I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 731: Amended - Interest Bundling

Albert I did not get one thing right.

The reason Shire appeared distant was because he considered one point:

It was important not to push the Allies into a corner too early; otherwise, once the war ended, Shire would have no leverage against the domestic capitalists and legislators.

The extinction of Romania served as a good buffer. Her oil fields, grain, and their similar rifles and ammunition to Austria-Hungary could provide the Allies with some respite.

Now.

Another interest lay before Shire: the Ploiesti Oil Field, a 50% stake.

If it were merely a matter of wealth, Shire would not be tempted.

But he knew that oil was more than just oil.

Europe had two major oil-producing regions, the first being Russia, the second Romania.

Russian oil had little relevance to other European countries; the only oil worth seizing was Romania’s.

In other words, if Shire could control Romania’s oil fields, he could strangle the future.

Only, no one else—including Queen Mary—had realized this. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

(Note: During World War I, it was still the era of mixed coal and oil machinery. The use of oil was not widespread, and many people had not recognized the importance of oil. This is one of the reasons for Romania’s low oil production at the time.)

Which interest was greater?

Prolonging Germany’s life or oil?

Queen Mary was puzzled by Shire’s hesitation, as she had thought he would give the answer she wanted immediately upon presenting the contract.

But that wasn’t the case.

Why?

Soon Queen Mary understood.

During wartime, oil couldn’t reach France; all Shire could get was the equity and the money it generated.

This meant little to Shire, as he was very wealthy—almost as rich as a nation.

Realizing this, Queen Mary grew tense again.

No, Shire’s interests must be tied to Romania, or else everything would be over.

What did Shire need more?

What had Albert I done?

Ah, this was it!

Queen Mary looked up at Shire, her face uncertain: "I have another request, General."

"What?" Shire asked, I haven’t agreed yet, and you’re making more requests?

Queen Mary fixed her eyes on Shire, trying to grasp every change in his facial expression:

"There’s also Romania’s military industry, General."

"You know, our military industry has always come from Germany and Austria-Hungary."

"But now we are at war with them and naturally cannot trust their military industry."

"So..."

Shire looked at Queen Mary in shock: "You mean, you want my military industry to enter Romania?"

"Of course." Queen Mary nodded affirmatively, feeling that this move would work, as this was the real deal that could move Shire.

She continued:

"It poses no loss to Romania; we need new military enterprises, and the equipment you produce is trustworthy."

"We will provide you with the best factories, workers, resources, and other services."

"Including tax-free policies."

"Moreover, I hope you consider that Romania has the cheapest coal and oil..."

Shire interrupted Queen Mary: "Your Majesty, I am not sure if you understand what this means."

"Of course." Queen Mary nodded: "This is Romania’s lifeline."

Once the military industry was in Shire’s hands, whether or not to declare war would be up to Shire.

Otherwise, Shire would simply need to blow up his factories, and Romania would be at the mercy of others.

Queen Mary added: "But this is still better than handing Romania over in humiliation to enemy forces, don’t you agree?"

Shire nodded in agreement with Queen Mary’s statement.

Queen Mary was smart. She was trying to find a balance between the Allies and the Axis, with Shire being a key figure among the Allies.

It was like paying protection money, similar to how many modern countries vie to buy United States equipment.

Not because U.S. equipment was excellent, but because purchasing it added a layer of security.

"One last question." Shire looked at Queen Mary seriously: "What does the King think about this matter?"

He worried that Queen Mary’s offer might be an empty promise.

"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 wrong?"

Shire smiled lightly.

Queen Mary was smarter than he had imagined.

If the war developed as Shire predicted, and Ferdinand I faced complete defeat, he would surely be panicked and waiting to be doomed.

At that time, everything Queen Mary did would be his last lifeline, and he would have no choice but to agree.

But if Shire’s estimate was wrong and Romania achieved victory, everything Shire did would be meaningless and thus be "no merit, no reward."

Playing a smart game, no loss in any situation.

Except Queen Mary didn’t know, Shire was the one who had seen the answers, there essentially wasn’t a choice between two options.

With the military industry on the table, there’s no need to consider anymore; Shire could only choose Romania.

As for how to prolong Germany’s life, he would figure it out later.

Shire felt himself aggrieved; perhaps he was the first-ever general to care about the enemy’s survival.

"Russia." Shire provided the answer: "Romania’s only lifeline is Russian reinforcements."

Queen Mary frowned, a hint of disappointment in her eyes: "That’s indeed what I demanded, but Russia is only willing to send 30,000 reinforcements. I believe it won’t make much difference."

"Yes." Shire agreed: "At least 200,000 are needed, plus the 4th Army remaining in Romania, and another batch of militiamen must be recruited to possibly hold the ground."

"200,000?" Queen Mary looked troubled: "That’s impossible, General. Russia has shown an evident refusal to my request; they are deeply entrenched in their own war troubles, 30,000 reinforcements are already the limit..."

"I know." Shire responded: "But what if it’s not a request?"

"What do you mean?" Queen Mary looked puzzled.

Shire pulled out a map from his pocket, spread it on the table, and pointed at it:

"Once Romania is captured by the German Army, the German Army’s Eastern Front will perfectly close, allowing them to use fewer troops to form a complete line of defense against Russia."

"Conversely, if Romania remains unconquered, it will be a thorn in the German Army’s rear."

"And Russia controls the Black Sea; they can continuously send troops and supplies to Romania by sea transport and launch back-attacks on the German defense line at any time."

Queen Mary suddenly understood: "This is not a plea for help but Russia’s self-preservation tactic?"

(The red line in the image shows Russia’s reinforcement route through the Black Sea. Reinforcing Romania from Russia’s Crimea Peninsula is only over 400 kilometers, and with World War I merchant ships’ speeds of 10 to 16 knots, it only takes about one day to arrive.)