Chapter 490: Methods
Britain itself was also running short on resources—arguably even more severely than France. After all, German submarines were relentlessly blockading British ports, strangling its trade routes and access to essential war supplies. Yet, Britain had skillfully leveraged its global standing and its relationship with the United States, securing large loans and ample supplies of war matériel.
Now, Britain was quietly preparing to use these very resources as leverage against its ally. By offering or withholding critical supplies, they intended to subtly assert greater control over the French war effort—aiming to influence not only military decisions but also political appointments at the highest levels.
Meanwhile, Shire sat dining leisurely with Steed and Dominique at the Ritz Hotel in Paris. After days at the frontline subsisting mainly on bread and bland rations, Shire found himself nearly devouring his steak and tuna dish. He ate voraciously, savoring every bite, and drank deeply from his glass of red wine. Only after he finished did he realize just how ravenously hungry he'd become.
Steed watched him with mild astonishment. "General, you really ought to take better provisions with you to the front lines."
As a successful businessman and a close partner, Steed was well aware of Shire's considerable wealth. It puzzled him to see Shire eating as though he'd been starved for days.
Shire, sipping a last bit of wine, smiled wryly. "As a commander, imagine how soldiers would feel seeing their leader feasting comfortably while they themselves endure hardship."
Steed paused, slightly embarrassed. As a civilian and businessman, he'd never truly considered this perspective. To him, officers naturally enjoyed better provisions than the rank-and-file.
Dominique nodded thoughtfully, adding softly, "Indeed, a general eating well while his troops suffer would quickly lose their trust. Trust is fragile—hard-won but easily lost."
Shire agreed with Dominique, "Exactly. Building trust is like constructing a dam; destroying it only requires a few unnoticed cracks."
Steed reflected on that insight. Commanding troops appeared more complicated than he'd realized. Though, he mused, certain commanders—like Joffre—had somehow made it appear very easy, always ensuring their own comforts regardless of the frontline troops.
Breaking the brief silence, Steed remarked casually, "They've decided to strip Joffre entirely of his military commission. He'll spend his remaining years back in Rivesaltes."
Dominique shook his head sadly. "And yet, he's still telling everyone that it was all your doing, Shire—that you're the mastermind behind his downfall. Do you think he's truly gone mad?"
Steed shrugged dismissively. "Who cares what Joffre says anymore?"
Shire didn't reply directly. As far as he was concerned, Joffre's career was already finished. There was no point in discussing someone without a future.
Seeing Shire's indifference, Steed smoothly redirected the conversation. "Given that you'll be returning soon to Belgium, the Assembly intends to appoint General Pétain to command at Verdun. Do you have any objections?"
Steed implied subtly that if Shire disliked the choice, they could intervene politically. Shire, however, appeared entirely unbothered.
"I have no objection," Shire replied calmly.
Steed seemed confused. "No objection at all?"
Shire raised an eyebrow, amused. "Should I?"
Steed hesitated, struggling to frame his thoughts, and Dominique quickly clarified, "General, you achieved significant progress at Verdun, recapturing Douaumont Fortress and stabilizing the defensive line. Those accomplishments are yours. Appointing Pétain now might look as though he's taking credit for your successes."
Steed nodded firmly, "Exactly. In fact, I've heard Pétain is already at Verdun, eagerly studying your 'reverse-slope defensive strategy.' He's also placed orders for large quantities of directional mines from us."
After a brief pause, Steed quietly suggested, "Though, of course, we could refuse—"
Dominique immediately interrupted, alarmed. "We mustn't refuse, Father. If we deny supplies, people will instantly associate this with Shire. They'll accuse him of placing personal gain above national security."
Steed gave Dominique an annoyed look. "There are subtle ways of refusing—claiming insufficient production capacity, quality issues, or even drastically inflating the price."
Dominique looked distressed. "But Father, morally we can't do that."
Dominique had always been idealistic, frequently placing ethical considerations above politics. He firmly believed that the nation's interest must always supersede personal ambition.
Steed stared back irritably. "And simply let someone else claim Shire's hard-earned glory?"
Dominique fell silent, troubled by the dilemma. Indeed, it seemed unfair for Shire's efforts to be casually claimed by someone else.
Turning back to Shire, Steed pressed firmly, "General, perhaps it's time we exerted a bit of political pressure—show the Assembly they can't so easily manipulate us."
Shire didn't reply immediately. Instead, he calmly asked the waiter to replace the wine with coffee, stirring sugar slowly into his cup before looking thoughtfully at Steed. "Do you really think the matter is that simple?"
Steed frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"
Shire explained quietly, "The Assembly is deliberately raising Pétain's profile to counterbalance my influence. If things continue as they have, my popularity and military success might become overwhelming. They need someone to balance me politically—someone perceived as equally competent."
Steed suddenly understood. "Of course! That's precisely why they're handing your accomplishments to Pétain."
Shire nodded slowly. "And openly challenging their decision by refusing to supply directional mines would be playing directly into their hands. Publicly opposing military needs would damage my image while Pétain, bravely holding Verdun without adequate support, would only gain more sympathy."
Steed's expression shifted from certainty to uncertainty. "Then...what do we do? Allow Pétain to win using your methods? He'd become popular anyway."
"Exactly," Shire replied easily, "we'll actively assist him. In fact, I'll even write him detailed notes on my reverse-slope tactics."
Steed looked startled, confused. "Actively helping a rival?"
Shire smiled faintly. "And perhaps it's also time for our newspapers, particularly Le Petit Journal, to play their part."
Instantly, Steed's confusion cleared. "Yes, of course!" He realized Shire's intentions perfectly. By openly documenting Shire's cooperation, the newspapers would clarify that Pétain's success at Verdun depended directly upon Shire's methods and inventions. Thus, rather than weakening Shire, Pétain's victory would only further highlight Shire's ingenuity and generosity, strengthening his public image.
Moreover, Pétain himself would feel indebted to Shire rather than opposed, making future political rivalry improbable.
Steed sat quietly, gazing admiringly at Shire. He realized now just how cunningly Shire had foreseen the political traps set against him and devised a strategy that turned potential enemies into allies. The younger general had matured considerably, his methods more sophisticated, far beyond mere battlefield tactics.
Dominique sighed softly with relief. Once again, Shire had calmly transformed a political crisis into an opportunity, preserving both his influence and moral standing. Dominique's admiration deepened further; Shire seemed effortlessly capable of solving any difficulty, military or political, turning even setbacks into advantages.
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