After knowing Shire flew to Belgium, Hindenburg hesitated instead.
"Liege Fortress." Hindenburg located it on the map: "Once Shire breaches Liege Fortress, they can directly threaten the Ruhr Industrial District and form a pincer movement with the French Army in Saarbrücken to encircle our forces!"
Fear shone in Hindenburg's eyes, for if this were the case, Germany would completely lose the ability to fight against the French Army, leaving only surrender as an option.
(The above image shows the offensive route Hindenburg assumed for Shire's troops, attacking Germany's most vital industrial area, Ruhr, from two directions while encircling the German forces between the fronts)
William II was much more composed than Hindenburg.
"I heard we have repaired the Liege Fortress," William II asked, "and strengthened its defenses, right?"
"You could say that," Hindenburg replied.
