I Became a Tycoon During World War I: Saving France from the Start

Chapter 288: A Strategic Disguise

Charles and Tijani didn't elaborate further with Guepratte. After exchanging a few casual remarks, they boarded a small boat together to visit Vice Admiral Robeck on the Queen Elizabeth. As a newly arrived commander in the fleet, protocol required Charles to formally meet with the British admiral.

Though he had mentally prepared himself, Charles couldn't help but be struck by the awe-inspiring scale and power of the Queen Elizabeth as their small boat approached. Her towering superstructure loomed high above, with massive gun barrels extending from the turrets, pointing into the distance as if ready to pulverize any enemy in her path. As they drew nearer, her colossal hull seemed to darken the sky itself, casting an invisible weight upon those who beheld it.

Tijani was equally awestruck and couldn't resist exclaiming, "This is Britain's most advanced dreadnought, displacing over 30,000 tons, and equipped with eight 15-inch main guns. They say a full salvo could launch 7,000 kilograms of shells."

Guepratte nodded in agreement. "If you count all its armament, there are over seventy guns on this ship. It's a floating fortress."

Vice Admiral Robeck's reception was, however, in stark contrast to Guepratte's. With a troop of officers lined up under the Queen Elizabeth's main battery, Robeck greeted Charles with all the pomp of a staged ceremony, even ensuring a photographer was present to capture the precise moment when Charles saluted him.

"Welcome, Colonel!" Robeck said with a cordial tone that sounded overly sincere. "We've been waiting for you to save us, just as you saved France."

A faint chuckle rose among the British officers.

Charles immediately understood Robeck's intention: by pretending humility while showcasing British power, Robeck was trying to mock him. His words and demeanor were meant to belittle Charles under the guise of a warm welcome.

Guepratte's face flushed with anger, but unable to retaliate against the British admiral, he had to silently swallow his frustration. Tijani's brow furrowed, and he looked ready to rebuke Robeck's discourtesy. But Charles, remaining calm, replied with measured words.

"You're quite right, Admiral. If it hadn't been for the loss of so many of your battleships, the Parliament would never have forced me to come here."

Robeck's expression changed instantly, his previously affable face turning sour, while several British officers shifted uncomfortably, and some even glared at Charles in indignation. But they had no way to counter him—Charles had spoken nothing but the truth, and, indeed, each battleship lost had sunk under Robeck's command.

Tijani couldn't help but chuckle, standing a bit taller, while Guepratte shot Charles a look of approval. This young man's sharp wit evidently extended beyond mere military acumen.

To ease the tension, Robeck led everyone into the superstructure's conference room.

The room was spacious, dominated by a fixed round table in the center, a nod to the British tradition of "round table meetings." Above it, a portrait of the famed Admiral Nelson hung on the wall, flanked by the Union Jack and the Royal Navy's White Ensign, giving the room a diplomatic rather than a military air.

The stewards served each officer a glass of wine.

Charles was surprised—he hadn't expected alcohol to be allowed during wartime. Guepratte merely raised an eyebrow as if to say, "This is nothing unusual. The British love to enjoy a drink aboard their ships."

"Let me guess," Robeck said, his expression impassive as he looked at Charles. "Colonel, you'd like to attempt a landing at V Beach, just as Admiral Honoré did, correct?"

Once again, Robeck's words carried a subtle sting. By drawing a comparison to Honoré, he implied that the French had an inherent need to steal the spotlight—eager to succeed precisely where the British had faltered, solely to overshadow them.

Tijani thought Charles would deny it, but to his surprise, Charles readily agreed. "If that's what you'd prefer, Admiral."

Tijani looked at Charles in bewilderment; hadn't they just agreed that V Beach was ill-suited for a landing? But he kept his silence, assuming that Charles was maintaining secrecy.

Robeck feigned magnanimity, shrugging with a patronizing smile. "Why not?"

The British officers shared knowing smiles. They understood Robeck's unspoken meaning: if the French were eager to sacrifice themselves for the sake of honor, why would the British object?

Robeck continued, "Do you have a specific plan in mind? Will you require support from the British fleet?"

"No, Admiral," Charles replied firmly. "The French fleet will be sufficient. We'll manage everything ourselves."

Robeck smirked in satisfaction, though he did his best to conceal it.

But instead of voicing his thoughts, he raised his glass with a smile, "Then here's to our Colonel, to France, and to tomorrow's victory! Cheers!"

"Cheers!" the officers echoed enthusiastically.

…

Back aboard the Henri, Tijani fumed. "Arrogant British! We should let them keep facing their troubles alone."

"Who says we won't?" Charles replied.

"What?" Tijani was caught off guard. "But you said we'd 'take care of everything'…"

"I didn't say when," Charles replied. "If the British aren't in a hurry, then we have no reason to rush."

Charles paused before adding, "We may even have a few extra days. Let the troops continue training."

Tijani nodded, now understanding Charles's intent.

Yet he couldn't shake a lingering doubt. "Colonel, were you serious about landing at V Beach?"

"Of course we'll land at V Beach," Charles answered calmly.

"But… the Ottomans have already reinforced their positions there," Tijani replied, perplexed.

"If the Ottomans are prepared," Charles countered, "do you think the Germans wouldn't also be ready?"

Tijani felt confused. "What… If the Germans are prepared, wouldn't that be even more reason to abandon—"

But before he could finish, a realization struck him, and he looked at Charles in astonishment. "The submarine… If the Germans are prepared, they'll deploy their submarine around V Beach!"

Charles nodded in approval, noting Tijani's quick comprehension.

To secure a successful landing, their first priority would be eliminating the German submarine. By focusing their efforts on V Beach, they could draw the submarine into the open—right where they wanted it.

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