Chapter 735: Interests Bundled
There was one thing Albert I was not right about.
The reason why Charles acted indifferent was because he considered one thing:
The Allies must not be pushed into a desperate situation too early, otherwise, after the war, Charles would have no bargaining chips to deal with domestic capitalists and parliamentarians.
The destruction of Romania was a good buffer; its oil fields, food, and the same rifles and ammunition as those of the Austro-Hungarian Empire gave the Allies a break.
Now.
Another interest lay before Charles: the Ploiesti oil field, a 50% stake.
If it was just wealth, Charles wouldn't be tempted.
But he knew that oil was more than just oil.
The two major oil producing regions in Europe are Russia and Romania.
Russia's oil has basically nothing to do with other European countries, the only country that can be snatched is Romania.
In other words, if Charles could control Romania's oil fields, he would have a stranglehold on the future.
It's just that no one else, including Queen Mary, realized this.
(Note: During World War I, we were still in the mechanical age of coal and oil, and the use of oil was not widespread. Many people did not realize the importance of oil, which was one of the reasons why Romania's oil production was not high at that time)
Which benefit is greater?
To save Germany's life or to save oil?
Queen Marie was confused by Charles's hesitation. She thought that after she threw out the contract, Charles would immediately give her the answer she wanted.
But that is not the case.
Why?
Then Queen Mary understood.
During the war, oil could not be shipped to France, and all Charles could get was the equity and the money it generated.
This didn't mean much to Charles, he was very rich, almost as rich as a country.
Thinking of this, Queen Mary became nervous again.
No, the interests of the Shire must be tied to those of Romania, or all would be lost.
What did Charles need more?
What else did Albert I do?
Yes, that’s it!
Queen Marie looked up at Charles, her face hesitant: "I have another request, General."
"What?" Charles asked. I haven't agreed yet, and you're still making demands?
Queen Marie stared at Charles, trying to grasp every change in his facial expression:
"And Romania's military industry, General."
"You know, our military industry has always come from Germany and Austria-Hungary."
"But now that we are at war with them, we naturally cannot trust their military industry."
"so……"
Charles looked at Queen Marie in shock: "You mean, you want my military industry to be stationed in Romania?"
"Of course." Queen Marie nodded affirmatively. She felt that this was the right move. This was what could truly impress Charles.
She continued:
"This is no loss for Romania. We need new military industrial enterprises to move in, and the equipment you produce is trustworthy."
"We will provide you with the best factories, workers, resources, and other services."
“And of course there are tax exemptions.”
"I hope you will also consider that Romania has the cheapest coal and oil..."
Charles interrupted Queen Marie: "Your Majesty, I'm not sure you know what this means."
"Of course." Queen Marie nodded: "This is the lifeblood of Romania."
Once the military industry is in Charles' hands, he will have the final say on whether war can be declared in the future.
Otherwise, Charles only needs to blow up his own factory and Romania will be at the mercy of others.
Queen Marie added: "But it's better than handing Romania over to someone else in humiliation, isn't it?"
Charles nodded in agreement with Queen Marie.
Queen Marie was very smart. She was trying to strike a balance between the Allies and the Central Powers, and Charles was a key figure in the Allies.
She was "paying protection money," just as many modern countries scramble to buy American equipment.
It’s not because American equipment is so good, but because buying American equipment provides an extra layer of security.
"One last question." Charles looked at Queen Marie seriously: "What does the king think about this matter?"
He was worried that this was a bad check from Queen Mary.
"Don't worry about that." Queen Mary replied calmly: "If your prediction is correct, the king will have no objection. Otherwise, you are not trustworthy, am I right?"
Ciel smiled softly.
Queen Mary was smarter than he thought.
If the war developed as Charles said, Ferdinand I would be completely defeated and would be in a panic and waiting for the destruction of his country.
At that time, what Queen Mary did would be his last straw, and he would have no choice but to agree.
But if Charles's prediction was wrong and Romania won, then everything Charles did would be meaningless, and of course it would be "no gain without merit".
He made good calculations and never suffered any loss in any situation.
But Queen Marie didn't know that Charles was the one who had seen the answer, and there was no such thing as a choice between two options.
There is no need to consider military industry, so Charles can only choose Romania.
As for how to prolong Germany's life, we will find a way later.
Charles felt that he was very wronged. He might be the first general in history who had to worry about the life and death of his enemies.
"Russia," Charles answered. "Romania's only chance of survival is Russian reinforcements."
Queen Mary frowned, with a hint of disappointment in her eyes: "I did ask for that, but Russia is only willing to send 30,000 reinforcements. I don't think it will do anything."
"Yes." Charles agreed: "At least 200,000 troops, plus the Romanian 4th Army left in the country, and a group of militiamen, will be needed to hold on."
"200,000?" Queen Mary looked troubled: "That's impossible, General. Russia has clearly rejected my request. They are deeply mired in the quagmire of war. 30,000 reinforcements are already the limit..."
"I know," Ciel replied, "but what if it's not a request?"
"What do you mean?" Queen Mary looked confused.
Ciel took out a map from his pocket and placed it on the table, pointing at it and saying:
"Once Romania is captured by the German army, the German Eastern Front will be perfectly closed, and the German army can form a complete defense line against Russia with fewer troops."
"On the contrary, if Romania had not been occupied by the German army, Romania would have been a thorn in the rear of the German army."
"Russia also controls the Black Sea. They can continuously transport troops and supplies to Romania by sea, and attack the German defense line from the rear at any time."
Queen Mary suddenly realized: "This is not a call for help, but a tactic for Russia to protect itself?"
(The red line in the above picture is the reinforcement route of Russia in the Black Sea. It is only more than 400 kilometers from the Crimean Peninsula of Russia to Romania. At the speed of 10 to 16 knots of merchant ships in World War I, it can arrive in about a day)
(End of this chapter)
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