I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France
Chapter 264 Development Funds

Chapter 264: Chapter 264 Development Funds

(The image below shows the German super-heavy K-Wagen tank produced during World War I, which was designed to weigh around 100 tons but weighed 150 tons when finally produced. The military ordered 10 units at a unit price of 600,000 Marks, with a top speed of only 7.5 kilometers per hour and a cruising speed of 1.9 kilometers per hour. By the end of World War I, only one was roughly completed, but it was not used on the battlefield and thus remained unknown.)

What is unbelievable is that Shire’s tank design drawings actually bear some resemblance to Major General Luca’s tank being designed, at least in terms of certain requirements:

A weight of around 100 tons, cannons on all four sides, and armor thickness of about 30MM on the front and sides.

Major General Luca looked excited and spoke incoherently in excitement: "Yes, this is exactly what I want. God! Shire and I are on the same page; this is the kind of tank we need. This is the direction of tank development! Without a doubt!"

"Is there any reason for this?" Fajin Han had to consider this plan carefully.

Major General Luca answered confidently:

"Of course, Chief of Staff."

"30MM thick armor can withstand most bullets, including the ’Shire A1’ 37MM cannon."

"Coupled with four 70MM caliber cannons and four machine guns in four directions, the vehicle weight will inevitably reach 100 tons."

Fajin Han nodded slightly.

So, this is not a coincidence, but an inevitability when design trends converge on the same concept.

Major General Fein was momentarily weakened, and after a long silence, he asked weakly: "Then, when can we get this tank?"

This was an old question, and Major General Luca knew that Major General Fein would follow up:

"If it takes several months or even a year, what will we use to deal with the ’Shire A1’ during that time?"

Major General Luca gave an answer that satisfied both sides: "If possible, we will design a light tank while producing the super-heavy tank. Of course, we will also consider other anti-tank solutions."

As he said this, Major General Luca turned his gaze to Fajin Han, seeking his approval.

Fajin Han hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement: "This is a good idea, light tanks can be used to meet immediate needs, and heavy tanks can be used to decisively determine victory."

Thus, the issue was resolved.

...

Paris City Defense Command.

Shire took some time to find Lucia at the officers’ club.

Lucia still flirted with Shire half-jokingly as before.

To Shire’s surprise, he had gotten somewhat used to it. When Lucia leaned in close, Shire gently bit Lucia’s ear.

This startled Lucia, causing her to shudder as if electrified. She turned her head to stare blankly at Shire, her eyes full of shock, and her originally fair face instantly turned wine-colored.

Shire felt a bit proud, feeling he had found a way to deal with Lucia.

"What’s the matter?" Shire’s tone was full of provocation: "Need me to restrain myself a bit?"

Lucia’s eyes rolled, and she seemed to understand Shire’s intention. After a slight hesitation, she timidly moved closer, making a seductive nasal sound, and responded: "Yes, Colonel, it would be best so!"

However, in her mind, Lucia thought:

Only by making him think I’m afraid will he continue to do this next time!

Shire smiled victoriously; to him, everything Lucia did was pretended. As long as he was bolder, she would be the one embarrassed.

But Shire didn’t realize he had unknowingly fallen into the gentle trap set by this female spy in front of him.

Returning to the main topic, Shire leaned close to Lucia’s ear and asked softly: "Are your people all in Belgium?"

Lucia smiled slightly: "Where do you think I am, Colonel?"

This made Shire realize he had asked a foolish question.

Lucia answered softly:

"Currently, there are twenty-three people in Belgium, to be precise, twenty-three families, as they usually gather intelligence with their families."

Shire uttered an "Oh," nodding in understanding.

For example, monitoring trains; it’s impossible for one person to keep watch on train numbers all day, so it requires three or more people rotating to ensure the train data is recorded without omissions.

"There are also ten people in France," Lucia continued: "And five in Holland. Most of those in France are responsible for transporting intelligence."

Shire responded with an "Hmm."

In this era, ordinary people didn’t have radios and using telephones was too risky, so intelligence could only be passed person-to-person hidden on their bodies.

Later, when "Lady in White" grew stronger, the Germans tried to stop her from sending intelligence to the Allies by setting up electric fences on the border between France and Belgium, but it was still ineffective.

It was unimaginable.

A self-organized civilian spy network could be so successful, and now she was willing to follow Shire’s leadership.

"You need to develop your own forces." Shire said: "Every country does this, and I can provide you with funding!"

Lucia was stunned, gently shook her head, and said firmly: "No, Colonel. We don’t need any funding, and once there is a financial exchange, we will be easily exposed..."

Shire interrupted Lucia: "If my girlfriend needs money, and I happen to be wealthy."

Lucia fell silent instantly.

Shire was right; if Lucia and Shire were a couple, it was normal for her to accept his funds.

"It’s settled." Shire’s tone was irrefutable: "If you accept my leadership, you should not question my orders."

"Yes, Colonel." Lucia replied helplessly.

She knew Shire was right; if the team wanted to grow quickly, funding was essential.

However, "Lady in White" hoped the relationship with Shire would be more pure.

They were not wealthy; in fact, most of them were poor, some were teachers, some were housewives, and some were farmers. They believed that serving their country should not be done for a reward.

"Temporarily set up an infantry company’s structure." Shire responded to the "Lady in White’s" request, as they hoped to be treated as soldiers rather than spies.

"The company commander will be elected by you." Shire continued: "With corresponding military ranks and the same allowances as the troops."

"Colonel..." Lucia’s eyes flashed with a trace of fear: "Once they receive allowances, they will be easily exposed."

Shire understood the implication; a soldier’s allowance of 20 francs a month might not seem like much, but for an ordinary family, it could double their income, turning their tight finances instantly more comfortable.

"That’s for you to decide," Shire insisted: "You can consider donating the allowances to the organization’s operations."

Shire didn’t want to owe them, especially this selfless group.

Lucia nodded slightly, leaned closer and vengefully whispered in Shire’s ear: "I agree, Colonel, it’s a very good idea!"