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I Became a Tycoon During World War I - Chapter 251
🕑 Added 2025-06-10 17:01:01 +0000 UTCChapter 251: The List
Charles leaned in a little closer and lowered his voice to ask, "What is the name of your organization?"
He wanted to confirm further.
Lucia hesitated, her face showing some uncertainty. "You wouldn't know it. It was just established recently, with only about thirty members!"
Charles said nothing, simply watching Lucia quietly.
"Alright!" Lucia responded helplessly. "We were originally called 'Michelin Station,' but we all agreed to change it to 'The Lady in White.'"
Charles muttered an "Mm," his suspicion dissipating, and then he tucked away his revolver.
Lucia's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise. "Have you heard of this name?"
It was only then that Charles realized he had made a slip. He shouldn't have let his guard down just because of "The Lady in White."
This code name might have only appeared a few days ago, known only among its members.
"No, I haven't heard of it!" Charles placed his hand on the table, offering an explanation. "I was just recalling something about the Anlore artillery position. The British shared that intelligence with us, so..."
"So, you believe us now, don't you?" Lucia said, gripping Charles's hand excitedly. "That's great, Colonel! We will be of help to you!"
Lucia's hand was a little cold and trembling. It was unclear whether it was from the shock earlier or from the current excitement.
Realizing she had overstepped, Lucia quickly withdrew her hand. "Sorry, Colonel. I'm just so glad we cleared up the misunderstanding. I hope..."
There was no need to finish. She hoped Charles would lead "The Lady in White."
But Charles didn’t respond. He simply continued sipping his champagne, taking only a small taste.
Lucia's heart raced.
Had she been too presumptuous?
Her organization, which had only thirty-some members, most of whom were amateurs, was obscure and unimportant. Given Charles's current status, organizing such an intelligence agency would be a breeze for him.
Why would he waste his valuable time on "The Lady in White"?
As she thought about it, Lucia's fervor began to dim, replaced by embarrassment. She wished she had never mentioned it—it was so humiliating! She even regretted it, wondering why she ever thought it was realistic to hope Charles would lead them.
But Charles had a different perspective.
At this moment, he did indeed need a reliable intelligence network, whether for military, business, or dealing with political enemies.
Although "The Lady in White" was an informal organization without formal training, history had proven that they were both dependable and capable, which perfectly matched Charles's current needs.
Still...
"Tell me about your purpose," Charles asked. "Is it for Belgium, or something else?"
If "The Lady in White’s" purpose was only to restore the country, then their interest in struggles beyond Belgium would be limited, and the cooperation would end with the restoration of Belgium.
Lucia was sharp and understood immediately what Charles meant. Her eyes brightened—could this mean hope?
"You don't need to worry about that, Colonel!" Lucia answered with excitement. "We want you to lead us out of gratitude and trust. Many of our members, myself included, have been inspired by you. To be honest, you're our spiritual leader! Of course, the restoration of the country is a factor, but we believe that doesn't conflict with our goals!"
Charles believed Lucia's words.
Otherwise, they should have allied with King Albert I, not him.
After thinking for a while, Charles nodded. "Alright, I have no objections."
Lucia froze, her eyes widening as if she couldn’t believe what she had heard.
It took a while before she suddenly snapped back to reality and almost exclaimed, "Really? Colonel, you... you really agree to lead us? That's fantastic! I can hardly believe it..."
Charles didn’t quite understand. This wasn’t something to be happy about—they wouldn't gain anything, and there was even the risk of death. What was there to be so excited about?
But then again, that was the way of them in history—they sought nothing but their beliefs!
Suddenly, Lucia leaned in and gave Charles a soft kiss on the cheek.
The softness of her lips seemed to carry a strange energy, and the spot tingled slightly.
The scent of her perfume lingered at the tip of his nose, making Charles a little disoriented. Instinctively, he wanted to pull back, but he found himself unconsciously leaning forward instead.
"Sorry, Colonel!" Lucia whispered in his ear, her tone filled with nervousness and a hint of hope. "I suggest we pretend to be a couple. It will make it easier for us to stay in contact without raising suspicions. What do you think?"
Charles hesitated for a moment. "Not a bad idea. I have no objections!"
No one would refuse such a suggestion, Charles thought.
"Thank you so much, Colonel!" Lucia responded with a touch of surprise in her voice.
She was more than satisfied. Tonight's progress had far exceeded her expectations!
...
The celebration lasted until 9:30 p.m.
The lights in Gallieni’s lounge were still on, and Charles, carrying a cup of hot coffee, quietly knocked on the door.
"Come in!" Gallieni’s voice came from inside.
Charles opened the door and saw Gallieni, wearing a coat, sitting at the desk flipping through documents.
"Here’s the coffee I brought for you, General!" Charles placed the coffee next to Gallieni's right hand.
Gallieni gave a slight "Mm" and took a sip of the coffee. It was the flavor he liked, with two lumps of sugar added.
"And this!" Charles handed him a list.
Gallieni glanced at the list and asked in confusion, "What is this?"
Charles answered calmly, "The first row is people that Foch assigned to the headquarters, the second row likely provides intelligence to capitalists, and the third row is probably already bribed by them."
Gallieni froze for a moment, and his gaze turned back to the list, growing more shocked as he looked. "Where did you get this information? Are you sure?"
"I'm not sure, General!" Charles replied. "But we can track them specifically and observe."
Charles avoided the issue of the intelligence source, and Gallieni, without further inquiry, chose not to press the matter.
The list had been compiled by Lucia.
The suspicious officers were shamelessly meeting in officers' clubs, and some even discussed over drinks the prices of selling intelligence to capitalists.
Lucia remained composed on the surface but had discreetly recorded all their activities.
Gallieni nodded. This list was important for the defense headquarters.
The headquarters had always had no secrets, even from the Germans, which made it so that every decision and plan had to be revealed at the last minute, leaving little time to act.
This had seriously affected the efficiency of command.
Now, it was time to clean up the mess!
As Charles thought, if he used his own funds to establish a private militia based on "The Lady in White," who would even know about it? The parliament wouldn't have any say in it.
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