I was a tycoon in World War I: Starting to save France

Chapter 104 The Belated Recruitment
Francis learned about Charles' return from his butler around noon. This was related to his recent drastic reduction in staff and production. He had driven away more than half of the workers, and many people had not received their wages, so that Francis was put on the opposite side of the workers.

"How did he come back?" In the bedroom on the second floor, Francis was sitting in his favorite rocking chair in pajamas, rocking and smoking his pipe silently.

This guy was thrown into the German encirclement, but he was able to come back safely?

Was it the military that saved him? He was lucky!

However, Simon replied: "I heard that Master Charles defeated the Germans..."

Francis's rocking chair suddenly stopped, and the smoke that was originally gushing out in circles turned into a barely noticeable puff of blue smoke, as if time had stood still.

After a long while, Francis asked softly, "Defeated the Germans?"

The rocking chair began to make rhythmic sounds again, but at a much lower amplitude than before.

"Yes!" Simon replied, "It is said that the Little Journal published everything. I only heard part of it!"

"Go buy one!" Francis ordered.

"But, sir!" Simon looked embarrassed: "It was sold out this morning, and even second-hand ones were bought at a higher price..."

"Then buy one at a higher price!" Francis interrupted Simon, his tone full of anger: "Can't I afford a few newspapers?"

"Yes, sir!" Simon replied, "Please wait a moment!"

This is exactly what Simon wanted Francis to say, otherwise he might be scolded if he bought several newspapers at a high price.

Soon, the newspaper was delivered to Francis. The price of the newspaper, which was originally worth one sou, rose to 10 sous. Three copies cost a total of 30 sous, and there were some coffee stains on them.

Francis frowned. He usually only read Le Figaro in order to get close to the nobles. He didn't expect that today he would have to condescend to face such a newspaper, which others had read!

Francis opened the newspaper and quickly read through it. The more he read, the more frightened he became, and finally the muscles on his face began to twitch uncontrollably.

Charles's trip to Antwerp was not just about defeating the Germans, he also won a very rare medal and became famous.

Francis knew what this meant, it meant that everyone, including the army, would trust Charles' tanks instead of his, Francis'.

Although both tanks were invented by Charles, one day, Charles stood in front of reporters and said casually: "The previous tanks are outdated. We need new tanks. Only they can bring victory and hope to the army..."

Then, no one was willing to buy the tanks produced by Francis anymore.

Francis didn't like the feeling of having his fate in the hands of others, and it was just a matter of words!

But is there any way to stop it?

Francis' eyes jumped over the wide-open door to Pierre's room opposite, from where he could faintly hear his snoring in his sleep. This son who only knew how to indulge in sensual pleasures was obviously unreliable. His habit of sleeping during the day and partying at night seemed to be in two parallel worlds with ordinary people.

At this time, Simon walked in in panic: "Sir, two soldiers came and they said they wanted to see Mr. Pierre!"

"Asshole!" Francis cursed, "This guy must have gotten into trouble again!"

As Francis got up and went downstairs, he told Simon: "Wake up Pierre!"

"Yes, sir!" Simon responded with a trace of embarrassment on his face. This was not an easy task. Francis walked down the stairs and saw two soldiers standing in the living room, one of whom was a second lieutenant.

"What's the matter?" Francis asked expressionlessly, as if he was saying that you are not welcome here.

"We want to meet Mr. Pierre!" The lieutenant handed over his ID very politely and introduced himself: "We are from the recruitment office!"

Francis was startled, and he immediately knew what was going on: "No, no, there must be something wrong. Pierre manages my factory, he is producing tanks, so he does not need to serve in the military..."

The lieutenant interrupted Francis coldly:

"According to our investigation, he does not manage your factory, Mr. Francis!"

"We interviewed 20 workers and they all said they had never seen Mr. Pierre in the factory!"

Another soldier added:

"I looked into Foley Trevis. Mr. Pierre is a regular customer there, almost every night!"

The soldier took out a piece of paper from the folder and handed it to Francis: "This is his consumption list last night. We have a lot more! We believe this can prove that Mr. Pierre has no time to manage the factory!"

Francis remained silent. This was ironclad evidence that could not be refuted!
Then the lieutenant puffed out his chest and gave his conclusion:

"Given Mr. Pierre's circumstances, we believe he is fully qualified for military service."

"If he refuses to accept it, you know what the consequences will be!"

Francis looked ashen, but nodded silently.

During wartime, those who refuse to serve in the military may be sentenced to death. Parliament believes that this is the only way to prevent some cowards from preferring to go to jail rather than go to the battlefield. This law was originally aimed at farmers and workers, but unexpectedly...

There was a sound of vomiting from upstairs, along with a few indistinct coughs and groans.

"Is it him?" The lieutenant raised his head towards the upstairs.

"Yes!" Francis was a little embarrassed. He couldn't even go downstairs.

"Well then!" The lieutenant handed the conscription order to Francis with both hands, then put on his military cap and saluted Francis: "I am honored to inform you that Mr. Pierre will become a glorious French soldier. Glory be with you, sir!"

Francis shook hands with the lieutenant with a wooden expression, walked a few steps like a zombie, and watched the two soldiers leave.

At this time, Pierre staggered down the railing. He looked at Francis's expression and was stunned: "What happened, father?"

"Congratulations!" Francis raised the conscription order in his hand and said sarcastically, "You will become a soldier. Perhaps you can be as good as Charles!"

Pierre, who was not fully awake yet, was a little slow in thinking. He was stunned for a moment, and suddenly realized what this meant. He stopped and looked at Francis in shock, then sat down weakly on the stairs, his face pale and bloodless.

Francis' tone relaxed and he sighed, "I hope you don't become Charles' subordinate!"

Francis suddenly remembered that Charles was serving in the Paris Defense Command, and Pierre was confirmed to be a new recruit who tried to evade military service by deception. He had no qualifications to be Charles' subordinate in Paris, that was a luxury!

(End of this chapter)