Chapter 502: Friends and Enemies
These events were not orchestrated by Charles but were carefully arranged by King Albert himself.
Albert received news of the new Allied command appointments almost simultaneously with Charles. At that time, he and Brigadier General Eden were at the Royal Estate in Antwerp, sharing afternoon tea and enthusiastically discussing the recent cooperation between FN and Saint-Étienne Arms Factory.
"My God, I should have thought of facilitating their cooperation earlier," Albert remarked cheerfully, pouring champagne personally for Eden. "But fortunately, they've reached an agreement themselves."
"Yes, indeed, Your Majesty," Eden responded, taking the glass gratefully. "This strengthens Charles's presence in Belgium and greatly improves our future military capabilities."
"Military capabilities?" Albert paused momentarily, puzzled.
"Certainly, Your Majesty," Eden explained. "The stronger the collaboration between FN and Saint-Étienne becomes, the more likely Belgium is to gain early access to future innovations designed by Charles."
Albert's face brightened, clearly impressed by Eden's reasoning. "Exactly right! I hadn't considered that. This is indeed fantastic news!"
As they raised their glasses in celebration, an aide hurriedly delivered a telegram. Albert read it with increasing displeasure, his expression darkening with each passing line.
Eden, sensing something was amiss, carefully inquired, "Is there bad news, Your Majesty?"
Albert coldly handed the telegram to Eden, his voice bitter. "Read it yourself."
Eden's eyes widened as he read aloud:
"General Nivelle promoted to Commander-in-Chief of Allied forces. General Charles promoted to Major General. French Ninth Army withdrawn from Antwerp front; British Expeditionary Force's First Corps, commanded by Lieutenant General Evis, to replace it immediately."
Eden frowned deeply. "The British Expeditionary Force? Replacing the French Ninth Army at Antwerp? This will surely create chaos! Differences in language, tactics, ammunition... and they're supposed to cooperate directly with Charles's mechanized forces?"
Albert nodded grimly. "Your concerns are valid, General Eden—but this isn't merely a tactical error. It's a calculated move."
"Calculated?" Eden asked, confused.
Albert elaborated bitterly, "The British government placed their man Nivelle in charge precisely to ensure Charles doesn't gain more military credit or influence. They fear his victories, fear Belgium aligning permanently with him, and fear France's resurgence under his leadership."
Eden's confusion deepened. "But surely the French would oppose this?"
Albert laughed dryly. "The French government and senior military officers secretly welcome it. To them, Charles's growing popularity and military success represent a threat."
"How can that be?" Eden protested, astonished.
"Think about it," Albert continued patiently. "Charles's triumphs have overshadowed every other general, undermining their credibility and prestige. To acknowledge Charles means admitting they've been wrong for decades. Their pride won't allow it."
Understanding dawned on Eden. "Then what about the French parliament? Didn't they recently side with Charles against General Joffre?"
"They supported Charles only because Joffre was already politically dead," Albert explained scornfully. "They never genuinely backed him. Quite the opposite: the parliament views Charles as dangerous precisely because he's popular with soldiers and civilians alike. They fear a strong military leader more than anything, someone who could threaten their own power."
Realization struck Eden like lightning. "You mean...Charles has too many enemies?"
Albert smiled gently, shaking his head. "No, Eden. Charles has too many friends. And that's exactly why parliament fears him."
Eden's expression slowly turned from shock to resolve. "Then we must stand firmly with Charles. Belgium's fate depends entirely on him."
Albert nodded decisively. "Precisely. We will support Charles without hesitation—against Britain, France, or anyone else who threatens him."
Albert paused thoughtfully, then turned to Eden with a sudden idea. "Perhaps we should create a special force of our own."
"A special force?" Eden echoed, surprised by this abrupt suggestion.
"Yes," Albert said emphatically. "With the French forces withdrawn, Charles's mechanized divisions lack compatible infantry support. We should raise a Belgian infantry corps specifically trained to work closely with his units."
Eden's eyes brightened. "That's an excellent idea. But we would need at least two divisions—maybe three—to fully support Charles's operations effectively."
"Can we assemble that many soldiers?" Albert asked cautiously.
Eden nodded. "Our army now exceeds 500,000. Selecting elite troops is difficult, but if we spread the news that this force will directly support General Charles, volunteers will flood in."
Albert smiled approvingly. "Indeed, every young Belgian dreams of serving alongside Charles. Inform the public immediately. Call it the 'First Special Reconnaissance Corps.' Its sole mission: fight alongside Charles's forces until Belgium is completely liberated."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Eden affirmed enthusiastically.
Albert then added with subtle intent, "And arrange a special Belgian security force to guard Charles's headquarters at the airfield."
Eden hesitated briefly before understanding the implication. "To keep unwanted visitors away—such as British commanders?"
"Precisely," Albert replied coolly. "No one will harass Charles while under Belgian protection."
The announcement electrified Belgium. Within days, tens of thousands of eager recruits surged forward to volunteer, determined to fight alongside their national hero, Charles.
Meanwhile, General Evis arrived at Antwerp's airfield expecting to assert his authority over Charles. Instead, he found himself obstructed by Belgian guards claiming special authorization was needed from King Albert himself. After considerable humiliation and delay, Evis finally met the king, only to find Albert coldly dismissive.
"I know exactly what you're doing," Albert warned bluntly. "Any attempt to undermine General Charles will be treated as a threat to Belgium itself. He is our greatest hope for victory—never forget that."
Evis, stunned by Albert's blunt warning, could only nod meekly. "I assure you, Your Majesty, our intentions are purely cooperative."
Albert smiled coldly. "Make sure your superiors understand clearly. Charles is essential to Belgium. Interfere with him, and Britain itself becomes our enemy."
As Albert led him towards Charles's headquarters, Evis felt humiliated and defeated. His earlier bravado vanished, replaced by anxiety about confronting Charles under these uncomfortable conditions.
Inside the headquarters, Charles was calmly discussing strategy with Brigadier General Tijani. When Albert entered, Charles stood respectfully—but his eyes widened slightly upon seeing Evis's rank insignia.
"A lieutenant general?" Charles thought, stunned. This wasn't simply another routine change of command; this was a direct attempt to diminish his role and control his achievements.
Charles and Albert exchanged brief, meaningful glances, both understanding precisely the game being played.
As Evis approached to introduce himself, Albert discreetly stepped between them, signaling clearly that Belgium stood unequivocally with Charles.
Evis, noticing the subtle gesture, swallowed hard. He now realized his true position—an outsider confronting an alliance that spanned beyond mere military cooperation. He was, after all, just another piece in a broader political game.
One thing became clear to him immediately: Charles was no longer simply a French general. He had become Belgium's most crucial ally—and any move against him would have grave consequences.
(End of Chapter 502)
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