think it was the Combray victory?" A slight smile came through the phone.
"What else could it be?" Charles asked, puzzled.
General Winter answered, "I already said, 'You played a significant role,' Brigadier!"
Charles then realized what General Winter meant—because of "Charles."
Charles guessed correctly. This time, Italy sent not the Foreign Minister San Lino, but the weathered 65-year-old Italian Chief of General Staff—Luigi Cadorna—to negotiate with General Winter.
As soon as General Winter saw Cadorna, he knew it was almost a done deal. Cadorna was a heavyweight figure in the Italian military, and his appearance meant Italy was ready to declare war on Germany and Austria.
General Winter felt relieved, handed over the prepared documents, and respectfully said, "General, these are the details of the Combray battle. We advanced 8 kilometers and annihilated tens of thousands of German troops. Clearly, we're winning..."
General Winter had assumed Cadorna's primary concern was this: that the Allies were winning, meaning Italy had not chosen the wrong side.
However, Cadorna did not open the documents. He didn't even glance at them.
"This is not what I want to know, Vice Admiral," Cadorna's voice was slightly hoarse but steady, "I want to know about Charles and his inventions. Are those legends true?"
General Winter was taken aback, "Of course it's true, General."
Then General Winter grew nervous again, "But I haven't prepared any information about him."
Regret flashed in Cadorna's eyes.
Seeing the negotiations about to stall again, General Winter quickly added, "But I am personally a good friend of Charles, General. We met in Antwerp when he was still a lieutenant. I know all about him and his inventions."
"Really?" Cadorna looked at General Winter with interest, "I'm all ears, Vice Admiral. Tell me what you know!"