Chapter 884 When will Charles come?

Charles's guess was not entirely correct.

If he just wanted to inform the US military to leave the French command system, Pershing only needed to send a telegram or make a phone call to Charles.

After all, it is a military unit, and there are not as many red tapes as in a peaceful society.

The reason why Pershing personally went from Freeman to Metz's headquarters was because he wanted to make one last attempt.

"Lieutenant General." In the conference room, Pershing looked at Charles with a pleading look in his eyes: "I sincerely hope that you can join us and end this war once and for all. This is what you want, right?"

Ciel remained unmoved, knowing that the truth was not as it seemed.

The war could be ended now, the only problem was that Britain would not get the reparations and the US loans would become bad debts.

"I'm sorry, Brigadier General," Charles replied, "It's not that I don't want to do this, but so far, I haven't thought of a way to break through the Hindenburg Line."

"As long as you are willing to join," Pershing said, "this itself is a victory, even if you join in name only."

Pershing really believed so.

Even if Charles did not offer any constructive suggestions, the soldiers would have more confidence in the battle as long as they knew that Charles was commanding them.

Charles is the anchor that holds the ship together.

Charles smiled lightly and replied meaningfully: "You think too simply, Brigadier General. Even if you want to do so, they will not agree."

Pershing was stunned, then nodded helplessly.

The purpose of the United States in forming this alliance, in addition to defeating Germany and forcing it to surrender completely, was also to isolate Charles.

On the other hand, British and American senior officials, including President Wilson, believed that the Germans were at the end of their strength and that they would definitely win the battle without Charles.

Then, how could they allow Charles to join in "sharing" this glory?

Only Pershing knew that this was not the case.

Without Charles' participation, this battle would likely end in a bloodbath with nothing achieved.

But no one is willing to believe what he says!

"Face it, Brigadier General," said Charles. "That's politics."

Pershing still did not give up, with an urgent look in his eyes:

"If, I mean if."

"If you had to launch an attack on the Hindenburg Line, I wonder what you would do?"

Then he added: "I know this is difficult and not in your interest, but please give me some advice for the sake of the soldiers' lives."

Charles thought for a moment and replied calmly, "Don't believe that your firepower can completely destroy the enemy's high ground."

Charles believed that the highland battle would be the key to this campaign.

Hindenburg was not stupid. He knew the advantages and disadvantages of Germany and the Anglo-American coalition forces.

The German army certainly cannot compare with the British and American Allied Forces in terms of equipment quantity, supplies and manpower. The German army's advantage is the quality of its soldiers.

And high ground warfare is where the quality of soldiers can be maximized.

Pershing understood after a brief thought. He stood up and shook hands with Charles: "Thank you very much, Lieutenant General!"

Then he saluted Charles with a proper military gesture.

Looking at Pershing's leaving back, Charles sighed.

A standard professional soldier possesses rare and valuable qualities: he is not vain, values ​​actual combat, and is hungry for advanced tactics and equipment.

If he were in command, this battle might not have gone too wrong.

It’s a pity that given the British’s arrogance, it is impossible for them to allow these fledgling recruits to climb over their heads: If the Americans have the final say, what does the British Empire, the world’s most powerful country, mean?

Therefore, this battle was destined to be a tragedy.

…

The Royal Palace of Brussels, the capital of Belgium, next to the park.

(The picture above shows the Royal Palace in Brussels, which was the official office of Albert I before the war. It was destroyed during the war and restored after the war)

Albert I renovated several damaged offices for office use. During this time he actively reorganized the cabinet and restored people's livelihood.

The benefit of this war was that Belgium, which was originally politically divided, was reunited under the banner of King Albert I.

Before this, his power was almost hollowed out. Major affairs had to be agreed and approved by parliament. The king had no choice and was only responsible for signing.

But now, thanks to Albert I's outstanding performance during the war, he once again took control of military and political power.

But Albert I knew that all this was because of Charles. Without Charles, Belgium would be nothing.

Therefore, we must stand firmly on Charles' side in everything.

"How is the defense of Namur going?" Albert asked Major General Eden.

"It's going well, Your Majesty," Major General Eden replied. "We have built three lines of defense and have strengthened and repaired the fortress."

This was part of the Shire's defense plan, with Namur opposite the fortress of Liège.

Liège was the only Belgian territory occupied by the Germans.

Sometimes, Albert I even wanted to drag Charles back from France: This is the only piece of land left, can't you liberate all of Belgium first and then retake France?

But Albert I knew this was impossible. Charles was French and he had to prioritize the interests of France.

"I heard that Charles has recovered Lorraine and Alsace." Eden said, "This is good news."

"Yes, of course." Albert I's face was instantly filled with smiles.

He also heard that Charles had no intention of attacking the Hindenburg Line, so the next step should be to come back and recapture the Liege Fortress, right?

At this time, the guard reported: "Your Majesty, the French Minister of the Navy is here to visit, and he wants to talk to you."

Albert I jumped up excitedly and hugged Eden's shoulders excitedly: "Look, what we want is coming true. The time for complete victory has come. Major General, prepare for battle!"

"Yes, Your Majesty." Major General Eden's eyes were also filled with excitement.

Being able to fight alongside Charles again is an honor that not everyone can have!

Albert I went out in person and brought the Minister of the Navy into the conference room.

"Congratulations, Mr. Minister." Albert I tried to remain calm. He shook hands with the Minister of the Navy very gracefully. "I heard that Charles recently recovered Lorraine and Alsace and completed the feat of recovering the entire territory!"

"Yes." The Navy Minister nodded: "Are you ready?"

"Preparing for what?" asked Albert I.

"Of course, to recover all of Belgium," the Navy Minister replied. "We think the time has come."

"Yes, of course." Albert I was so excited that his whole body shook like a sieve and his breathing became rapid.

Is this day finally coming?

"When will Charles come?" Albert I asked with anticipation.

"Charles?" The Navy Minister looked puzzled. "Why do you think Charles will come?"

Albert I's smile froze on his face and his eyes lost their luster in an instant.

(End of this chapter)