I Became a Tycoon During World War I - Chapter 66

Chapter 66: Charles' Work

Charles' job was to report directly to General Gallieni, delivering the latest intelligence into Gallieni’s hands.

At first glance, it seemed like a simple job—just passing along information—but there was much more to it than met the eye.

“You must have a considerable understanding of the battlefield!” Fernand slammed a thick stack of maps on the desk, followed by a pile of documents that reached waist-high, as he addressed Charles. “You are a staff officer, not a messenger. A messenger only needs to be literate, able to speak, and walk. You, however, must be ready to answer the General’s questions at any moment. For instance, where a certain unit is located or the current situation on the battlefield.”

“How am I supposed to memorize all this?” Charles asked in astonishment, staring at the mountain of papers before him.

“You don’t need to memorize everything, Second Lieutenant!” Fernand raised an eyebrow. “Here’s a little tip for you: wherever there’s recent activity, make sure you know as much as possible about that area and keep track of updates. That way, you’ll be able to answer the General’s questions.”

Charles found this advice quite reasonable. After all, the General was unlikely to ask about old battles or unrelated areas; the focus was always on the present conflicts.

Thinking this over, Charles gestured at the files on the desk. “Then, Colonel... what else do I need to do with these?”

Fernand’s smug expression faded. He realized he might have shared his “little tip” prematurely.

Unbeknownst to Charles, his assignment was actually part of Gallieni’s deliberate strategy.

Before Charles’ arrival, Gallieni rarely visited the rest area unless utterly exhausted.

But since Charles joined, Gallieni frequented the rest area more often and stayed longer. Sometimes, he would even ask for coffee and fruit to be brought in.

The staff officers in the operations room didn’t find this behavior unusual. They attributed Gallieni’s change to the evolving war situation:

Previously, with German forces at the gates of Paris, every effort was needed to defend the city.

Now, with the Germans retreating, the front line moving farther away from Paris, and no chance of a counterattack, it was only natural to relax a bit. Besides, Gallieni was already 65 years old, and his health couldn’t withstand constant strain.

But the real reason was not as they imagined...

Before delivering intelligence, Charles made extensive preparations, just as Fernand had suggested. He memorized key locations, the general situation of the current battles, and the positions and conditions of relevant units. This way, he wouldn’t need to dig through mountains of documents for answers.

During this period, finding answers on the spot was no small task; it often required combing through a small mountain of reports and files.

However, Charles soon discovered that all his preparations were futile.

One day, Charles lightly knocked on the wooden door of the rest area with a telegram in hand. Receiving permission, he entered and reported, “General, the 5th Army has advanced another three kilometers north and has now reached the Ounal region!”

The 5th Army’s harassment campaign had been exceptionally successful, with their advance described as unstoppable. They had left other units trailing by over ten kilometers, creating a salient along the front.

Major General Maunoury of the 6th Army suggested that the 5th Army halt its advance to wait for the others; otherwise, it risked being encircled by German forces.

Gallieni, who had been studying the map, acknowledged Charles’ report with a hum, took the telegram, casually crumpled it into a ball, and tossed it onto the floor. Then he asked, “What do you think?”

“Pardon?” Charles didn’t understand what Gallieni meant.

“Do you think Major General Maunoury is right?” Gallieni’s gaze remained fixed on the map, his tone calm. “Should we tell the 5th Army to stop advancing?”

Charles stammered, staring blankly at Gallieni.

Wasn’t this old man supposed to ask about the 5th Army’s flanks, supply lines, reinforcements, and other such details...?

As this thought crossed his mind, Gallieni began pointing at the map, speaking steadily:

“The 5th Army’s left flank is covered by the 3rd Army, while the right flank is secured by the 8th Army.”

“Although these two armies aren’t advancing as quickly as the 5th, they are making steady progress.”

“Last night, the 5th Army received reinforcements, so their troop strength shouldn’t be an issue.”

“Additionally, they captured a German supply depot a few days ago, which replenished their food supplies.”

...

Charles was dumbfounded. This old man had just stolen all his lines!

Seeing Charles’ lack of response, Gallieni looked up and asked, “What’s the matter? Is your identity as a staff officer stifling your abilities, or is your rank as a Second Lieutenant limiting your imagination? This doesn’t seem like you!”

“General!” Charles replied. “The questions you’re asking seem like matters you should be considering!”

“Exactly, Charles!” Gallieni said meaningfully, staring at him. “But a staff officer is my assistant, a part of my brain. So, when I’m thinking, you should be thinking too!”

Charles didn’t understand at first, but after a moment, he finally got it:

If Charles, as a staff officer, was considered part of Gallieni’s brain, then Charles’ thoughts were equivalent to Gallieni’s thoughts. If Charles solved a problem, it was as though Gallieni had solved it himself.

Could it really be interpreted that way?

Seeing Charles still hesitating, Gallieni tilted his head and said, “It seems you’re not suited for thinking, Charles! If that’s the case, I can only assign you to practice your drills—it might suit you better, and you seem to enjoy it!”

As he spoke, he looked up, ready to call for Fernand.

“No, General!” Charles quickly stopped him.

He had long been weary of endlessly repeating commands like a robot—a true torment for him.

He had only pretended to enjoy it to avoid giving this old man an advantage. Now, it seemed that strategy had completely failed!

Noticing Charles’ discomfort, Gallieni smiled slyly, raising his chin toward the map on the table. “Then show me whether you’re suited for thinking!”

With a helpless expression, Charles leaned over the map. After considering for a while, he said, “I think we shouldn’t stop the 5th Army. On the contrary, we should have them pick up the pace!”

“Why?” Gallieni asked, intrigued.

He had considered maintaining the 5th Army’s speed but hadn’t thought about accelerating it. Once again, this young man had surprised him.

“Do you remember the ‘special operations’ concept I mentioned earlier?” Charles countered.

Gallieni’s eyes lit up instantly. That new term had been tormenting him for days!

Seeing Gallieni’s excited expression, Charles suddenly wondered: could all of this have been part of Gallieni’s plan?

The drills, this unique assignment, and even the rest area... Could it all be a coincidence?

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