I Became a Tycoon During World War I: Saving France from the Start

Chapter 268: Development Funding

To his surprise, Charles' tank design bore a striking resemblance to the model Major General Luca had been working on. At least in terms of specifications, there were several matching points: a weight of around 100 tons, guns positioned on all four sides, and armor plating approximately 30mm thick on both the front and sides.

Major General Luca was thrilled, barely able to contain his excitement. "Yes, this is exactly what I envisioned! My God! Charles and I are completely aligned—this is the tank we need. This is the future of tank warfare, without a doubt!"

"Do we have any grounds for this assumption?" Falkenhayn asked, carefully considering the proposal.

Major General Luca replied confidently, "Certainly, Chief of Staff. Thirty-millimeter armor can withstand most bullets, including those from the Char A1's 37mm gun."

"With four 70mm cannons positioned on all sides and an additional four machine guns, the tank's weight is bound to reach 100 tons."

Falkenhayn nodded slowly. This alignment wasn't mere coincidence; it was the inevitable result when design follows a shared vision.

Major General Fein's side found itself at a disadvantage. After a long pause, Fein muttered, "When can we expect to get this tank?"

It was the same question that had come up repeatedly. Major General Luca knew that the next question would be:

"If it takes months, or even a year, what will we use to counter the Char A1 in the meantime?"

Luca offered a solution that satisfied both sides. "If feasible, we could proceed with developing the super-heavy tank while also designing a lightweight model for immediate needs. And, of course, we will consider other anti-tank solutions."

Then he turned his gaze to Falkenhayn, seeking his approval.

After a brief hesitation, Falkenhayn nodded, "That sounds reasonable. The light tank can address immediate needs, while the heavy tank will be our trump card."

With that, the issue was settled.

…

In the Paris Defense Command, Charles found an opportunity to visit the officer's club and seek out Lucia.

Lucia was the same as ever, half-jokingly teasing Charles. He'd even grown somewhat accustomed to it. As she leaned close, almost brushing her face against his, he leaned in and lightly bit her ear.

Lucia jolted in surprise, as if she'd been shocked, and turned to look at him, her face flushing red like wine, her expression startled.

Charles smirked, feeling he had finally found a way to handle Lucia's antics.

"What's the matter?" he taunted. "Need me to tone it down?"

Lucia blinked and seemed to understand his intent. After a moment's hesitation, she moved a bit closer, feigning shyness as she replied in a soft, sweet voice, "Yes, Colonel, that would be best…"

Inwardly, however, Lucia thought, "As long as he thinks this makes me uncomfortable, he'll keep doing it."

Charles smiled, thinking that Lucia's reactions were just an act and that he could throw her off balance if he continued to be bolder. Little did he know, he was unwittingly stepping into the subtle web of the clever spy beside him.

Back to the task at hand, Charles leaned in and whispered, "Are all of your agents currently in Belgium?"

Lucia gave a faint smile. "Where else would I be, Colonel?"

Charles realized he'd asked a foolish question.

Lucia answered softly, "At present, we have twenty-three agents in Belgium. More accurately, it's twenty-three families, as they usually collect information together with their family members."

Charles nodded in understanding. For example, if they were tasked with observing trains, it wouldn't be feasible for just one person to monitor all day. It would require at least three people rotating shifts to ensure no critical data was missed.

"In addition, we have ten agents in France and five in the Netherlands. Most of those in France handle the transport of intelligence," Lucia added.

Charles nodded again. In this era, ordinary civilians did not have access to radios, and using phones risked exposure. Therefore, the safest way was to hide intelligence on one's person and pass it along manually.

At the height of its operations, the White Lady network was so effective that the Germans, in a desperate attempt to stop her from passing information to the Allies, even put up electric fences along the Franco-Belgian border—but to no avail.

It was remarkable that a civilian spy network could be this successful, and now she was choosing to follow Charles and accept his leadership.

"You should work on expanding your influence," Charles advised. "That's how things are in every country. I can help you with funding if needed."

Lucia hesitated and shook her head, her tone resolute, "No, Colonel. We don't require funding. And once money starts changing hands, it'll be easier for us to be exposed…"

Charles cut her off, "What if my girlfriend needed financial support, and I happened to have plenty of money to spare?"

Lucia fell silent. Charles was right; if they were a couple, accepting money from him would be perfectly natural.

"Settled, then," Charles said in a tone that brooked no argument. "If you're accepting my leadership, then it's not for you to question my orders."

"Yes, Colonel," Lucia replied, accepting his decision reluctantly. She knew he was right—if their network were to grow quickly, funding was essential. The White Lady had always wanted a more straightforward relationship with Charles.

Most of their members were not well-off; some were teachers, housewives, or farmers. They felt that serving their country was something they should do voluntarily, without pay.

"For now, let's start with the equivalent of an infantry company," Charles said, responding to The White Lady's wish to be treated as soldiers rather than spies. "The company commander will be chosen by your group."

He continued, "The members will receive corresponding ranks and the same allowance as any other unit."

"Colonel…" Lucia's eyes widened, showing a flicker of concern. "Receiving allowances could make them more vulnerable. Increased income could make them more conspicuous to others."

Charles understood her concern. Twenty francs a month might not be much, but for many of these families, it could mean doubling their income.

"That's up to you," Charles replied, not backing down. "You might consider donating the allowances back to the network to fund its operations."

Charles wanted no debts—especially not from these selfless individuals.

Lucia nodded slightly, leaning in close to return the gesture, whispering softly into his ear, "I agree, Colonel. It's an excellent idea!"

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