Chapter 549: A War for Wallets
The Americans moved quickly. They understood one key principle: public opinion must be "guided" from the very start—striking early was cheaper and far more effective.
While Charles and Tijani were still discussing strategy, the American financial syndicates had already set their agents into motion—spreading across Britain, France, Italy, and even neutral countries, launching a silent campaign to secure influence.
…
London, United Kingdom.
Member of Parliament Boris had just returned home when he received an envelope.
Inside was a rusty, old key and a slip of paper bearing an address in the neighboring borough of Islington, a middle-class area.
Curious, Boris went to the location. It turned out to be a small, rundown house—dilapidated and seemingly worthless.
He scoffed. After all, it was wartime. Real estate prices had collapsed, thousands of soldiers had died, and countless properties were abandoned or sold off.
Now, someone was gifting him an old wreck?
Disappointed, he stepped inside. But what he found stunned him: the large basement was crammed with supplies—food, essentials, and even crates of luxury wine. Enough for his family to live in extravagance for years.
…
Back in Parliament, a few MPs cried out in disbelief:
"Why aren't we talking to the Germans? At least hear their terms before judging them!"
"If we want to know whether this is a German trick, the intelligence bureau can investigate."
"We can fight and talk at the same time—what's the harm in meeting with them?"
"This could be a real chance—what do we lose by exploring it?"
…
Their arguments were reasonable.
But their voices were drowned out by angry roars from the rest of Parliament:
"No! By the time the investigation finishes, it'll be too late!"
"Think of the soldiers who've already died! Tens of thousands—would their blood be spilled in vain?"
"You traitors! You should be thrown in jail!"
…
Paris, France.
MP Arthur discovered his massive gambling debts had mysteriously been cleared overnight. The loan sharks who once hounded him now greeted him with warm smiles.
MP Noah was suddenly granted ownership of a warehouse filled with rare, rationed goods.
MP Maël, for no known reason, received shares in the Kennard Shipping Company.
(Note: Kennard Shipping was a U.S. maritime firm heavily involved in wartime logistics.)
…
Inside the Bourbon Palace, despite the curses and protests of a few dissenters, Parliament issued a firm declaration:
"We unanimously declare that any notion of negotiating with Germany is shameful and dishonorable."
"We suspect those proposing talks may have been bribed by the enemy or are possibly even spies."
"We must fight this war to the very end, until we have achieved total victory—there is no room for doubt."
"For France, for honor, for the people!"
And under their call to arms, French troops on the Western Front launched yet another offensive—an effort to prove to the Germans, to the French, and to the world that their resolve to fight remained unshaken.
…
Charles read all of this in the newspaper and let out a long sigh.
It was all just business.
A war that should have ended was now set to drag on for years—all because of a $10 billion loan. Exhausted soldiers and civilians across Europe were being bled dry in the name of patriotism and honor, while the real gains went to politicians and nobles.
The ones who paid the price were the common people and soldiers. What did the suffering matter to those at the top?
Tijani couldn't take it anymore.
The more he read, the angrier he became. Eventually he slammed his fist onto the table, shouting:
"Those MPs are clearly being bribed by American financiers! They ignore peace, ignore the people's interests—yet they keep claiming it's all 'for the people'!"
"They've branded anyone seeking peace as traitors!"
He turned to Charles, eyes burning with urgency. "Aren't we going to do something?"
"What can we do?" Charles replied calmly.
Tijani stared at him, dumbfounded. Wasn't Charles the one with power and influence?
"Don't forget," Charles said with a faint smile, "most of the resources I command come from military industries. They only follow me because I have ideas that bring them profits."
"And those industries," he added, "are the last people who want peace. They want the war to continue. Peace would kill their business."
Tijani's face darkened.
He had always admired Charles for his ideals and capabilities. It had never occurred to him that the very people surrounding Charles were part of the problem.
"You could still try," he said. "We have the Saint-Étienne arms factory, the Brest shipyard, FN's resources—if we combine all of that…"
Charles interrupted softly, "You think they'd support me in pursuing peace?"
Tijani fell silent. He had believed those people would follow Charles anywhere.
Charles shook his head gently.
Poor Tijani. Born into wealth, raised in luxury—he was too naïve.
Most of Charles's allies were in it for the profits, not for ideals. The moment peace was suggested, they would turn on him.
"Fine," Charles said, "why don't you go ask your father. See what he says."
Tijani froze. He didn't need to ask—he already knew what his father's stance would be.
And just like that, he understood Charles's meaning. He sank back into his chair, his voice hoarse:
"So… this war will go on, won't it?"
Charles didn't answer. Instead, he posed a question:
"Isn't one of the core beliefs of your beloved 'art of war' that war drives human progress?"
Tijani shook his head slowly, burying his face in his hands.
He still believed that war could push humanity forward. He still believed in military science.
What broke him wasn't the idea of war—it was realizing just who this war was truly benefiting.
If the sacrifice had been for the country, it might have been worth it.
But it wasn't. The soldiers were dying for the wallets of a handful of elites. This war had nothing to do with national honor, dignity, or even strategy.
The soldiers and the people were being manipulated and exploited by the few.
"General," a communications officer approached with a telegram. "Nivelle has released a public statement to the entire army. He says the battles at the Somme and Namur are of two completely different natures."
Charles read it.
Nivelle claimed that the Somme had been a large-scale frontal engagement, while Charles's battle at Namur had merely been a "small raid."
He had even used the term raid, clearly attempting to smear Charles's victory as dishonorable or insignificant.
Nivelle concluded: "Even if Charles had commanded at the Somme, it's unlikely the outcome would've been any better."
Desperate nonsense, Charles thought.
He's backed into a corner—and now he's resorting to disgraceful tactics.
Truly worthy of a French Commander-in-Chief.
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