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

Chapter 987 I simply can't believe I'm still on Earth

Only one chapter today, sorry!
……

Aachen, the westernmost city in Germany, is located at the junction of Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium, and is known as the "heart of Europe".

(The above are the border markers for Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium, with the name of one country inscribed on each side.)
Because it is located at a transportation hub connecting three countries, Germany built five train stations here to facilitate trade.

A convoy of cars slowly came to a stop in front of Aachen's main train station. French soldiers lined up on both sides of the station quickly gripped their rifles and stood at attention, saluting at the command of their officers.

Charles stepped out of the car, and Albert I followed with a retinue.

As they were about to enter the gate, Albert I, who was walking alongside Charles, looked around and said with some emotion, "I have been here before, to meet with William II."

Then he added, "He was a lieutenant general before the war."

He was worried that Charles would misunderstand and think he had some private dealings with the Germans.

“Of course, Your Majesty.” Charles stepped into the train station.

He didn't care about this at all, not because of his personal feelings for Albert I, since feelings are the least reliable thing when it comes to national interests.

He felt at ease because Belgium was too weak, and since it bordered France, it had no choice but to rely on France.

Albert I gave a bitter smile and continued:
Do you know what happened back then?

"King Wilhelm II pointed to the train station here and asked me: 'Do you know why Germany dared to build five train stations here? Because Germany is the most powerful, you know what I mean!'"

"But I dared not say anything, and could only pretend not to understand and respectfully nod in agreement."

The construction of railway stations during World War I also signified "war preparation."

At that time, the army, supplies, and munitions were all transported by train.

“Now…” Albert I gestured to either side, his tone laced with sarcasm, “Germany is the most powerful!”

A burst of laughter came from the attendants around them.

……

On the train station platform.

Charles and his soldiers waited quietly. On both sides of the railway, many French and Belgian people, men and women, young and old, had come after hearing the news.

When they saw Charles appear, they exclaimed and greeted him, but were unable to get close due to the guards' obstruction.

Before long, a train pulled into the station with a long trail of steam to its whistle, and when it stopped, it released steam that looked like a thick fog.

The military band played "La Marseillaise".

Several soldiers in worn-out uniforms appeared at the carriage door. Many of them were still wearing old-fashioned Red Army trousers, but the color had faded so much that they were almost indistinguishable.

They stepped out of the car shakily, seemingly stung by the sunlight outside, either lowering their heads or shielding their eyes with their hands.

Then more and more people disembarked from the trains, one after another.

Some of them were recognized by their long-waiting relatives, and the group burst into tears of surprise and joy.

They were prisoners of war released by Germany, including French and Belgian soldiers.

To demonstrate his sincerity, Etzberger extended the treaty on the release of prisoners of war to Belgium.

Today marks the arrival of the first batch of prisoners of war, and Charles, as the highest-ranking officer in the area, should hold a welcoming ceremony to express his respect for the veterans.

Two officers emerged from the smoke; one was a major general and the other a lieutenant general, followed by several German guards.

The leading German colonel stepped forward, saluted Charles, and shook hands with him.
“I must make one point, General.”

"We are not escorting them, but protecting the safety of the train and the prisoners."

“As you know, we are worried that some people with ulterior motives might undermine our 'ceasefire agreement' and our friendly relations.” Charles nodded: “Of course, thank you very much!”

Lieutenant General Rufi stepped forward and shook hands with Ciel, staring at him in disbelief: "So, you are Ciel?"

“Yes, General,” Charles replied, “Welcome home.”

"Thank you!" Lieutenant General Ruffi nodded, glancing at the French troops lined up on both sides, his face full of confusion.

The prisoners around him also scrutinized the soldiers, some even mistaking them for French soldiers.

Most of the prisoners of war were captured by the German army when the war broke out in 1914.

Part of it was during the attack on Metz, and another part was on the Belgian border to block the main German forces.

Three years passed in the blink of an eye. They were imprisoned by the Germans in a prisoner-of-war camp and knew nothing. When they saw the French army again, they found that everything had completely changed.

Where is that handsome military uniform from before?
What is that metal shell on his head?
And why don't I recognize the rifle in my hand?
“Please follow me, General.” Charles politely guided Lieutenant General Ruffi out of the station. “Don’t worry, General, I will arrange appropriate positions for you. You are heroes of France.”

Lieutenant General Rufi smiled and asked in return, "Do you think we're still fit to command?"

"What?" Charles asked, feigning ignorance.

Some things are better left unsaid by them.

Lieutenant General Rufie nodded to the German guards who were watching them leave: "Some of those guards speak French, and they told me a lot about you on the way."

Charles said "Oh," and added, "But that has nothing to do with your duties."

“No, Lieutenant General, of course it’s relevant,” Lieutenant General Rufi replied.
"They told me that you invented tanks, airplanes, landmines, mortars, and countless other pieces of equipment."

"And tactics, they looked at you with deep fear when they talked about your armored infiltration."

"They say that now it's all about infiltration tactics, that you used this tactic to defeat everyone and conquer the world, while we don't even know what it is!"

Major General Pollezak, standing beside him, nodded: "So, we're no longer fit to command troops, we've been phased out, is that right?"

Charles did not deny it.

Although he knew that Major General Polezack hoped that Charles would give a negative answer or at least offer some words of comfort.

Lieutenant General Rufie shared a similar sentiment.

But the military cannot tolerate any pretense or hypocrisy; otherwise, it would be playing with the lives of soldiers.

Charles said, "I have recommended General Gallieni to give you positions in the Reserve Army Group, General."

Major General Pollezack nodded slightly, his eyes revealing helplessness.

Lieutenant General Rufi sighed softly; he knew what Charles meant by those words.

But they were unwilling to give up.

How could there have been such a big change in just three years since the outbreak of the war?

Are the Germans just talking?
Ciel was merely arrogant and conceited, and he only said that to exaggerate his achievements.

Yes, that must be it!

We are the ones who truly fought on the battlefield; we are the ones who truly understand war and know how to fight.

Lieutenant General Rufi and Major General Pollezack still held this view.

It wasn't until Charles took them to inspect the 6th Army, showed them the tanks, and then transported them back to Paris by transport plane, escorted by several Jenny A fighters, that they were truly convinced.

"What's wrong with this world?" Lieutenant General Rufi stared through the glass window at the fully enclosed metal fighter jet outside. "I can hardly believe I'm still on Earth!"

(End of this chapter)