I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 902: Armistice Negotiations

What surprised the Minister of Military Supplies and Baker even more was the presence of many unfamiliar faces in the conference room.

After asking General Winter beside him, the Minister learned they were governors of French colonies, and there was even a colonial representative.

What on earth?

The minister thought to himself, what exactly is Shire trying to do? Inviting these people to the meeting!

Unintentionally, the minister locked eyes with King Constantine I of Greece, distinctly sensing anger and hostility in Constantine I’s gaze.

The minister paid it no mind, returning a confident smile and raised his glass to salute Constantine I.

But Constantine I ignored him, turning instead to continue his conversation with Queen Wilhelmina.

(The image above shows King Constantine I of Greece, who was educated in Germany from an early age and married Sofia, the daughter of the German Emperor, which inclined him towards Germany emotionally. However, to avoid entanglement in war, he insisted on maintaining neutrality. Nevertheless, Britain and France forcibly landed in Greece, demanding he disband the army. In 1917, they supported opposition forces to compel him to abdicate and go into exile, ultimately forcing Greece to join the Allies.)

"Don’t be nervous," Queen Wilhelmina seemed to sense Constantine I’s panic, "This is France, they won’t dare do anything."

"Oh, yes," Constantine I replied awkwardly, "I know."

Queen Wilhelmina raised her glass for a gentle clink:

"Although the host of this meeting is named Clemenceau, we all know it’s Shire’s idea."

"You may not trust Clemenceau, but you should trust Shire."

"Shire is very concerned about his reputation and honor, so you won’t be in trouble."

Constantine I felt somewhat reassured: "Yes, of course, that’s also why I came here."

Before coming, he deliberated for a long time, worried that Britain and France might use this opportunity to detain him and thereby force Greece to submit.

As a King, Constantine I knew there was nothing these people wouldn’t do, at most using the media to block news afterward or divert public opinion.

But after much consideration, Constantine I decided to come because it could be an opportunity.

If Shire were truly as he claimed, promoting the French spirit of "equality," "freedom," and "fraternity," there would be opportunities for Greece.

At this moment, the door to the conference room opened, and Clemenceau, in a formal suit, strode in surrounded by attendants.

Kings and envoys all paid respects to Clemenceau.

Clemenceau greeted the crowd, shaking hands skillfully:

"It’s a pleasure to see you, Your Majesty; you look as charming as ever, I’m simply captivated by you."

"Dear friend, we haven’t seen each other for some time now."

"Your Majesty, the last time we met was in Rome, wasn’t it? I remember you had the Prince with you!"

...

Just then, an exclamation was heard, and Shire appeared at the door dressed in his general’s uniform.

Shire’s arrival was less grand than Clemenceau’s; he only brought Tijani, because Tijani was also a veteran noble socialite.

Nonetheless, this didn’t diminish his flair; as soon as Shire appeared, he drew everyone’s attention, leaving Clemenceau to flock to Shire, eager to shake hands.

"General," Queen Mary of Romania eagerly introduced ahead: "This is my husband, the King of Romania."

"Hello, Your Majesty, it’s an honor to meet you." Shire shook hands with Ferdinand I, turning to Queen Mary: "You’re very lucky, Queen; your husband is excellent."

Queen Mary laughed heartily.

Shire originally should have said to Ferdinand I, "You’re lucky, Your Majesty; you have a beautiful wife."

Unexpectedly, Shire went against the grain.

Ferdinand I’s tense face suddenly relaxed, "Thank you very much, Vice Admiral; your advice helped us fend off the Germans’ attack."

"You’re welcome," Shire replied, "That’s what I should do."

Italian Chief of Staff Cadorna stepped forward to shake hands.

Shire joked, "How are my rocket launchers performing, Chief of Staff?"

"They’re fantastic!" Cadorna nodded in answer, "The Germans even thought you were commanding us at the Piave River, they were terrified!"

The guests around burst into laughter.

King Constantine I cautiously approached Shire to shake hands, "Hello, Vice Admiral, I am..."

"I know." Shire patted Constantine I’s shoulder, "Don’t worry, Your Majesty, we will handle this matter well."

Suddenly, Constantine I felt a sense of closeness; he almost wanted to cry.

Was Shire implying he would stand by Greece and support his justice?

If so, that was indeed wonderful.

Shire’s words were more useful than anything; Greece had hope!

"Hey, dear friend." Albert I exaggeratedly opened his arms and gave Shire a giant hug, "Long time no see, Namur’s troops have been waiting for you."

To exhibit extraordinary relations with Shire in front of the dignitaries was an honor in itself.

"I know," Shire cooperated, "They won’t wait too long, tell the Germans to watch out!"

Once again, guests chuckled heartily.

Clemenceau observed this scene with slight displeasure, but it quickly dissipated.

Lighten up, he consoled himself; this is Shire’s due, and he’s merely a pawn, he should watch his words!

Otherwise, if Shire had the notion of replacing him as Prime Minister, that would cause a significant problem.

Tijani was also very popular.

Because they all knew Tijani was Shire’s confidant, Shire’s comrade, favored student, the only one besides family who could joke with him.

Thus, those without the privilege to shake hands directly with Shire, like Pershing, Winter, and others, one after another greeted Tijani.

After exchanging pleasantries, the guests sat down each at Shire’s invitation.

The first to speak was Clemenceau; he tapped on his glass, stepped up two stairs on the stage, and spoke in a high-pitched, somewhat forced voice: 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

"Gentlemen, ladies, welcome to this meeting."

"Let’s spare the long speeches since we’re not here for socializing but to resolve the war issue."

The guests knowingly nodded their heads.

Clemenceau continued:

"As Prime Minister of France, I’m here to clarify France’s position."

"Of course, this has been decided after discussions in Parliament."

"We have decided to engage in armistice negotiations with Germany to completely resolve this meaningless war!"

The conference room echoed with applause.

King Constantine I stood up excitedly, clapping vigorously, because "armistice negotiations" meant France wouldn’t force Greece to join the Allies, and there wouldn’t be danger for himself.

At least France wouldn’t do it!

But the Minister of Military Supplies and Baker across the room turned pale.

"Armistice negotiations"?

No, they can’t be allowed to do this!