Chapter 2 This boy is not simple

It's normal for Djoka to feel this way, because Ciel traveled from modern times to this era.

At this time, the war had just begun. Everyone thought that the war would end soon, but Charles knew that the war had lasted for more than four years and that France would lose 1.69 million people in this war.

The death rate in action is 4.25%. Excluding the elderly, women, minors and well-connected bureaucrats who do not need to perform military service, the death rate of soldiers is about one quarter.

What a horrific figure, one out of every four was killed.

If the wounded are included, almost no soldiers can escape from this war unscathed.

The 17-year-old Charles is about to become an adult. If nothing happens, he will be drafted into the army next year or the year after that and endure the baptism of war.

He didn't want to die on the battlefield inexplicably after working so hard to travel here.

To avoid all this, he decided to give himself a good reason not to go to war.

Or, even if you are drafted, you can stay away from the war.

Charles believes that the military industry is a good way.

If he can provide the army with high-quality or even era-defining munitions, and these munitions can also allow France to win the war, what reason do they have to throw themselves into the battlefield?

You can save your life and make money at the same time, why not?

Francis came back in less than half an hour.

He raised the document in his hand and announced excitedly:

"The motorcycle factory belongs to us. The guy was hesitating whether to abandon the factory and leave. When he heard about the exchange, he grabbed a life-saving straw and signed the contract without saying a word!"

Pierre looked at Francis in surprise. He thought this matter would have to be discussed for at least a day or two, so he didn't rush to stop it. Unexpectedly, the contract was signed in the blink of an eye.

"Father, is this really a good thing?" Pierre made no secret of his pessimism and disappointment: "Now, all our assets are in Davaz. Once the Germans come, we will really have nothing!"

Francis didn't take Pierre's complaints seriously. He looked at Charles with a smile: "So, like me, you think the Germans can't hit here, right?"

Francis has been paying attention to the movements of the army. He believes that the French army has a planned and step-by-step strategic retreat. They still have strength and are waiting for an opportunity to counterattack.

Based on this, he bet all his wealth.

But Charles shook his head:

"No, sir, on the contrary, I thought the Germans would hit here!"

Francis was surprised by the answer.

Although he insisted on his own judgment, he didn't understand Ciel's intentions.

If the Germans were to attack here, wouldn't they be losing money by upping their bets?

Seeing that Charles was hesitant to speak, Francis immediately understood that he had something to say that was not convenient for him to say in front of others.

Francis didn't want to pay attention to it at first. He was just a young man, so what could he understand? What I said before was nothing more than grandstanding to attract others' attention. Adolescent children often do this kind of thing.

But curiosity drove Francis to decide to talk to the little guy.

"Okay, let's go to the study and have a cup of coffee!"

Francis' tone was unquestionable, like an officer giving an order to his subordinates.

This made Ciel feel a little uncomfortable.

The old guy is unwilling to acknowledge his grandson, so why should he pretend to be an elder?

He failed to fulfill his duties as a grandfather but still enjoys the power as a matter of course?

If he didn't plan to use this guy's help to develop the military industry, Ciel wouldn't bother to pay attention to him!

…

The study room is on the second floor. Its layout is simple but full of charm. The walls on both sides are covered with bookshelves, densely packed with books. There is a mahogany desk in the middle. In addition to the lamp, there are a few chairs and a three-story ladder.

Charles and Francis sat opposite each other in order of priority at the desk. The butler brought two cups of coffee and placed them in front of them respectively. The rich aroma filled their nostrils.

Francis believes that only coffee beans grown in plateau and subtropical climates are particularly rich in Algerian coffee beans, so they are always transported thousands of miles away and the price is twice as expensive.

He leaned back on the chair leisurely while holding the coffee, sniffed it with enjoyment, and then took a sip. He kept looking at the cup and asked casually:

"You seem to have something to say?"

Charles added a piece of sugar to the coffee, stirred it with a spoon, and said calmly:

"Sir, I think you should be more concerned about whether France can win this battle, rather than whether the Germans can get here!"

Francis asked noncommittally:

"Isn't this the same meaning?"

Charles shook his head slightly:

"No, sir. If France loses this battle, regardless of whether the Germans reach here or not, the factory will inevitably be plundered!"

Francis raised his head and looked at Charles in surprise.

The young man is right, tractor factories, motorcycle factories and even machine gun production lines are all needed by the Germans.

Once the Germans win the war, the factory only a dozen kilometers away from Paris will not be spared. They will move all equipment and even tractors to Germany.

Charles added:

"So, what we have to do is, firstly, to help France win this war, and secondly, to defend Darouz."

The former is a strategic direction and the latter is a tactical direction. Only victory of both can ensure the safety of the factory.

Francis looked at Charles blankly, and suddenly laughed, looking at Charles like a joke:

"Son, you seem to want to make a good impression on me, but you try too hard!"

"Help France win the war? Defend Darvaise?"

"If you were Napoleon, I might believe you, but..."

Francis smiled and shook his head, with a bit of disdain in his eyes.

Charles rolled his eyes, he was a little speechless about Francis's arrogance: Do I need to impress you?

But he didn't intend to get too entangled with Francis on this issue, the most powerful counterattack was to slap the old guy with facts.

Charles noticed a map on the desk, which Francis used to record the sales of tractors in various places.

Charles moved the coffee cup away, took the map and spread it out in front of him, while gesturing on the map and analyzing with confidence:

"The Germans plan to use two armies to encircle Paris, the first army in the west and the second army in the east."

"Among them, the first army in the west is very fast, it has left the second army 40 kilometers behind."

Francis smiled and said "hmm", this little guy knows something.

But these are not secrets. There are constant reports of war from the front line, and the troops fleeing back can bring the latest news.

Although this is rare and precious for a 17-year-old child, if this little guy wants to use these to exchange for his recognition, it will be in vain!

Charles ignored Francis's strange eyes and continued:

"If the war develops like this, the Germans will undoubtedly surround Paris and win the war."

Francis nodded slightly to acknowledge this inference.

Paris is the political center and transportation hub of France. Once Paris falls, the morale of the French military and civilians and the mobilization of the army will have serious problems, and the war will be almost over.

But...

"Do you have a way to change this situation?" Francis smiled mockingly.

This ignorant guy really thinks he is Napoleon!

Charles pointed at the position of the German First Army and said:

"If it changes its marching direction from encircling the west of Paris to the east of Paris, France may win the war!"

Francis shook his head slightly and joked:

"It's a pity, kid. We can't command the enemy's army!"

Francis put down his coffee cup and made a gesture to see him off. He planned to end this meaningless conversation.

Charles understood that Francis might be an excellent businessman, but he knew nothing about military affairs and even laughed at others ignorantly.

Charles gently moved his finger forward:

"You are right, sir! Although we can't command the enemy's army, we can change the direction of the French army's retreat."

"And this will attract the enemy's attention, because the enemy hopes to destroy the French army!"

Charles looked up and looked directly at Francis, looking at Francis as if he were a fool.

Francis's face changed slightly, and he vaguely felt that the boy in front of him was not as simple as he thought.