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I Became a Tycoon During World War I - Chapter 268
🕑 Added 2025-06-20 17:08:00 +0000 UTCChapter 268: Development Funds
It was hard to believe, but Charles’ tank design plans were surprisingly similar to those of General Luka, who was also working on a tank design. At least in terms of requirements, there were a few similarities:
A weight of around 100 tons,
Cannons on all four sides,
Armor thickness around 30mm for the front and sides.
General Luka was excited and spoke incoherently, “Yes, this is exactly what I wanted. My God! Charles is thinking along the same lines as me. This is the kind of tank we need; this is the direction tank development should take! No doubt about it!”
“Is there a reason for that?” Falkenhayn had to consider this proposal carefully.
General Luka confidently replied,
“Of course, Mr. Chief of Staff.”
“The 30mm thick armor can withstand most bullets, including the ‘Charles A1’ 37mm cannon.”
“Plus, with four 70mm caliber cannons and four machine guns at all directions, the weight will inevitably reach 100 tons.”
Falkenhayn nodded slightly.
So, this wasn’t a coincidence; it was the inevitable result of designing towards the same concept.
Major General Fehn felt weaker in an instant, and after a long silence, he weakly asked, “So, when can we get this tank?”
This was an old topic. Luka knew that Major General Fehn would follow up with:
“If it will take several months or even a year, what should we use to counter the ‘Charles A1’ in the meantime?”
Luka provided an answer that satisfied both sides: “If possible, we will design a light tank while producing the super-heavy tanks. Of course, we will also consider other anti-tank solutions.”
At this, Luka looked at Falkenhayn, seeking his approval.
Falkenhayn hesitated for a moment before nodding, “That’s a good idea. The light tanks will be used to deal with immediate threats, while the heavy tanks will be the decisive factor.”
So, this issue was resolved.
...
Paris City Defense Headquarters.
Charles found some time to meet with Lucia at the officers’ club.
Lucia continued her half-serious, half-teasing provocations toward Charles.
Surprisingly, Charles had grown accustomed to it. When Lucia leaned her face close to him and gently nuzzled him, Charles playfully bit her ear.
This startled Lucia, making her tremble as if shocked. She turned to stare at Charles, her eyes full of shock. Her once-pale face instantly flushed, like a glass of red wine.
Charles felt a sense of pride; he thought he had found the way to deal with Lucia.
“What’s the matter?” Charles’ tone was full of provocation. “Do you need me to be gentler?”
Lucia’s eyes flicked around. She seemed to understand Charles’ intention. After a brief hesitation, she shyly leaned in, letting out a seductive sound, “Mm… Yes, Colonel, it’s probably better that way!”
However, Lucia thought to herself:
If I make him think that I’m scared, maybe he’ll continue to do this next time!
Charles smiled victoriously. To him, everything Lucia did seemed like an act, and if he just pushed things a little further, it would be her who would be embarrassed.
Little did Charles know, he had unknowingly fallen into the gentle trap set by this female spy.
To get back to the topic, Charles leaned in and whispered in Lucia’s ear, “Are your people all in Belgium?”
Lucia smiled slightly. “What, do you think I’m somewhere else, Colonel?”
This made Charles realize that he had asked a silly question.
Lucia softly continued,
“There are currently twenty-three people in Belgium. To be precise, it’s twenty-three families, because they usually collect intelligence with their families.”
Charles nodded in understanding.
For instance, monitoring trains – it’s impossible for one person to keep an eye on the trains 24/7. It requires three or more people to rotate shifts to ensure the data is recorded without missing anything.
“There are also ten people in France,” Lucia added. “Five are in the Netherlands. Most of the ones in France are responsible for delivering intelligence.”
Charles nodded again.
In this era, ordinary people didn’t have radios, and using telephones was too risky, so they had to pass intelligence by hiding it on their bodies and relying on human messengers.
When “The Lady in White” grew stronger later, the Germans even set up electric fences along the border between France and Belgium to prevent her from sending intelligence to the Allies, but it still had no effect.
It was hard to imagine.
A civilian-organized spy network had become so successful, and now Lucia, who had once been part of it, was following Charles’ leadership.
“You need to develop your own influence,” Charles said. “That’s how every country operates. I can provide funding for you!”
Lucia froze for a moment, then shook her head slightly, speaking with firm determination: “No, Colonel. We don’t need any funds. Once we start accepting money, we’ll easily expose ourselves…”
Charles interrupted her, “If my girlfriend needs money, I just happen to have plenty.”
Lucia instantly went silent.
Charles was right. If Lucia and Charles were a couple, it would be perfectly normal for her to accept funds from him.
“Done deal,” Charles said decisively. “If you accept my leadership, you should not question my orders.”
“Yes, Colonel,” Lucia responded helplessly.
She knew Charles was right. If the group wanted to grow in a short amount of time, funding was essential.
But “The Lady in White” hoped for a more pure relationship with Charles.
They weren’t wealthy; in fact, most of them were poor – teachers, full-time housewives, farmers. They believed that serving the country shouldn’t require payment.
“A battalion structure will be set for you,” Charles responded to “The Lady in White”’s request. They wanted to be treated as soldiers, not spies.
“The company commander will be elected by you,” Charles continued. “With appropriate military ranks and equivalent allowances for the unit.”
“Colonel…” Lucia’s eyes flashed with fear. “Once they start receiving allowances, they will easily be exposed.”
Charles understood what she meant. A 20-franc monthly soldier’s allowance may not be much, but for ordinary families, it would double their wages, instantly easing financial strain.
“You can decide on this yourself,” Charles insisted. “You could even consider donating the allowance to the organization’s operations.”
Charles didn’t want to owe them anything, especially these selfless contributors.
Lucia nodded slightly, then leaned in, speaking in a retaliatory tone into Charles’ ear, “I agree, Colonel. A great idea!”
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