I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 974: William II’s Intentions

Washington convened an urgent press conference:

"We regret the incident at Freeman’s joint command headquarters and are shocked by Baker’s actions."

"It’s unbelievable that Baker, as the U.S. Secretary of War, secretly reached an agreement with the Germans and set a trap."

"The White House was unaware of these matters, and we will certainly investigate this thoroughly."

"Until then, affairs of the US Army in France will be entirely overseen by General Pershing."

...

The War Office in London subsequently sent a telegram to Clemenceau:

"Everything done by England and Haig was unrelated; all of this was Haig’s personal actions."

"Please trust that we are steadfast allies; our goals have always been consistent."

"Especially at this final juncture, with victory almost within our grasp, the British Government certainly wouldn’t be foolish enough to betray allies and reach an agreement with the Germans."

...

Clemenceau only smiled lightly when he received the telegram.

These words may deceive others but not me; taking me for a fool.

England’s interest has never been to defeat Germany, but to defeat Shire and maintain the number one spot in the world.

Previously, you might have had a chance, but now everything is too late.

...

Public opinion continues to ferment around the world.

Although Britain and the United States responded timely, the impact of this matter is too significant, and it’s not something that can be easily disentangled.

The Times openly questioned:

"What is our government doing?"

"They told us that soldiers heading to the battlefield were fighting against the Germans, against their aggression, to end the war and for the peace of humanity."

"But in the end, we find ourselves as allies with the Germans and enemies with Shire?"

"So, is our next step to launch an attack on France?"

"Although the British Expeditionary Force is not as strong as Shire’s army, I firmly believe that with the British Expeditionary Force as internal support, we can surely win!"

...

Artillery fire could be heard from afar at the Liege Fortress, the smoke in the air had not fully dissipated, and the entire city was celebrating with joy.

Not long ago, there were still a few German Army fortresses holding on with a shred of hope: as long as they held out until reinforcements arrived, they still had hope of victory.

However, Shire’s dive bombers appeared, and after destroying several small fortresses, they shattered the Germans’ beliefs.

Shire set up the command post at the northeastern corner of the "Rautis Fortress."

This was a castle that had not been bombed, located close to German territory. Standing at the shooting port, one could see soldiers continuously moving into Germany.

They were infantry from France’s 6th Army and soldiers from Belgium’s first special reconnaissance troops.

In this battle, the Belgian Army played a good supporting role, familiar with the terrain and many being able to speak German, communicating effortlessly with the German civilians.

However, Shire’s focus wasn’t on these.

He sent a telegram to Kristen: "Do you know what needs to be done?"

"Yes, General." Kristen replied, "It’s already in progress!"

"Good!" Shire nodded in satisfaction.

The Ruhr Industrial District is Germany’s most important industrial area, teeming with all kinds of talent, including military industry.

From the outbreak of war until now, Germany has been striving to catch up with Shire’s research pace, and the speed has been quite swift, which surprised Shire somewhat.

Shire understands well that talent is the most important thing, and he wouldn’t miss this opportunity.

Thus, in the Ruhr Industrial District, all sectors including artillery, machinery, aircraft, and metallurgy, all researchers and technicians are recruited under Shire’s command.

Of course, Shire adheres to voluntary principles.

However, when recruiting talent, Kristen would bring a few fully armed soldiers stained with fresh blood.

Kristen would display politeness:

"If anyone is unwilling to work for Bernard, please raise your hand!"

"Rest assured, we are French, and we abide by French principles. Even if you are unwilling, we wouldn’t do anything to you."

Gunfire and screams would appropriately sound from outside the window.

Of course, this is just an act.

Kristen would walk to the window, pull down the curtains, turn back, and ask again: "Tell me, who?"

Then, the researchers would respond decisively:

"We are all willing to work for Shire, General."

"Yes, working for Shire is our honor."

"He offers a generous salary and will bring over our families; we have no reason to disagree."

...

Then, Kristen would cooperate with these talents to dismantle and remove the machinery from the Ruhr District as much as possible.

They possess advanced technology that France does not have, or rather, expensive equipment.

This is one of Shire’s objectives in attacking the Ruhr Industrial District.

France’s military strength, plus German talent, and Shire’s strategic vision, it’s not hard to imagine how great an advantage France will seize.

Just as Shire deliberates on how to utilize these talents, a staff officer reports to Shire: "General, General Tijani called in; they’ve received a surrender request from the Germans."

Shire "oh" in surprise: "Is it the German tank division?"

"No, General." The staff responds excitedly: "It’s German Emperor William II, he hopes to represent Germany in surrender to you."

Shire was taken aback; does this mean the war is over?

The surrounding communications officers also showed pleased expressions, some even quietly cheering.

However, Shire remained composed, thought for a moment, and resolutely refused: "No, he cannot represent Germany anymore."

Shire saw through William II’s mind.

At this moment, a rebellion is erupting within Germany, and angry people want William II to step down and relinquish power.

If Shire agrees for William II to represent Germany in surrender, it would mean Shire recognizes William II’s identity.

As a result, under Shire’s military threat and prestige, William II might still retain his position.

Shire isn’t that foolish to be manipulated at this moment.

...

Germany’s Sanssouci Palace.

It no longer held its former tranquility, surrounded by civilians demanding an explanation from William II.

More people didn’t want an explanation but hoped for William II’s abdication.

In the fearful living room, William II paced back and forth anxiously, waiting for Shire’s reply.

"As long as Shire agrees, everything will be different," he muttered, "Even if Shire wants me to become a puppet, just like Clemenceau."

William II believed this was alluring for Shire.

But he was wrong.

Even if Shire needs a puppet, it wouldn’t be one abandoned by the military and civilians.

Given the current situation, choosing any meritorious German Army soldier would be preferable to him as an emperor.

Finally, the attendant officer brought the telegram.

William II glanced at it and sat on the sofa like a deflated ball.

For him, everything was over!