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I Became a Tycoon During World War I - Chapter 100
🕑 Added 2025-03-23 02:55:11 +0000 UTCChapter 100: Dismissed by God
Two rows of torches stood neatly along both sides of the runway, like a double line of sentinels, marking the planeâs position and direction.
Before long, the faint rumble of an engine came from the sky, growing louder and closer.
Gallieni looked up into the pitch-black sky, instinctively taking two steps forward, only to be stopped by a guard: âGeneral, itâs too dangerous to get that close!â
Gallieni grunted in acknowledgment and stepped back.
The pilot couldnât see anything in the darkness. All he had were the two rows of torches as his guide. If someone were to stand at the edge of the runway, they might very well be sliced in half by the planeâs wingsâbe they a soldier or a general.
Finally, the plane appeared against the night sky, descending gradually. Those below could now make it out, though it was still just a shadowy blur.
The first landing attempt didnât go smoothly; the pilot seemed unsure about the angle. The plane dipped as though to land, then abruptly pulled up and circled twice before finally descending steadily and stopping on the runway.
Gallieni, accompanied by a group of soldiers, rushed toward the plane.
In the torchlight, Gallieni spotted a figure emerging from the cabin. It was unmistakably the boy, and he exhaled a sigh of relief, the weight on his chest lifting at last.
Then Gallieni realized, somewhat awkwardly, that while he had accounted for every safety measure, he hadnât thought to bring Charles a coat.
The latter stood there in pajamas, clutching a pillow, shivering uncontrollably in the cold night wind.
Without hesitation, Gallieni quickened his steps, removing his military overcoat as he went. Taking long strides, he draped the coat over Charlesâ shoulders and comforted him: âItâs all right now, little one. Youâre home. Itâs over!â
âG-General!â Charles stuttered, his whole body trembling, his teeth chattering noisily. âI left my uniform and weapons⊠in Antwerp. And the mission reportâŠâ
Gallieni chuckled. The boy was still thinking about his mission report?
âBring more coats!â Gallieni called over his shoulder.
Immediately, dozens of coats were brought over. Charles was bundled up like a cocoon and carried to a car, now even wearing Gallieniâs generalâs hat on his head.
Charles felt a little embarrassed. He must look terrible in front of all these people. Yet strangely, the gazes directed at him were filled only with respect.
As the car started, Charles managed to turn his head and call out to Eric: âIâll come find you, Uncle Eric!â
âGot it!â Eric waved in response. âIâll be waiting, little one!â
Charles had no idea that he wouldnât need to come looking for Eric. As the pilot who had taken him to Antwerp, Eric was already under Gallieniâs suspicion, despite having safely brought Charles back.
...
The car drove down the sealed-off road back to headquarters. Cavalry led the way, guards stood at attention along both sides, and the entire path was secured.
Gallieni sat silently in the passenger seat for a long time before suddenly laughing. He turned slightly and asked Charles in the backseat, âI heard you accomplished quite a bit in Belgium and even received a Royal Crown Medal?â
Charles remembered the medal and replied with frustration, âI left it in Antwerp!â
Gallieni chuckled. âDonât worry, Lieutenant. It wonât be lost! The King will send it back to you.â
âWhat?â Charles didnât understand.
Gallieni explained, âDuring your three hours in the air, a lot happened in Antwerp. Everyone there knows about General Gillisâ scheme now!â
Charles nodded.
That was within his expectations. General Winter wasnât aloneâhe had led a force of ten thousand troops. Once Charles was safely away, they would undoubtedly expose the truth as quickly as possible.
âWant to know what happened to General Gillis?â Gallieni asked.
âHe was dismissed?â Charles guessed.
Gallieni smiled faintly and replied, âYes, he was dismissed.â
This little boy actually believed that the betrayal of a man who saved the city, an act of treachery that put Antwerp in dishonor and peril, would only result in dismissal?
Gillis hadnât merely been dismissed. Before King Albert I could officially remove him, an enraged mob stormed his headquarters and dragged him out, nearly beating him to death.
The person who saved him was none other than King Albert I himself, who insisted that Gillis stand trial publicly to uncover the masterminds and accomplices behind the betrayal.
But King Albert I was soon disappointed. After being sent to the hospital, Gillis endured a brutal surgery without anesthesia, in which dozens of incisions were made to locate fractures. The doctors claimed it was to treat his injuries, but the cuts had been deliberately placed to avoid vital areas.
Gillis ultimately died in agony and despair.
There was no need for Charles to know about this. Let him think of it as mere dismissalâdismissed by God Himself.
Gallieni pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Charles. âThis is a telegram from King Albert I. He apologizes to you and says your uniform, belongings, and medal will be returned to you.â
Charles took the telegram but couldnât read it in the dark. He stuffed it into a pocket, already understanding its contents.
âBut you might not need that uniform anymore,â Gallieni said thoughtfully, glancing at the passing buildings.
Charles didnât ask further, as the car had already arrived at headquarters. He was helped to his quarters, wrapped himself in blankets, and drank two cups of hot milk before finally feeling warm enough to drift into a deep sleep.
...
The next morning, Charles finally understood what Gallieni meant by ânot needing that uniform.â His orderly, Adrian, brought him two brand-new uniforms, complete with a revolver and all the necessary equipment.
Charles was puzzled. Why two uniforms? He had only lost one, and the other was still in his quarters!
It wasnât until he put one on that he noticed a gold stripe on the cuff, signifying his promotion. He was now a second lieutenant!
Gallieni watched with satisfaction as Charles, dressed in his new uniform, entered the operations room. The officers inside spontaneously broke into applause and cheers:
âWell done, Charles!â
âYouâve brought honor to France!â
âThey say sending you alone was more effective than Britain sending ten thousand men!â
Gallieni initially wanted to maintain his usual stern demeanor.
But after some thought, he stepped forward and nodded approvingly. âYou performed well in Antwerp, Lieutenant. This is well-deserved. Keep it up!â
Charles froze momentarily before understanding. Gallieni no longer saw a need to put on a show for the capitalists.
After all, no matter what, the capitalists would always oppose them. That was unavoidable.
âYes, General!â Charles stood at attention, his voice no longer trembling.
âToday is your day off,â Gallieni said, checking his pocket watch. âHave breakfast and go home. Your parents should be waiting for you!â
âYes, General!â Charles replied, still a little dazed. He had thought he was just returning to active duty.
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