I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 880: When Is Shire Coming?

Shire's guess was not entirely correct.

If it was just to inform the US Army of disengaging from the French command system, Pershing could simply send a telegram to Shire.

After all, it's a military unit, not as cumbersome as a peaceful society.

The reason Pershing decided to personally travel from Freeman to the Metz headquarters was because he wanted to make one last attempt.

"Vice Admiral." In the conference room, Pershing looked at Shire with a plea in his eyes: "I sincerely hope you can join us and completely end this war. That's also what you hope for, right?"

Shire remained unmoved, knowing that reality was not as it seemed on the surface.

The war could end right now, but the issue was that without reparations for England, the US loans would become bad debts.

"I'm sorry, Brigadier General," Shire replied. "It's not that I don't want to do it; it's just that I haven't figured out a way to break through the Hindenburg Line so far."

"As long as you are willing to join," Pershing said, "that in itself is a victory, even if you join only in name."

Pershing truly believed this.

Even if Shire did not offer constructive suggestions, just knowing Shire was part of the command would significantly boost soldiers' confidence in the operation plan.

Shire was like a stabilizing anchor.

Shire smiled faintly and replied meaningfully, "You're thinking too simply, Brigadier General. Even if you wish for it, they won't agree."

Pershing was taken aback, then nodded helplessly.

America formed the alliance not just to defeat Germany to its total surrender but also to isolate Shire.

Meanwhile, British and American leaders, including President Wilson, believed that the Germans were at the end of their strength, and this battle was sure to be victorious.

A victory without Shire.

So how could they allow Shire to join and "share" this glory?

Only Pershing knew it wasn't so.

Without Shire's participation, the war could end up in a bloodbath and achieve nothing.

But ironically, nobody was willing to believe what he said!

"Face reality, Brigadier General," Shire said. "This is politics."

Still unwilling to give up, Pershing wore a desperate expression:

"If, I mean if."

"If you had to launch an attack on the Hindenburg Line, I want to know what you would do?"

Then he added, "I know this is asking too much, it does not align with your interests, but please, for the soldiers' lives, give me some advice."

After some thought, Shire said, "Do not believe that your firepower can completely destroy the enemy's high ground."

Shire believed that high ground battles would become the key to this campaign.

Hindenburg was not foolish; he knew the advantages and disadvantages of Germany versus the Anglo-American Allies.

Germany, in terms of equipment quantity, supplies, and troop strength, could not compare with the Anglo-American Allies, but its advantage lay in the quality of the soldiers.

And high ground battles could maximize the quality of soldiers.

Pershing understood with only a slight consideration. He stood up to shake Shire's hand: "Thank you very much, Vice Admiral!"

He then formally saluted Shire.

Watching Pershing's departing figure, Shire sighed inwardly.

A standard professional soldier possesses rare and valuable qualities, favors substance over vanity, and craves advanced tactics and equipment.

If he were in command, this campaign might avoid major issues.

But unfortunately, with English arrogance, it's impossible to let these fledgling rookies climb on top of them: If they let the Americans take charge, where would that leave the pride of the world's strongest nation?

So, this battle was destined to be a tragedy.

…

The capital of Belgium, the Brussels Royal Palace by the park.

(The above picture shows the Brussels Royal Palace, Albert I's official office before the war, which was damaged during the war and repaired afterward.)

Albert I had renovated several damaged offices for official duties, actively reorganizing the cabinet and restoring people's livelihoods during this period.

The war had brought him the benefit that Belgium, previously politically fragmented, was once again united under King Albert I.

Before this, his power had almost been stripped away; major matters required parliament's consent and approval, with the king having no choice but to sign.

But now, due to Albert I's outstanding performance during the war, he regained control over military and political power.

However, Albert I knew that all of this was because of Shire; without Shire, Belgium was nothing.

So on every issue, he must steadfastly stand by Shire.

"How's the progress in Namur's defense?" Albert asked Major General Eden.

"Progress is smooth, Your Majesty," Major General Eden replied. "We have constructed three lines of defense and have strengthened and repaired the fort."

This was part of Shire's defense plan, with Namur located opposite the Liege Fortress.

That was the only Belgian land occupied by the Germans.

Sometimes, Albert I wanted to drag Shire back from France: with only this piece of land left, couldn't you liberate the whole of Belgium first before returning to reclaim France?

But Albert I also knew that was impossible; Shire was a Frenchman, and he must prioritize France's interests first.

"I heard Shire has recaptured Lorraine and Alsace," Eden said. "That's good news."

"Yes, of course," Albert I's face instantly blossomed into a smile.

He also heard that Shire did not intend to attack the Hindenburg Line, so the next step should be returning to recover the Liege Fortress, right?

At this moment, a guard reported: "Your Majesty, the French Minister of the Navy is here to see you. He hopes to talk to you."

Albert I jumped up excitedly, embracing Eden's shoulder with enthusiasm: "Look, whatever we wish for comes to pass; the time for complete victory is here, Major General, prepare for battle!"

"Yes, Your Majesty." Major General Eden's eyes equally showed excitement.

Being able to fight alongside Shire again, that wasn't an honor everyone could have!

Albert I personally went to greet him, bringing the Minister of the Navy into the meeting room.

"Congratulations, Minister," Albert I tried hard to remain calm, shaking hands with the Minister of the Navy: "I heard Shire recently recaptured Lorraine and Alsace, accomplishing the feat of reclaiming the entire territory!"

"Yes," the Minister of the Navy nodded, "are you ready?"

"Ready for what?" Albert I asked.

"Of course, to recover all of Belgium," the Minister of the Navy replied. "We believe the time is right."

"Yes, of course." Albert I was so excited that his entire body trembled like a sieve, and his breathing became rapid.

Was the day finally coming?

"When will Shire arrive?" Albert I looked expectantly.

"Shire?" The Minister of the Navy appeared puzzled: "Why do you think Shire will come?"

Albert I's smile froze, and his eyes instantly lost their luster.