I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France

Chapter 568: Revised - 568 This Is Your Command

That day, Shire and Dejoka talked until very late before returning home.

Dejoka had no objections to Joseph going to the United States to develop military industry business; Joseph’s ability and loyalty had already been proven at the tractor factory.

The characteristic of Joseph is his approachability towards subordinates. He can manage the company in an orderly manner, and what is particularly rare is that he has quite excellent social skills. He always knows how to get along with different people and handles relationships very well.

The latter might be a skill Joseph developed over years of being a steward. It is said that he can tell at a glance what kind of personality the other person has and roughly what kind of temper and preferences they might have.

Dejoka’s doubt always lay in the strategic direction of developing military industry in the United States, although he had decided to trust Shire.

In the evening, on the car ride home, Shire had to hint a bit to Dejoka: "Father, you should know about the ’Peace Negotiation’ proposed by William II not long ago, right?"

"Yes." Dejoka flicked the windshield wiper and glanced quickly at Shire sitting beside him: "But what does this have to do with the U.S. military industry?"

"There is a strong demand for private negotiations," Shire said, "but it was rejected by the parliament, and the same goes for Britain."

"Hmm." Dejoka turned the steering wheel: "People are tired of this war, but the parliament believes it’s a stalling tactic by the Germans."

Not just a stalling tactic, there is also a rumor that the Germans plan to negotiate with the British-French Allies, so they can focus on attacking Russia, and after defeating Russia, turn back to declare war on Britain and France.

"It’s the Americans." Shire calmly responded: "The Americans don’t want this war to stop."

Dejoka was taken aback, his hand trembled on the steering wheel, causing the car to swerve slightly.

"For the loan, Father," Shire explained, "The Americans can only get that loan if the Germans are thoroughly defeated and reparations are obtained."

Dejoka was silent for a while, then nodded slightly: "So, the Americans are certain to join the war?"

"Yes." Shire tightened his military coat and answered, "The Americans won’t let the Allies lose. Once Russia is defeated, or the balance of victory tilts towards Germany, the Americans are bound to join the war."

The American consortium said one thing while lobbying the President of the United States: "Mr. President, we all know that if the money borrowed to Europe turns into bad debt, even God will have to leave here."

In simpler terms, if the money is not recovered, you won’t be the president for long, as the angry people would overthrow you.

So the President of the United States had no choice. He could only join in with the consortium to promote the necessity of joining the war, then send American soldiers to the unrelated Western Front.

Dejoka remained silent.

Only now did he realize that Shire could see things much deeper than he could. Shire could even predict the future based on current conditions, and it all seemed logical, as if he knew these things would happen.

...

The car stopped at the house. Dejoka held an umbrella to shield Shire as he got out.

When the two hurriedly walked into the house, they were surprised to find Camille happily chatting with a woman.

Shire looked closely and realized it was Lucia, suddenly remembering that today was the day to "meet the parents."

Camille chided, "I told you to come home earlier, you must have forgotten about this!"

Lucia stepped forward graciously and shook Dejoka’s hand, introducing herself: "Hello, Uncle, my name is Lucia."

"Hello!" Dejoka glanced at Lucia, then smiled and nodded at Shire, as if praising Shire’s taste.

Camille brought out the prepared dinner from the kitchen, which included turkey, smoked fish, and white bean stew with beef.

When she set the dishes out, Camille especially told Shire, "The white bean stew with beef was made by Lucia, would you like to try it?"

Shire felt a bit strange inside and unconsciously glanced at Lucia.

That was a dish the former "Shire" liked; how did she know?

But Shire didn’t think much of it; perhaps it was just a coincidence, or maybe Camille prepared the dish and Lucia just helped out.

But what happened next made Shire feel increasingly uneasy.

"See these earrings?" Camille turned her head to show Dejoka the earrings on her earlobes: "They are almost identical to the pair I lost before, it’s unbelievable."

"Oh, Uncle." Lucia took out a box from her bag she had brought with her and handed it to Dejoka across the table: "This is a gift for you."

"Thank you," Dejoka replied politely.

When he opened it and saw a pocket watch, he looked at Lucia in surprise: "What a coincidence, you might not believe it, but my pocket watch broke a few days ago, and I’ve been too busy with work to buy a new one; this is exactly what I needed!"

"Is that so?" Lucia responded with a smile: "That really is a coincidence."

Shire put down his knife and fork, which made a crisp "clang" sound on the plate.

"What’s wrong?" Camille looked at Shire in confusion.

Dejoka also looked puzzled.

Lucia seemed to sense something, her smile froze for a moment but quickly returned.

"Nothing, just a bit tired," Shire concealed.

The dinner felt a bit stifling, to be exact, Shire felt out of place. Lucia and Dejoka, Camille laughed and chatted happily; she seemed to know their personalities and preferences well, even Shire’s.

However, Shire knew what that meant.

...

The sound of rain drizzled, and the cold wind was slightly chilly.

After dinner, Shire drove Lucia back to Paris. Neither of them spoke along the way. Lucia sat in the passenger seat, looking out at the rainy scene, occasionally reaching out to catch a raindrop, and humming a song softly.

"You seem quite pleased with yourself?" Shire asked coldly.

"Why?" Lucia retorted without turning her head: "Not satisfied with my performance today?"

"You used your tactics for dealing with enemies on my family," Shire answered.

Lucia was silent for a while, then suddenly laughed coldly: "You seem to forget it was your order, General."

"My order?" Shire was taken aback.

"Yes," Lucia answered. "Housework or the mission, you chose the mission."

Lucia turned to look at Shire:

"Since it’s a mission, don’t you think I should use some means?"

"For instance, I should know what they like, only then can I ensure gaining their approval."

"Otherwise, does that mean the mission failed?"

Shire was speechless. It seemed to be his oversight; he had not thought of this aspect at the time.

"Hereafter, do not gather intelligence about them," Shire said.

"Yes, General," Lucia replied, then continued to hum her song.

The song sounded light and pleasant, yet it carried an inexplicable sadness.