NovelOnline Chapter 1018 1018: It's Only the Beginning
Chapter 1018 1018: It's Only the Beginning
Clemenceau looked down at the British Army Mediterranean fleet intelligence sent by the Minister of the Navy: more than a hundred warships, including 10 battleships and 2 battlecruisers. It is said there are also 2 things called aircraft carriers.
He was unfamiliar with the term aircraft carriers.
That must be the British's new type of warship, Clemenceau thought; its combat power might be superior to the "Elizabeth" Queen class.
Did we act hastily?
Should have developed for some time and waited until the navy is stronger to reach this point.
But now it seems too late to consider that.
Alas! Shire is young after all, achieving such accomplishments at the age of 19, it's natural to be impulsive.
But the consequences of this failure might be something neither Shire nor France can bear!
The other representatives were also deeply worried.
They vaguely felt they were acting recklessly; national interests shouldn't concern "human peace" or "French spirit," it's all about strength between countries.
Thus, reaching this point is not wise.
Everyone was deceived by the victories Shire achieved, as well as the ideas he proposed and the "International Alliance" he established.
This created a false impression among the representatives, thinking that if all nations unite, they can topple British bullying.
But the reality is very harsh.
Shire excels at land battles; most of the equipment and tactics he developed and the troops he formed are intended for land warfare, not naval warfare.
It's said that after the war started, Shire stayed at Pondisai Castle in Belgium and didn't rush back.
This also confirmed everyone's suspicion that "Shire is not good at naval battles."
So, the likely outcome waiting for the countries is:
France is defeated, forced to accept even harsher terms from England.
Other countries are waiting to be settled by England one by one; England's powerful fleet will approach their coastline, and if they don't comply with its demands, they will be marginalized like the King of Greece.
Thinking of this, the representatives sighed. Except for a few countries neighboring France on land who remained calm, some representatives even whispered about whether they should exit the "International Alliance" early.
The oppressive and hot September was enveloping the meeting room in a stifling atmosphere. Everyone seemed to have heavy concerns.
At that moment, the phone on Clemenceau's desk rang.
No one paid attention. Calls between the "League" office had become routine, mostly discussing issues around shared coal and iron trade rights and management rights.
Clemenceau also thought it was something trivial, lazily picked up the phone, absentmindedly responding, "It's me."
The next second, his eyes widened as if he had been pumped with a dose of adrenaline: "You're not joking, Minister?"
"No, of course not," Gallieni's tone was calm, with a hint of disdain, as if speaking about something trivial:
"What's so strange about this?"
"It's just another victory, hasn't Shire achieved few of those?"
"You sound like you're hoping for British victory, Prime Minister?"
Gallieni was at "Versailles," more excited internally than anyone, more aware than anyone else of the significance of this battle.
"No no, Minister," Clemenceau hurriedly explained:
"Of course, I hope for a French victory; I'm just finding it hard to believe."
"God, we've actually won? We've defeated the British Mediterranean fleet?"
He intentionally raised his voice with the last sentence, eager to tell everyone the good news.
Indeed, all the representatives' attention instantly shifted to Clemenceau:
"Victory? Defeated the British Mediterranean fleet?"
"This can't be possible, there must be some mistake. It's been less than 10 hours since the war started."
"Maybe there's a communication error; it should be a local victory."
...
But Clemenceau excitedly rebutted:
"No, it's not a local victory, it's a complete victory."
"The British Mediterranean fleet has surrendered."
"They were frightened after we sank four battleships and chose to completely surrender!"
(Note: Clemenceau simplistically classified the 2 battlecruisers as battleships.)
Everyone was stunned.
Many representatives knew that the British Mediterranean fleet was a massive fleet with over a hundred warships, an unchallengeable fleet.
And this fleet actually surrendered to France?
Representatives unconsciously stood up from their chairs, some even ran to Clemenceau to hear more clearly:
"Is what you said true? The British fleet really surrendered?"
"How did you do it? I mean, sinking British battleships!"
"Less than a day to sink four battleships?"
...
Clemenceau simply turned the receiver towards the representatives.
Gallieni's languid voice came through the receiver, but everyone could tell he was actually boasting:
"Just four battleships, do you think that's all Shire's ability? Do you have so little faith in Shire?"
"It was a trap set by Shire, he treated the entire Mediterranean as a trap."
"The western Toulon Fleet blockade and 'torpedo aircraft' blocked Tunisia and Gibraltar Strait, the eastern side used aircraft carriers and sub-fleets to blockade the Suez Canal."
"This made the British fleet realize they were in a bind, and the only option was to surrender!"
...
The representatives listened in confusion.
What kind of thing is an aircraft carrier?
Was it the one that sank British battleships?
That must be Shire's invention, an astounding Shire, an unbelievable battle!
No wonder he stayed at Pondisai Castle and didn't return, he was confident!
The meeting room erupted in cheers; everyone wore smiles, the oppressive atmosphere was swept away, replaced by jubilation.
The Greek representative cried tears of joy once again; this almost meant the days of the royal family's anxiety were over.
The Holland representative sighed in relief, it seemed they bet on the right side, Holland was sure to be spared the disaster of national extinction.
(Note: Holland is between England, France, and Germany, easily risking extinction anytime, every step is like walking on a tightrope.)
The representatives from various African countries even formed a circle and began dancing a war dance, letting out strange wails in rhythm.
...
Clemenceau nodded with satisfaction, speaking into the phone, "We received your message, Minister, honored to work with you!"
This puzzled Gallieni on the other end of the line; "honored to work with you" coming from a Prime Minister's mouth seemed inappropriate.
The next second Gallieni understood.
Clemenceau was pledging allegiance to Gallieni, also pledging allegiance to Shire.
"I am too, Prime Minister," Gallieni replied, then hung up the phone.
He scanned the subordinates still in a state of "celebration," feigning reprimand, "Is there a need to be so happy? It's just a beginning!"
Major Fernan excitedly answered:
"Yes, there is, General."
"Though it's just a beginning."
"But it's the beginning of France ascending to the top of the world!"