Chapter 497: He Definitely Knows
After leaving the airport, Albert I praised Boyata and Browning extensively—especially Browning.
He shook Browning's hand warmly, exclaiming, "Thank you very much, Mr. Browning! Without your new design, we might not have secured the rights to produce these crucial weapons. Belgium owes you a tremendous debt. If there's anything you need, please tell me—"
"It's my duty, Your Majesty," Browning replied modestly. Indeed, as an American, Browning didn't harbor any special patriotic feelings toward Belgium. His motivations were more about FN's success and his personal interests.
Albert I understood this clearly and subtly glanced toward Boyata, hinting that he should pay special attention to keeping this genius satisfied and loyal to FN. Boyata immediately nodded, fully comprehending his task. Ever since Browning had designed FN's first pistol—the M1900—Boyata's primary job had been ensuring Browning stayed committed exclusively to FN.
Before parting, Albert I turned again to Browning. "Mr. Browning, we must anticipate future developments. Charles may introduce even more astonishing inventions in the future, and we'll likely face similar negotiations again."
Browning nodded thoughtfully. "I understand, Your Majesty. I'll try to develop new firearms ahead of time."
Albert emphasized clearly, "And they must be weapons that can genuinely capture Charles's interest."
Browning sighed softly, realizing how difficult this might be. "Indeed. That's not going to be easy."
Albert I returned to his car satisfied, but after traveling a short distance, he suddenly remarked to Colonel Eden, "We're lucky to have Browning on our side."
"Indeed, Your Majesty," Eden agreed. "But I find it somewhat surprising. Charles isn't just a military genius; he appears equally talented in weapon design, capable of matching FN's chief designer, Browning, and even surpassing him."
Albert stared at Eden incredulously. After a long pause, he said slowly, "Good heavens! You're surprised that Charles could match Browning?"
Colonel Eden looked confused. "Did I say something wrong?"
Albert waved his hand impatiently. "Shouldn't we rather be surprised that Browning could match Charles?"
Eden remained perplexed, uncertain about the subtlety of Albert's point. After a moment, he simply nodded, understanding he'd missed something important. "You're right, Your Majesty. Forgive me, that was my mistake."
Indeed, Eden realized now that Charles was the legendary inventor of tanks, fighter planes, bombers, and countless revolutionary weapons—alongside his successful redesign of the Saint-Étienne machine gun. Rumor even hinted at other secret weapons currently in development. How had Eden mistakenly assumed Charles to be inferior to Browning in weaponry design?
Quickly, Eden rectified his earlier remark, "Certainly, Your Majesty. Charles's talent in weapons design surpasses all others, even Browning."
Satisfied, Albert leaned back, observing quietly, "Remember Charles's expression when he first saw Browning's sketches. Clearly, he wasn't very impressed. He accepted reluctantly, out of friendship more than anything else. Charles sees us as friends, which makes it difficult for him to refuse."
Colonel Eden nodded vigorously. "Of course, Your Majesty. Charles is indeed a reliable friend—one worth our trust and our respect."
Albert smiled faintly but said nothing more. Eden's statement seemed obvious. Charles was more than merely Belgium's friend—he was practically its savior!
Meanwhile, on another road heading toward the FN plant in Ghent, Boyata and Browning were discussing recent events.
"Your rifle design saved us today," Boyata praised enthusiastically. "Tell me, how did you conceive it?"
"It was inspired by Charles's Saint-Étienne 2 machine gun," Browning admitted. "Initially, I wondered, if heavy Maxim guns could be modified into lighter machine guns for better mobility, couldn't those same guns be further simplified until individual soldiers could handle them alone?"
Boyata nodded approvingly. "And thus was born the idea of the BAR. It was brilliant and crucial in convincing Charles."
But Browning seemed troubled, not sharing Boyata's enthusiasm. Noticing this hesitation, Boyata asked cautiously, "Is something bothering you?"
Browning hesitated briefly before answering, "This rifle was one of my proudest creations, Jonathan." Jonathan was Boyata's informal nickname; in return, Boyata often called him John.
"I placed immense hope in it—dreaming it might eventually replace all standard infantry rifles. Yet Charles hardly seemed impressed. The way he studied the sketches, the tone in his voice, his subtle expression… it felt almost like pity."
Boyata gently acknowledged, "I understand your feelings, John. But it's already remarkable that your design could even draw Charles's interest. You should feel proud—"
"No, you don't understand," Browning interrupted sharply. "There was something else in his eyes. Something deeper."
Boyata sighed inwardly, realizing this might be Browning's first experience feeling overshadowed or dismissed by another inventor—especially one much younger than himself. Naturally, it would feel uncomfortable.
Browning spoke again, almost whispering to himself, "It's incredible. Charles immediately identified all the flaws in the BAR design—every single shortcoming. He even noticed that the barrel couldn't be easily changed because there's no handle. Such astonishing insight!"
He paused, eyes wide with sudden realization. "No, no—it wasn't merely insight. It was recognition!"
Browning suddenly sat up straight, exclaiming urgently, "He knows, Jonathan—he definitely knows!"
Alarmed, Boyata asked nervously, "Knows what, John?"
Browning stared intensely, clearly agitated. "Charles knows this type of rifle intimately. He must have thought about designing something similar himself—"
Boyata relaxed slightly, relieved Browning hadn't completely lost his composure. "Are you certain?"
"Yes, I'm certain!" Browning insisted. "There's no other explanation. He took just one look at the sketches and immediately pinpointed all the rifle's flaws—not because he's simply clever, but because he'd already considered making something similar. Perhaps…" Browning's voice trailed off in shock, a new possibility dawning on him, "perhaps he even knows how to solve all these issues. That's why he appeared so indifferent and reluctant—he already saw beyond my design."
Browning recalled Charles's expression vividly, increasingly convinced. In sudden excitement, he shouted to the driver up front, "Turn the car around, Stein! We're heading back to the airport immediately!"
(End of Chapter 497)
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