I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 975: Shire Treats It as Leverage

That night, William II announced his abdication and escaped Sanssouci Palace with his family mixed among the guards early the next morning.

Amid cheers, the German military and civilians established a temporary government, which took the initiative to negotiate an armistice with the Allies.

...

July brought misty rain to Pondisai Castle.

Perhaps because Belgium is near the coast, the weather changes rapidly; it was sunny just a moment ago, and now suddenly it has turned gloomy.

The news of William II’s abdication spread like wildfire throughout Liège City, and everyone wore smiles.

Though the war was not yet completely over, they saw hope in it.

Thus, wherever Shire walked, he was surrounded by warm greetings:

"Salute to you, General."

"Thank you very much for bringing us out of the pain of war."

"We’re about to win, General; it’s all thanks to you!"

...

The US Army remained inactive, and Pershing sent a telegram to Shire:

"Vice Admiral, the American Expeditionary Force will follow your command."

"However, I believe you no longer need the American Expeditionary Force’s participation."

"We would be pleased to remain in Freeman to prepare for prisoner reception and post-war arrangements."

Shire understood Pershing’s intent; he did not wish to vie for glory with the French Army, thinking it an affront to the French Army, to Shire, and even to himself.

Shire agreed to Pershing’s request, as indeed the American Expeditionary Force wasn’t needed at this time.

The British Army wasn’t like this.

After Haig’s dismissal, Lieutenant General Plumer, commander of the British Expeditionary Force’s 2nd Army, was appointed as the commander of the British Expeditionary Force.

The British Army followed closely behind the French Army to launch attacks on the German Army.

They were vying for leverage in the upcoming armistice negotiations.

But the German Army did not meet their expectations; they repeatedly and coldly defeated the British Army’s offensives, even though many within the German Army felt continued fighting was pointless.

Tijani was puzzled by this and asked the German prisoners who voluntarily surrendered: "Why don’t you want to surrender to the British? Is it because you’re afraid they’ll kill you?"

"No," replied the German prisoners, their faces serious, "The one who defeated us is Shire, General. We will only surrender to those who beat us and their army!"

...

While everyone was preparing for the concluding battle and negotiations, Shire’s focus remained on the "White Lady."

Shire ordered Lucia to use her influence to recruit one person: Einstein.

At this time, he was a professor at Humboldt University in Berlin. If they could enlist him to work for the Bernard Group in France, he would secure France’s position for decades or even centuries.

While anxiously awaiting news, a guard reported, "General, General Winter is outside, and he wishes to speak with you."

Originally, Shire did not want to see him, as there was nothing more for France and England to discuss. The two countries were currently caught in the so-called "Thucydides Trap": France being the rising power, England the established power.

According to Thucydides’ theory, a war between the two seems inevitable.

However, historically no war occurred between England and the United States.

Shire believed this was due to the Minister of Military Supplies’ shortsightedness and foolishness, so Shire merely needed to protect the Minister of Military Supplies and ensure he becomes the British Prime Minister in the future.

Even if an unexpected war did happen, France now feared nothing.

On second thought, Shire decided it would be prudent to talk to him, as France had changed; as the founding nation of the "International Alliance," its every action and word was under the observation of other countries, requiring them to appear magnanimous.

"Dear Vice Admiral." General Winter greeted Shire with an exaggerated embrace, like a long-lost friend.

Though General Winter tried to appear at ease, Shire detected something in his demeanor.

Even when Winter sought favor from Shire or was amazed by Shire’s tactics, his words and eyes would reveal a subtle sense of superiority.

It had no tangible expression.

On the surface, he appeared courteous, but sometimes a faint disdain at the corner of his mouth or impatience in his eyes told of a psychological superiority.

But now, this feeling was completely gone.

Standing before him was still General Winter, yet he seemed to be a different person; his smile was only humble, cautious, even fearful.

Shire inquired, "General, are you here representing yourself or England?"

General Winter seemed a bit crestfallen: "Come on, Vice Admiral, I thought we were not that estranged..."

"I agree." Shire interrupted Winter’s words: "But not as familiar as you think."

General Winter had to consider issues from England’s perspective, which was understandable.

But since that was the case, he should align himself correctly and avoid empty talk; moreover, Shire did not consider himself as having considerable personal ties with Winter.

"Alright." General Winter spoke resignedly: "The first thing, you should know that William II has fled to Holland."

"Is that so?" replied Shire. "I wasn’t aware of this."

General Winter couldn’t help but laugh; given your intelligence network, Shire, how could you not know this?

"We hope you can exert pressure on Holland," stated General Winter. "Get Holland to surrender William II."

"Surrender William II?" Shire retorted: "Why?"

General Winter looked at Shire incredulously: "Just like you said, he’s the culprit of this war, the one directly responsible. Shouldn’t we arrest him and interrogate him?"

"Then send him to the guillotine?" Shire shook his head with a smile:

"I also hope so, General."

"But the problem is Holland is a sovereign and independent country, even a member of the ’International Alliance.’"

"And I, as well as France, promised all member nations to protect their interests, not ’exert pressure.’"

"So you intend to just let it go?" General Winter’s pace quickened involuntarily: "Just let a criminal roam free, living in Holland without concern after causing such damage?"

Shire shrugged: "That’s not my decision to make. You should ask Queen Wilhelmina."

General Winter did not believe a word.

With Shire’s current power, just a hint to Queen Wilhelmina, without even needing to clearly say it, she would immediately hand William II over to Shire.

But Shire chose not to do so.

Then Shire added, "William II can no longer cause any harm, General, unless he knows something."

General Winter instantly understood the implication behind Shire’s words.

William II is a piece of evidence, proof of secret dealings between Britain and the United States.

As for whether to reveal it, that would depend on Shire’s mood.

In other words, Shire was using it as leverage!