Chapter 550: He Hid the Truth Once Again
Nivelle's actions were not as simple as they appeared. They were the result of calculated political maneuvering.
A skilled political operator, Nivelle clearly understood that both the French Parliament and the British had motives to suppress Charles. Therefore, by belittling Charles's accomplishments, Nivelle could elevate himself while simultaneously aligning with those in power. It was a two-birds-with-one-stone strategy—gaining favor while tearing down a rival.
After all, "the enemy of my enemy is my friend." Both the British and the French political elite would recognize the mutual benefit.
Nivelle was especially focused on winning British support. To him, that was the true key to securing his position.
So, while fierce fighting continued at the Somme, he abruptly left the front and rushed to Dunkirk to meet with Kitchener. The next day, he was in Paris, attending high-level meetings to rally support.
Charles didn't care about these political games.
He understood that the military world—especially during wartime—followed different rules. Soldiers didn't care about diplomacy or speeches; they cared about one thing: whether their commander could lead them to victory. Everything else was empty noise.
Nivelle might win over the top brass with speeches and maneuvering, but he'd never earn the respect of the rank and file. To them, commanders who rose through politics or foreign influence were automatically distrusted.
And that would be Nivelle's downfall. No support from the soldiers meant no loyalty, no success.
Charles saw no reason to waste energy responding to someone whose failure was inevitable.
But a telegram from General Christine forced Charles to take the matter seriously.
…
That day, King Albert I arrived at Namur Fortress, accompanied by Brigadier General Eden, to deliver a progress report.
"It's a shame you didn't enter Namur with the troops, General," Albert I said enthusiastically. "You missed an incredible scene—crowds lining the streets, chanting your name in the rain. Many waited for hours just to catch a glimpse of you."
Eden nodded. "Not just the people of Namur. The First Special Reconnaissance Corps also hopes to receive your personal instruction."
"If possible," added the King with hopeful eyes, "could you make a public appearance? Say a few words? It would be an enormous boost to morale."
Charles didn't say yes or no. "We'll see. If there's time, I will."
In his view, morale came from consistent victories, not from appearances or speeches.
"Of course, General," the King said quickly, trying not to press too hard.
Charles was a godlike figure in Belgium. Whatever he decided was the right decision.
Just then, a telegram was handed to Charles. It was from General Christine.
One glance, and Charles's expression changed drastically.
He didn't even show it to Tijani. He folded it up and slipped it into his pocket.
"What's wrong?" King Albert assumed it was about Namur's situation.
"Nothing serious," Charles replied. "I need to return to Paris. There are some parliamentary matters I must deal with."
King Albert sighed with relief. "Ah, the Parliament again. Always finding ways to make trouble."
…
At the Bourbon Palace in Paris, Parliament was in chaos. The pro- and anti-Charles factions were locked in a fierce, evenly matched debate.
Nivelle stood at the podium, speaking for the opposition:
"Gentlemen, throughout Charles's entire career, he has never commanded more than two divisions."
"That may be his limit. Once it involves large-scale troop movements—five divisions, ten divisions, a hundred thousand men—he may no longer be capable."
"Large-scale warfare is fundamentally different. The tactics change entirely!"
Boos erupted from the chamber.
Gallieni countered loudly: "Yet his results are dozens of times better than yours!"
Armand mocked: "You must have forgotten—Charles surrounded Ghent and captured over 100,000 Germans!"
Stid shouted: "We eagerly await your own 'Charles-style' victory, Commander-in-Chief!"
Even the usually silent Wells raised his voice: "So far, your only remarkable accomplishment seems to be causing 40,000 casualties in a single day!"
More and more centrist MPs stood with Charles. Many of them represented the workers' unions and the people directly.
…
The truth was, even Charles's enemies in Parliament knew the difference in results was undeniable. There was no valid comparison.
But out of political necessity—to weaken Charles's growing influence—they had to support Nivelle's narrative.
"Charles's success depends heavily on his equipment."
"If Nivelle had access to the same tools, who's to say he couldn't achieve the same?"
"And these inventions are dangerous! The Germans will soon copy them and turn them against us!"
…
As the shouts grew louder, Nivelle called to the stand Lieutenant General Avis, the officer in charge of Antwerp.
Avis stepped forward with a solemn expression:
"I received no notification. No request for approval. I wasn't even informed that Charles's forces had been redeployed from Antwerp."
"This kind of unauthorized action is extremely dangerous. I assumed Charles was still defending the city, so I didn't take precautions."
"If the Germans had launched a surprise attack, the consequences could've been catastrophic."
…
Gallieni quickly countered: "You seem to forget the Belgian Army. They are the primary defenders of Antwerp, and Charles coordinated all of this in advance."
Nivelle, adopting a tone of fairness and objectivity, replied: "Minister, the issue isn't the troops—it's command. Everyone knows that an army must operate under unified command. Otherwise, there is only confusion."
A voice from the crowd shouted: "But the facts show he achieved victory! An extraordinary one! Can you say the same?"
…
Just as the argument reached its peak, the doors suddenly opened—and Charles walked in.
The shouting stopped.
Silence swept across the chamber like a wave.
No one had expected him to come. He hadn't even been invited.
Nivelle hesitated, then straightened up, trying to look defiant. But anyone watching could see he was nervous.
Charles didn't acknowledge the awkward stares. He strode straight up to Nivelle and spoke in a tone that left no room for argument:
"You need to return to the front, Commander-in-Chief. Your army is on the brink of mutiny. It's not the MPs you should be convincing—it's your soldiers. If you delay any longer, the entire Western Front could collapse. France itself could be in danger."
Gasps filled the room.
Every eye turned toward Nivelle.
His face twisted. There was anger in his eyes—but no surprise.
Which meant only one thing: Nivelle already knew about the mutiny.
He had hidden it from everyone—from Parliament, from the government.
He had once again concealed the truth.
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