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

Chapter 84 Witnessing Victory
After breakfast, Albert I took Charles for a stroll along the path in the manor.

The manor was very simple, including the dining villa which was only slightly larger than an ordinary house, which made Albert I more like a farmer than a king.

Of course, this is just his estate in Antwerp.

"I am very sorry!" said Albert I. "I was unable to provide you with a hearty breakfast!"

"No, that's very good!" replied Charles.

He was telling the truth. Steak was still edible, but what else could a so-called hearty breakfast be? Pizza? Turkey? Caviar?

Albert I nodded, his tone gradually becoming serious: "Please believe that it is just for your entertainment!"

Charles did not understand what this meant at first, but when he followed Albert I around a wall, he saw a scene that made him understand: Albert I used his estate to resettle the people.

What caught Charles' eyes was a large piece of grassland. It should be the pasture of the manor. At this time, various tents were set up in scattered places. People were busy coming and going between the tents, and some guards were walking around distributing food.

"They are my people!" Albert I cast his eyes towards the crowd and said thoughtfully, "They could have gone into exile abroad, or even gone to the safer England, but they chose to stay and follow me. Taking care of them is what I should do!"

At this time, someone shouted over here: "Your Majesty, is he Charles?"

Albert I nodded, puffed out his chest and answered loudly: "Yes, he is Charles who invented the tank to defeat the Germans. France sent him to reinforce us. He is here to help us!"

These words immediately caused quite a stir in the crowd. They stood up one by one, and those who were originally in the tent also came out and surrounded them, hugging each other.

Albert I turned his gaze to Charles and smiled: "You are their hope, lieutenant! They trust you!"

Charles was a little confused: this was Belgium, a country he had never been to before and had never even seen Belgians. Why would these complete strangers trust him and regard him as hope?

Albert reminded Charles: "Don't you want to say something to them?"

Charles was stunned for a moment. He looked at the expectant eyes in front of him and didn't know what to say. He was worried about disappointing them, so he blurted out: "I will try my best, but my ability is limited. If, I mean..."

"Of course you are limited in what you can do, Charles!" Albert I replied, "But you are not the only one working hard. We will all support you! We will unite together!"

Albert I said to the people, his voice high and powerful: "Answer me, will you fight with Charles?"

People responded one after another:
“Yes, we do!”

“Thank you for leading us!”

"We will be with you, we will fight for Belgium!"

……

Gradually, more and more people responded, and soon they all shouted together.

Charles was confused. He wanted to say "If I can't do it, I'm sorry", but Albert I successfully led people in another direction. Charles looked at Albert I in confusion, and the latter raised his eyebrows, smiled at Charles and nodded slightly.

Albert I knew what Charles wanted to say just now, and he should have let Charles continue.

But Albert I understood that "discouraging words" should not be said in front of the psychologically fragile masses, but should inspire people's confidence or boost morale.

Even so, this did not stop Albert from liking a character like Charles.

Charles was not a boaster and was not vain. He always expressed himself truthfully and expressed his inner thoughts. This was particularly valuable in the eyes of Albert I, who had heard too many empty words.

Those who talk big often fail to deliver and their words do not match their meaning.

Charles was able to do this and yet he always remained humble and cautious. This is the true and admirable "chivalry"!
At this time, a guard leaned over to Albert I and whispered something in his ear.

Albert I nodded, turned around and asked, "Would you like to witness your victory together?"

"What?" Charles didn't understand what this meant.

Albert I didn't say much. He waved to the crowd and then took Charles to the other side of the pasture.

What appeared in front of Charles was a huge balloon, suspended in the air and swaying gently in the breeze. Hanging below was a large bamboo basket that could accommodate five or six people at the same time.

Charles' eyes widened and his pace slowed down. Could it be that the king wanted to fly into the air on a balloon?

Albert I turned around and looked at Charles in confusion.

Charles gritted his teeth: Things used by the king should be safe, and he already took a plane to cross the German blockade, so what's the big deal about taking a balloon?
However, the truth is that the balloon is even scarier, especially during the ascent phase, when it sways in the wind like a drunk.

Charles was so frightened that his breathing became rapid and his face turned pale. Shouldn't this thing have a safety belt? Or a parachute would be fine!

Albert I, however, acted as if nothing had happened. He held the rope with one hand and held the telescope with the other hand to observe the distance. Fortunately, he did not notice that Charles was frightened out of his wits.

The balloon rose higher and higher. When it reached a high altitude, the airflow seemed to be more stable. Charles' heart gradually settled down.

Suddenly, Albert I pointed ahead in surprise: "There, they are coming!"

Charles took out a telescope from the leather box and looked in the direction indicated by Albert I. He finally understood what he meant by "witness your victory".

In the distance, two giant cannons were slowly approaching, dragged by horses. Even though they were more than ten kilometers away, their towering gun barrels were still clearly visible. They were the German "Big Bertha" heavy artillery!
Albert I took out a signal flag from a side bag and waved it back and forth twice to the people who were waiting eagerly below.

There was an immediate cheer from below, people clapped and celebrated, and some even hugged each other excitedly.

(End of this chapter)