I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 983: I Can Hardly Believe I’m Still on Earth

Chapter 983: Chapter 983: I Can Hardly Believe I’m Still on Earth

Only one Chapter today, sorry!

...

The westernmost city of Germany, Aachen, is located at the intersection of Germany, Holland, and Belgium, and is known as the "Heart of Europe."

(Above is the border marker of Germany, Holland, and Belgium, with each side of the marker inscribed with the name of the country.)

Because it is a transportation hub connecting the three countries, Germany built five train stations here to promote trade.

A convoy of cars slowly stopped in front of the main train station in Aachen, and the French Army soldiers lined up on both sides quickly held their guns and stood at attention, saluting at the officers’ command.

Shire stepped down from the car, followed closely by Albert I with a group of attendants.

As they were about to enter the gate, Albert I, walking alongside Shire, looked around with some emotion: "I have been here before to meet with William II."

Then he added another sentence: "It was before the war, Vice Admiral."

He was worried that Shire might misunderstand him as having some private dealings with the Germans.

"Of course, Your Majesty." Shire stepped into the train station gate.

He didn’t care at all, not because of his personal feelings for Albert I; such feelings are the least reliable in front of national interests.

The reason he was reassured was that Belgium was too weak, and being adjacent to France, it had no choice but to depend on France.

Albert I smiled bitterly and continued:

"Do you know what the situation was at that time?"

"William II pointed to the train stations here and asked me: Do you know why Germany dares to build five train stations here? Because Germany is the strongest, you know what I am talking about!"

"And I, however, dared not say anything and could only pretend not to understand, nodding my head respectfully."

The construction of train stations during the First World War also meant "preparation for war."

Because at this time, the army, supplies, ammunition, etc., were all transported by train.

"Now..." Albert I lifted his hands to both sides, his voice laced with sarcasm: "Germany is the strongest!"

Laughter burst forth from the attendants around.

...

On the train station platform.

Shire stood quietly waiting with a group of officers and soldiers, with many French and Belgian citizens, men and women, old and young, gathered on both sides of the tracks having heard the news.

Seeing Shire appear, they exclaimed one by one, greeting Shire, but were unable to get close due to the guards’ obstruction.

Soon, a train entered the station with a long whistle, releasing steam like thick fog as it stopped.

The military band played "La Marseillaise."

A few soldiers in tattered uniforms appeared at the carriage door, many of whom were still wearing old-style Red Army pants, though the colors had faded to almost unrecognizable shades.

They trembled as they stepped out of the train door, seeming to be blinded by the outside sunlight, either lowering their heads or covering their eyes with their hands.

Then more and more came, stepping down from the train in groups.

Some were recognized by their long-waiting family members, leading to joyful, tearful reunions.

They were prisoners of war released by Germany, including both the French Army and the Belgians.

To show sincerity, Eitzberger extended the prisoner release agreement to Belgium.

Today marked the arrival of the first batch of prisoners, and as the highest-ranking officer in the area, Shire was meant to host a welcome ceremony to honor the veterans.

Two officers emerged from the smoke, identified as a Major General and a Vice Admiral, followed by several German Army guards.

The leading German Army colonel stepped forward, saluted Shire, and shook hands:

"I must declare something, General."

"We are not escorting, but rather ensuring the safety of the train and the prisoners."

"You know, we worry that some people with ulterior motives might disrupt our ’ceasefire agreement’ and friendship."

Shire nodded: "Of course, thank you very much!"

Vice Admiral Ruffey stepped forward to shake Shire’s hand, gazing at Shire in disbelief: "So, you are Shire?"

"Yes, General." Shire replied: "Welcome home."

"Thank you!" Vice Admiral Ruffey nodded, casting a glance at the French Army soldiers lined up and on alert, bewildered.

The prisoners with him were similarly observing the soldiers, with some even doubting they were French Army soldiers.

Most of the prisoners were captured by the German Army when the war broke out in 1914.

Some were captured while attacking Metz, while others were on the Belgian border trying to block the German main forces.

Three years had swiftly passed, and detained in German prisoner camps, they knew nothing until they saw the drastically changed French Army again.

Where were the dashing uniforms they used to know?

What were those steel helmets on their heads?

And why were the rifles in their hands unrecognizable?

"Please come with me, General." Shire politely guided Vice Admiral Ruffey towards the exit: "Do not worry, General, I will arrange appropriate positions for you; you are the heroes of France."

Vice Admiral Ruffey smiled, asking in return: "Do you think we are still suitable for command?"

"What?" Shire asked knowingly.

Sometimes it’s better for certain things to be said by the individuals themselves.

Vice Admiral Ruffey nodded towards the departing German Army guards behind them: "Some of those guards spoke French and told me many things about you on the way."

Shire murmured "Oh": "But that has nothing to do with your roles."

"No, Vice Admiral, it’s very much related." Vice Admiral Ruffey responded:

"They told me that you invented countless pieces of equipment like tanks, airplanes, mines, and mortars."

"And tactics too, the way they spoke of your armored forces’ maneuvers was filled with deep-seated fear."

"They said it is now the era of maneuver warfare, that with this tactic you defeated everyone and conquered the world, while we don’t even know what it is!"

Major General Bolezak, accompanying him, nodded: "So, we are no longer suitable for commanding troops; we have been phased out, isn’t that right?"

Shire did not deny it.

Even though he knew Major General Bolezak hoped Shire would give a negative answer or offer a few comforting words.

Vice Admiral Ruffey held similar hopes.

But the army allows no room for insincerity, otherwise it would be playing with soldiers’ lives.

Shire said: "I have recommended to General Gallieni for you to take up positions in the reserve army group, General."

Major General Bolezak nodded lightly, eyes revealing helplessness.

Vice Admiral Ruffey let out a quiet sigh, understanding the implication of Shire’s words.

Yet they were unwilling to accept it.

Could there have been such drastic changes in just three years since the war began?

Were the Germans merely exaggerating?

Was Shire just being arrogant and boastful, exaggerating his achievements?

Yes, it must be that way!

We are the ones who truly made it on the battlefield, we are the ones who truly understand war and how to fight!

Vice Admiral Ruffey and Major General Bolezak continued to hold these beliefs.

Until Shire took them to inspect the 6th Army Group, saw the tanks of today, sent them back to Paris in transport planes, and even had several "Jenny A" fighter escorts, making them finally convinced.

"What has become of this world?" Vice Admiral Ruffey gazed through the glass at the fully-enclosed metal fighter outside: "I can hardly believe I’m still on Earth!"