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

Chapter 1036 1036: Time to Go Home

Clemenceau received the message, put down the phone, and announced to the representatives of all countries with a proud yet composed demeanor:

"Gentlemen, sorry to interrupt you."

"I just received some news that I believe you will be interested in."

"Just now, the German High Seas Fleet has defeated the British North Sea Fleet, forcing the British Fleet to abandon their attack on Brest Port and return to the North Sea."

The conference room fell silent for a moment, then erupted in discussion:

"The German High Seas Fleet? They were actually able to defeat the British North Sea Fleet!"

"Incredible, how did they manage that?"

"I almost forgot about it, I thought all they had left to do was sign the surrender documents!"

...

But the representatives quickly came to their senses:

"It must be Shire, it must be him."

"Yes, the German High Seas Fleet had long been fragmented, yet now they can unite again, this must be related to Shire."

"He had planned this move long ago, using the German Fleet to push the British Royal Navy into the abyss."

Someone else asked Clemenceau, "What about the Gibraltar Strait, is it still under British blockade?"

At this moment, the secretary handed Clemenceau a telegram.

Clemenceau glanced at it and waved it triumphantly at the representatives, "Look what I've received."

The representatives replied in a flurry of voices:

"Is it that the British Army has withdrawn from the Gibraltar Strait?"

"I guess Shire defeated them."

"Yes, Shire must have broken through the British blockade, this is a great opportunity!"

...

"No." Clemenceau shook his head with a smile, "It is a telegram from Prime Minister George of England, asking to negotiate with France."

The room erupted in laughter.

Negotiate?

This was clearly an admission of defeat!

Then everyone understood one thing: the days of the Sun Never Sets Empire dominating the world were gone.

...

When the citizens of Paris heard the good news, they emerged from the factories this time.

Because they knew: if even England was bowing its proud head to France, it meant that the war was over.

In that case, why would they still need to work hard to prepare for war?

The people poured into the streets in a frenzy, shouting Shire's name over and over.

...

However, the important thing was not this.

Two hours after the defeat of the British Fleet, Canada declared independence and stated its intention to join the "International Alliance" led by France.

Half an hour later, Egypt declared independence.

Then followed by Kenya, Uganda, Nyasaland (now Malawi), the Gold Coast (now Ghana)...

Overnight, it's as if the British colonies agreed in unison to announce their detachment from British control, some demanding three days, others more lenient with a week for Britain to withdraw its troops, or else they would declare war on Britain.

And without exception, like Canada, these countries simultaneously declared their intention to join the "International Alliance" led by France.

They were clear that Shire was their only safeguard, otherwise, even a Britain at the end of its rope would not be something they could provoke.

When Clemenceau reported this good news to Shire, Shire gave an unexpected suggestion: "Now, we should carefully review these countries' applications, Prime Minister. I mean we should raise the threshold."

Clemenceau was taken aback; now was the time when everyone's pushing a falling wall, shouldn't we take the opportunity to bring all of Britain's colonies into our account?

Why would we "review" and "raise the threshold" at this moment?

Soon Clemenceau understood.

These countries had declared independence, they had only one way, to lean on France, or they risk Britain's merciless suppression.

This time, France was not the one in need, it was they who were.

Raising the threshold resulted in these countries voluntarily handing over powers such as "military bases", "infrastructure", "mineral resources" to France.

Thinking of this, Clemenceau nodded repeatedly: "You are right, Vice Admiral. The 'International Alliance' is a tightly organized international body, not something anyone can join at will. It certainly needs a standard."

Putting down the receiver, Shire stood up and looked out of the fort, where the cold wind was whistling, and the vegetation was withering; winter was near, it was time to go home.

...

Davaz Town.

People with smiles akin to celebrating a festival discussed every detail of the war with newspapers in hand. Some even argued fiercely:

"I'm sure the Germans must have received reinforcements from Shire, or where else did they get 'torpedo planes'?"

"No, the Germans always had 'torpedo planes,' they used their own equipment!"

"But 'torpedo planes' were invented by Shire, the Germans copied Shire's idea."

...

Whether they were in favor or against, everyone wore a proud expression, their eyes brimming with confidence.

France once lagged behind the great powers, being silenced on the seas by Britain and having its capital overrun by Germany on land.

They survived painstakingly in the gaps, puffing up their chests pretending to be mighty, while silently licking their wounds in solitude.

Now, they could finally face everyone with full confidence, telling them France was one of the great powers.

Moreover, France had ascended to the pinnacle of the world to become a superpower.

(At this time, France, although economically and industrially not yet at superpower status, was forecasted to develop rapidly and was already a superpower in prestige and military.)

Many people weren't accustomed to this huge contrast, hence they were more eager to discuss it among themselves and to know the opinions of other countries.

There was never a shortage of people around Dejoka's hut; neighbors and relatives would visit with various excuses.

This prompted Colonel Laurent to add guards beside the hut, otherwise, Camille would be overwhelmed.

Even so, Camille still had headaches over how to decline visitors.

Everyone was busy, and no one noticed a car slowly driving into the town, finally stopping in front of the hut.

It was Colonel Laurent's car. People were used to it; Laurent often drove it to deliver telegrams from the front line to Dejoka, so as not to worry Camille too much.

But this time...

After the car stopped, Colonel Laurent hurriedly got out and walked to the back seat, opening the car door respectfully: "We have arrived, General!"

A foot stepped out from the car door, Shire ducked out wearing a general's hat.

Before he could stand firmly, the neighbors shouted and rushed toward him:

"My God, it's Shire!"

"Shire is back!"

"He actually returned without saying anything, I thought he should at least make a pass by the Arc de Triomphe!"

...

If not for Colonel Laurent summoning guards to hold back the throng, Shire would have been overwhelmed by the crowd in no time.