Chapter 495: Even a Mosquito Is Still Meat
Antwerp's airfield bustled with its usual activity. Fighter planes roared along the runway, taking off and landing amid clouds of dust stirred up by propellers and wings. The sharp scent of fuel mingled with the cool breeze, creating an atmosphere charged with both anticipation and anxiety.
King Albert I stood at attention at the edge of the runway, dressed impressively in his grand commander's uniform, a ceremonial sword at his side. Beside him stood Colonel Eden, wearing a new uniform but clearly positioned as a supportive figure beside the King. Behind them stood a group of Belgian dignitaries and a military band, instruments at the ready, poised for their cue.
Albert glanced upwards, seeing nothing yet, then turned slightly to a man behind him, asking quietly, "Monsieur Boyata, have you decided exactly what you'll say to the Brigadier General?"
Boyata, the owner of Fabrique Nationale (FN), stepped forward, nervously nodding. "Yes, Your Majesty, I've prepared carefully."
"Excellent," Albert replied approvingly.
Boyata exchanged an anxious glance with the renowned firearms designer Browning, who offered him a subtle, encouraging nod.
At that moment, a lookout shouted from a nearby tower, "They're coming, Your Majesty—General Charles's plane!"
In the sky above, four British Sopwith Camels appeared, forming a protective escort around a modified Avro airplane—the improved version produced by Éric Aircraft Company, now fitted with a more powerful engine allowing it to reach approximately 150 kilometers per hour, making it safer against interception.
Albert quickly turned, giving a sharp command: "Ready!"
The bandleader swiftly raised his baton, signaling the musicians, who instantly adopted attentive positions.
"Play!"
With Albert's final command, the stirring melody of the Belgian anthem, "La Brabançonne," filled the air.
Charles was momentarily confused by the unexpected grandeur unfolding before him. At first, he assumed there must be some official event at the airfield. Only after the plane rolled to a halt, with King Albert warmly approaching, did Charles grasp this extravagant welcome was solely for him.
Albert embraced Charles with a broad smile, exclaiming, "Brigadier General, my dear friend! Congratulations once again on your astonishing victory. Your name and deeds have inspired everyone following the war—especially after you turned Verdun's fate around in just one day!"
Though Albert spoke sincerely, Charles understood the deeper meaning: what truly astonished everyone was not merely Verdun, but Charles's successful ousting of General Joffre from his position as Supreme Commander—a feat underscoring his growing influence in France.
Colonel Eden's thoughts drifted elsewhere. He imagined what could be accomplished if Belgium's fortresses were equipped with Charles's directional mines, anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, and especially the terrifying "jumping mines." Such inventions could transform Belgium's defenses, turning every inch of territory into a deadly trap for the invaders.
As Belgian officials stepped forward enthusiastically, shaking Charles's hand, congratulations poured forth:
"A magnificent victory, General!"
"You've lifted morale all across Belgium!"
"You have shown us a path toward ultimate victory!"
Reporters crowded around, frantically capturing photographs from every angle. Flashbulbs popped continuously, recording Charles's every gesture.
Amid the chaos, Charles glanced over at Tijani, who stood to one side.
Tijani raised his hands helplessly, murmuring apologetically, "This wasn't my doing, General. Your departure from Paris was headline news hours before your plane even took off."
Charles sighed inwardly. The media circus had reached new extremes; Parisian journalists were now tracking his every movement. He made a mental note to be more cautious, realizing the Germans might soon exploit this predictable publicity.
At the headquarters of the 1st Mechanized Division, King Albert, Colonel Eden, and Boyata followed Charles closely, eager to speak privately.
Charles turned, a bit puzzled, "Is there something else?"
Without waiting for Albert's reply, he added bluntly, "I neither enjoy nor require such elaborate welcomes. I am a soldier, Your Majesty, not a politician."
Albert smiled patiently. "My apologies, General. This is no political gesture; rather, it's Belgium honoring its hero—the hero who has saved not only France but also our own nation. Celebrating your arrival is vital for morale, giving courage to our people fighting against oppression."
Charles paused, acknowledging Albert's logic. Propaganda indeed had its place, and Albert had deliberately chosen Charles as a symbol to inspire Belgians, similar to how Joffre had once served as a morale-boosting figure in France.
Satisfied, Albert stepped back, gesturing toward Boyata, indicating it was now his turn to speak.
Boyata stepped forward, somewhat nervous. Removing his hat respectfully, he began, "General, it's a great honor to see you again."
Charles vaguely remembered Boyata until he noticed Browning standing nearby. Recognition dawned immediately. "Ah, FN—Fabrique Nationale, yes?"
Boyata brightened, clearly relieved. "Indeed, General. Our cooperation on the Saint-Étienne 2 machine gun has been very successful. Now, FN hopes to deepen our partnership further."
Charles raised an eyebrow curiously. "What sort of cooperation?"
Boyata hurriedly explained, "We hope to obtain licensing rights to produce your directional mines, as well as your anti-personnel, anti-tank, and jumping mines. Naturally, our previous agreement of equal profit-sharing remains in effect."
Glancing at King Albert and Colonel Eden, Charles understood this proposal wasn't entirely Boyata's idea. Clearly, Albert had encouraged FN to expand this partnership, aiming to strengthen Belgium's defenses through Charles's advanced technology.
Charles had already considered supplying Belgium with these new weapons, aware of their strategic advantage in enhancing fortress defense networks. Anti-personnel and anti-tank mines—cheap, easy to produce, and highly effective—were practically tailored for small nations like Belgium. Their unpredictability would severely restrict enemy movement, creating an immense psychological barrier for invading forces.
Yet Charles quickly realized an opportunity had presented itself. Belgium needed him, and FN was hardly a trivial partner. Moreover, John Browning himself was a formidable firearms designer whose expertise might prove valuable.
After a brief moment, Charles nodded thoughtfully, smiling subtly. "This partnership makes sense. Your factory is certainly capable, and Belgium indeed needs these technologies."
Boyata's face brightened significantly. "Thank you, General. We assure you, FN is fully committed to producing these mines swiftly and efficiently."
Charles smiled lightly, adding deliberately, "However, these technologies represent significant advancements. We may need to discuss more detailed terms and guarantees—perhaps technology exchanges or exclusive manufacturing agreements."
Boyata nodded eagerly, fully expecting negotiations to become tougher. Albert, catching Charles's subtle intentions, simply smiled appreciatively. After all, he knew Charles well—beneath the young general's seemingly casual exterior was a savvy strategist who never overlooked even minor opportunities.
As Charles himself quietly mused, even the smallest opportunities were worth exploiting—after all, as the old saying went, "Even a mosquito is still meat."
(End of Chapter 495)
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