Chapter 154: Charles Has No Secrets

The next day, the Paris newspapers were full of news about the Charles:

"The council decided to let Ciel take command. Can he create another miracle?"

"If Charles successfully recaptures Lafox, it will not only prove his own ability, but it will also mean that his tank has defeated his opponent!"

"Even France's tactical theory may be rewritten as a result!"

…

And not just France, the British, American, Russian, and even German media have shifted their focus to this defense line, which is only more than 20 kilometers long.

They stationed reporters in the La Forks area one after another, and some war reporters who wanted to grab headlines even went directly to the front lines.

La Fox, an originally unknown area, instantly became a hot spot. It seemed that the only place where the battle was taking place in the defense line of more than 300 kilometers long!

…

On the west side of the La Fox defense line, in the small town of Fairvaux, about ten kilometers away from the front line, reporters from all over the world gathered here early.

In addition, there were volunteers organized by non-governmental organizations and the first batch of donated materials, which made the small town with only a few hundred people extremely lively.

Some of them were holding umbrellas, some were wearing raincoats, and some were even running back and forth in the pouring rain, looking busy.

Everyone was waiting for Charles's troops and his tanks, but they never showed up.

The reporters naturally focused their cameras on Xiafei, who had not yet evacuated:

"General, do you think the Charles can successfully regain La Fox?"

"We heard that the Germans have strengthened the artillery at La Forks. Now the enemy's artillery and shells are several times greater than before. Do you think this is fair to the Shire?"

"Are you staying here hoping to put pressure on Ciel?"

…

Xiafei could pretend he didn't hear the other questions, but the last sentence stung Xiafei's pain.

Gallieni repeatedly asked Joffre and his command to evacuate the La Forks area because it might pose a threat to Charles' command:

Charles's city defense headquarters in Paris commanded remotely via telephone and radio, but there was a high command on the front line formed by the French commander-in-chief.

During the war, if Joffre gave orders to the attacking troops in the Shire, what would the frontline troops do?

Or, if communications are interrupted, will Xiafei take over the command of these troops as a matter of course?

This will invisibly put strong pressure on Ciel and the troops commanded by Ciel, putting them in a state of being seized of power at any time. The troops are worried that they will be used as cannon fodder and sent to the battlefield to become victims of internal strife.

Everyone knew this, but Xiafei had another theory.

Xiafei straightened his chest in front of the reporters and answered without changing his expression:

"I believe that a qualified commander must at least be able to command in person on the battlefield."

"Because the battlefield situation often changes faster than anyone can imagine, there will always be emergencies that we don't expect."

"Conducting calls and radio calls always fails to handle these issues in a timely manner!"

"The reason why my command and I stay here is to ensure that such a danger will not happen!"

…

Other reporters echoed in succession, but only the reporter from "Little Daily" asked an ignorant question:

"But General, as far as I know you keep your schedule on time at all times, even if there is a war."

"So, how do you handle these emergencies while you sleep?"

Xiafei was stunned and answered hastily: "I will arrange a temporary commander, sir. I am sure he can handle those emergencies properly!"

The reporter asked again: "Can Charles also use this command model? I mean, like you, Charles also arranges temporary commanders to respond to emergencies on the front line, and Charles does strategic level command and planning in Paris... …”

Deputy Commander Kanais interrupted him at the right time: "Today's interview time is over. Gentlemen, the Commander-in-Chief still has many things to deal with. If you have any questions, you can wait until next time!"

With that said, Kanais protected Xiafei and left the scene in embarrassment amidst reporters' questioning.

Just as the reporters dispersed with disappointed expressions, someone in the crowd at the other end shouted: "Char's troops are setting off, they are setting off!"

Reporters who smelled the hot spot swarmed around:

"What's going on? How did you know that Ciel's troops were setting off?"

"Who told you?"

"Is the information certain?"

…

The speaker was a volunteer, and he replied: "The train in Shire usually leaves at five o'clock in the morning, but today it has waited until now!"

The reporters looked at the time. It was already past eight o'clock, which was indeed unusual. This seemed to indicate that the tanks and troops were being transported.

Then someone became worried: "Is this telling the Germans that they are coming?"

The military reporter looked around and explained with a smile: "There seems to be no need to hide!"

The reporters were stunned. Some nodded in agreement, while others shook their heads slightly with worried faces.

At this time, La Fox was crowded and chaotic, with several German spies or bribed spies mixed in, so the whereabouts of the Charles troops could not be hidden.

The reporter from "Little Daily" chuckled: "You guys are asking, did someone do this on purpose?"

The reporters looked at each other, and then something strange appeared on their faces. The military reporter even made a gesture of silence, and everyone exchanged looks tacitly.

Under normal circumstances, the town of Fervos should be under martial law as a bridgehead for attacking Lafox.

And all roads from the train station to the town of Fervos should be closed and guarded by soldiers, and police or troops should be sent to check for possible spies nearby.

But now there is nothing, no matter who comes and goes freely, is this normal?

…

In the 16th district of Paris, Steed has a manor in this wealthy area, and he even owns a vineyard dedicated to making red wine.

Steed sat at the dining table in golden pajamas, eating food carelessly while taking the check handed over by the butler.

"This is the money sent by the military to buy grenades, sir!" The butler explained.

Steed raised his eyebrows and shook the check proudly. Although it was not a large amount, it was a hope in Steed's eyes.

"Saint-Etienne will be glorious again, Lucas!" Steed had a smile on his face, as if he had seen that scene.

The phone rang, and the butler Lucas hurried to the ring. After a while, he returned and reported: "It was from the Little Daily. They said that Charles' whereabouts were deliberately released. Charles' operations in La Fox are no secrets at all!"

Steed said "hmm", which was within his expectations.

After all, the opponents are Joffre, Schneider, the Automotive Technical Service Department, and the right-wing nobles, which include most of the powerful politicians.

But Steed believes that Charles can still win, although Steed does not know how he will use.