I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 992: The Art of War Ultimately Serves Interests

In August, Belgium experienced frequent showers, with moderate rain occurring roughly every other day.

However, what made Shire feel comfortable was that, in this usually sweltering season, the temperature in Belgium consistently stayed around 20 degrees Celsius. Occasionally reaching up to 28 degrees could be considered a heatwave, but at night, it dropped to a pleasantly cool level.

Thus, even while staying inside the fortress for prolonged periods, Shire never felt stifled.

Of course, this was related to the comprehensive ventilation system installed in the Liege Fortress.

On this evening, after dinner, Shire took a stroll along a path outside the fortress.

Perhaps due to the nourishment provided by the shells and the ample moisture, the originally bald hill was now covered with various unknown weeds, some of which had grown to half the height of a person, swaying gracefully in the sunset breeze.

Insects thrived wildly among them, miraculously forming an ecological chain once again.

They are truly carefree, Shire thought, able to grow anywhere and cannot be eradicated; the human world is far more cruel than theirs.

Just as Shire was lost in his thoughts, two armored cars drove up along the winding road and finally stopped in front of the fortress.

A familiar figure jumped out of the armored car, and Shire immediately recognized it as Tijani. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Yet he suddenly felt unfamiliar.

The Tijani of now appeared completely different from the previous naive, sunny rich kid, now indistinguishable from other soldiers, with efficient movements and firm steps, coupled with the unique confidence and pride of the French Army.

Tijani originally headed straight for the fortress but, upon seeing Shire outside, quickly walked over.

"Vice Admiral," he shouted casually from afar, "You don't seem to worry about what's happening outside at all."

His tone carried blame, with a hint of admonishment.

"Is that so?" Shire retorted, "What's happening outside that warrants you coming all this way?"

Shire actually already had a guess.

Military communication typically assumes that information will not leak; even if it is a military secret, they can still use radio communication.

Tijani chose to come personally instead of sending a telegram, indicating it was some sensitive information not easily transmitted.

Tijani hurriedly saluted Shire upon approaching, although it was merely a formality, as such formalities were not strictly observed between him and Shire.

"Don't you find it strange?" He handed Shire a cigarette, "I mean the recent series of movements by the British."

Shire took the cigarette and leaned in to light it: "You mean the British withdrawal? They're simply acknowledging their defeat."

"Do you really think so?" Tijani stared at Shire for a moment, then frowned, seemingly disappointed at Shire:

"I knew it, you may be good at land battles but not at naval warfare."

"You probably haven't seen the sea many times."

"Oh yes, you went to the Dardanelles Strait. I remember you nearly vomited your guts out while on the ship..."

Shire glared fiercely at Tijani, which finally shut him up.

"The British won't concede so easily, Vice Admiral," Tijani said, "I know them."

Shire asked, "Then, what do you think the British will do?"

"It's simple," Tijani replied:

"As you often say, 'asymmetric warfare'; now the British are using this tactic."

"On land, they cannot match the French Army; they are even unable to defeat the Germans, even though Germany is close to surrender."

"But they possess a formidable navy, more warships than both us and the Germans combined."

Shire spoke calmly, "And then?"

"And isn't it obvious?" Tijani replied:

"Just as they're doing now, completely abandoning the land and just stationing one infantry regiment in the Ruhr District to maintain presence."

"Then they impose a maritime blockade on supplies, not even sparing the French merchant ships."

"They have also organized a third fleet, including 10 battleships, advancing into the Mediterranean, as a deterrent towards us. Towards us, Vice Admiral!"

Seeing Shire unmoved, he added:

"This is killing two birds with one stone, Vice Admiral."

"By this, they demonstrate to the world that they still rule the seas, thus intimidating colonies to prevent rash actions."

"The other purpose is to exert pressure on France and limit our development; they don't want us to surpass them."

Shire replied, "Actually, the British seek the German indemnity of 130 billion US Dollars; they won't stop until they get it."

Tijani was surprised, "What does this have to do with the indemnity?"

"We can defeat the Germans on land, Major General," Shire answered, "Now the British are telling us they can blockade and defeat us at sea."

Tijani said "Oh," thoughtfully, "So, they can use this as a negotiation condition?"

"Yes," Shire nodded:

"I believe it won't be long before a British person will sit in front of me."

"He will pose as a victor, pompously telling me."

"Hey, Vice Admiral, let's cooperate like before. Together, we can negotiate with Germany; you can raise the indemnity to 100 billion US Dollars, while ours remains unchanged, how about that?"

Tijani snorted, "Sounds like a decent proposal, worth considering."

"Do you think so?" Shire was a bit surprised.

The former Tijani would have angrily responded: "This is blatant threat; no one can make us do what we don't want."

Now, Tijani nodded earnestly:

"Why not?"

"We can get more indemnity without having to antagonize the Royal Navy."

"It's not beneficial for us, isn't it?"

Shire watched Tijani thoughtfully for a while, "You seem to truly understand warfare, Major General."

"Yes," Tijani laughed self-deprecatingly:

"Something like that."

"I've found that the end of the Art of War is actually about interests."

"Everything revolves around interests, including us, wouldn't you say so?"

Shire generously admitted.

Aside from Gallieni, Tijani was the only one who knew Shire was harnessing the "French spirit."

Even Lucia didn't know.

It wasn't that Lucia was unintelligent, but rather she was consumed with blind adoration for Shire or perhaps in a love-struck state.

She fully believed, like Dejoka and Camille, that Shire was a noble person, believing Shire was realizing great ideals, believing Shire wanted to end the war and strive for peace for humanity.

Many others thought the same.

The French populace, alongside colonial nations like Algeria, countries colonized by Britain such as Egypt, and neutral countries like Greece, Holland, etc.

They all believed in Shire's ideals and regarded Shire as the hope for world peace.