I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 881: Belgium Doesn’t Need Anyone’s Advice

Upon seeing Albert I's expression, the Minister of the Navy instantly realized he had made a mistake: if Albert I knew that this military plan bypassed, or even had intentions against Charles, Albert I would likely not cooperate with this plan.

With this in mind, the Minister of the Navy quickly changed his approach:

"You know, Your Majesty."

"Lorraine and Alsace were just recaptured, they need time to secure their defense lines."

"That's why Charles is busy ensuring France's safety, so I can only discuss offensive matters with you."

Although the Minister of the Navy didn't say "at Charles' instruction," the implication was clear.

Albert I's expression softened somewhat.

Even though Charles isn't here, as long as he commands with the Sixth Army in position, there shouldn't be any problems.

At this moment, Colonel Eden hurriedly entered, whispered a few words in Albert I's ear, which caused his face to change dramatically.

When he faced the Minister of the Navy again, the smile on his face had disappeared, and his gaze, cold as a razor, swept past the Minister.

These guys actually want to trick me into going to war this way, more severely, to drag Belgium into a conflict against Charles!

If it weren't for Major General Eden urgently calling Kristen, I would have been deceived by them.

The Minister of the Navy realized there was a problem, but still feigned calmness:

"Clearly, this is in our mutual interest."

"The Liege Fortress is one of the strongest fortresses, it's easy to defend and hard to attack."

"Only by thoroughly defeating the Germans and forcing their surrender can there be a possibility of them relinquishing the fortress of Liege..."

Although what the Minister of the Navy said might be reasonable, after all, Charles also pressed pause when facing the Liege Fortress.

So, the most realistic approach is to force the German Army to surrender and voluntarily return the fortress.

But Albert I did not hesitate at all, he firmly gave a negative answer: "I'm sorry, Minister. As you said, the Liege Fortress is easy to defend and hard to attack, therefore we will not attack lightly."

He added, "Unless it's commanded by Charles, because I believe only he has the ability to take Liege."

The Minister of the Navy retorted, "That is your last piece of land to be recovered, and you only need a feint attack, we don't ask you to actually take it..."

"Minister," Albert I interrupted abruptly, standing up with a cold voice: "Do I need to remind you? This is Belgium, we have the right to decide whether to attack, we don't need advice from others."

He then gestured towards the door: "If there's nothing else, please go ahead!"

The Minister of the Navy went pale with anger, this was his first time receiving such cold treatment in diplomacy, and it was from Belgium under France's protection.

However, he was helpless, only able to make a cold grunt, warning: "I hope you understand what you are doing, Your Majesty!"

Albert I spread his hands: "Of course, don't trouble yourself over it."

The furious Minister of the Navy had not yet gone out when Albert I and Major General Eden exchanged a glance and laughed mockingly together.

The laughter wasn't loud, but the Minister of the Navy heard it.

He felt an unprecedented humiliation, paused, seemingly wanting to turn back and reason with Albert I, but finally clenched his teeth and left.

...

That night, the Minister of the Navy returned to his villa, unleashing a tirade in front of his mistress, Hari:

"These rude and ignorant guys, do they not know this is in the nation's interest?"

"Indeed, power should not be overly centralized, otherwise they will ignore the bigger picture for their personal interests."

"There's also responsibility, the responsibility of being a member of the Allies!"

Hari was dressed decently today, a sapphire necklace matching a sleek black dress, exuding elegance and mystery.

She patiently listened to the Minister of the Navy's complaints, consoling:

"Don't be upset by those short-sighted people, darling."

"Belgium is just a small country, its role is very limited."

"Leaving it out of the cooperation is no big deal."

The Minister of the Navy nodded frequently: "You're right, dear. They can only attack the Liege Fortress, it won't have much impact on the war situation."

Hari agreed with a seductive tone: "I don't understand war, but even I know that the focus is always on Russia, it sustains the whole Eastern Front."

"Yes, of course." The Minister of the Navy showed appreciation.

"So, when are you leaving?" Hari propped her chin on the table, looking at the Minister of the Navy with reluctance and affection: "That might be an unbearable separation. I mean, days without you are too boring."

"Oh, no, don't worry about that." The Minister of the Navy was flattered, blurting out: "I am not responsible for Russia, it's too far for me, England is certainly more convenient."

"Is that so, that's wonderful." Hari seemed to let go of a concern, smiling as she raised her glass: "But England is not near either, I heard the sea will soon freeze, I hope everything goes smoothly."

"Yes." The Minister of the Navy raised his glass to clink: "Don't worry, he'll arrive before the sea freezes."

...

In the North Sea, HMS Hampshire, under the escort of two destroyers, was sailing towards Russia.

(Above is HMS Hampshire, the cruiser Kitchener took to Russia, sunk by German torpedoes en route, with only 12 survivors)

Inside the cabin, Marshal Kitchener's gaze passed through the round porthole, looking out at the endless ocean.

Though he was a Marshal of the Army, the Sun Never Sets Empire had colonies all over the world, and British soldiers had no shortage of experience fighting at sea.

But this time, Kitchener felt something was different.

The sea, which should have been stormy, was unusually calm, with a sky blue as a gem, not a cloud in sight.

"Is it the calm before the storm?" Kitchener murmured to himself, "Or does it indicate that this voyage will be smooth sailing?"

Kitchener frowned deeply at the thought of the trip to Russia.

Originally, he thought persuading Russia wouldn't require much effort, as it aligned with Russian interests.

But unexpectedly, the plan faced strong opposition from Brusilov, who believed that any military plan without Charles' participation was neither mature nor feasible.

Laughable, is Charles the only one in the world who can wage war?

Everyone had been beguiled by Charles, even viewing him as a symbol of victory. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

However, thought is one thing, considering Russia's importance, Kitchener still decided to make the trip himself before the sea freezes.

How to persuade the Tsar? Or Brusilov?

Suddenly, a sharp alarm interrupted Kitchener's thoughts, and he heard someone shouting in panic: "Submarine, German submarine!"