Charles led Major Bronny to the machine-gun factory to collect ammunition. The process went surprisingly smoothly; the factory workers, upon seeing Charles, granted him full access and even provided Major Bronny with ten additional M1909 Hotchkiss machine guns.
Charles knew this was because the staff had heard about what happened the previous night, including Francis's shift in attitude toward Deyoka's family. Factory employees were always attuned to such news, receiving whispered updates from the butler or servants, as quick and precise as if they were part of a military intelligence unit.
Joseph, the tractor factory manager, was no exception. He'd received word from Francis the night before:
"Starting tomorrow, Charles will be assisting you with the work."
Having worked for Francis for twenty years, Joseph understood what this meant: Francis was as good as placing the factory under Charles's care, as long as Charles could prove his capability over time. Thɪs chapter is updated by ɴovᴇl(F)ɪre.ɴet
"This was supposed to be Pierre's asset, wasn't it?" Joseph wondered. Francis had always been forward-thinking, with long-term plans for each successor. Pierre had four children: three sons and a daughter.
The eldest, Jarrel, was studying economics in England and was destined to inherit the family business. The second son, Dorian, was being trained as a lawyer to enter politics. The third son, Harry, was in military school and now, unfortunately, was serving as an officer at the front, his fate unknown.
These arrangements had all been orchestrated by Francis, aiming to develop a legacy with family members embedded in military, political, and business spheres, positioning the Bernard family to break into the elite "200 Families" of France. To this end, he had even carefully planned for his granddaughter, Elise, to marry into one of these families.
As for Deyoka's only son, Charles, he had been excluded from the family's development plans long ago, an exception due to his mother's status. Yet now, Charles had reemerged, seemingly set to inherit the tractor factory… What could be the reason behind this?
After some thought, Joseph believed it was due to the approaching German forces—a situation much like that of General Gallieni, who was recalled to defend Paris in a time of crisis.
Poor young master Charles, Joseph thought sympathetically, knowing Charles's unfortunate background. Because of his mother's status, he had lost the right to inherit and had to grow up living and studying among the poor. But Joseph also knew it wasn't his place to interfere in family matters. Whatever Francis decided, Joseph would carry out.
The next morning, Joseph was waiting at the factory gate when he saw Charles approaching with his bicycle, followed by a squad of soldiers armed to the teeth. His expression changed, and he hurried forward, asking with concern, "Young master Charles, what happened? Are they troubling you?"
Joseph had watched Charles grow up and saw him as almost a son. He wouldn't allow anyone to bully him.
Major Bronny gave Charles a surprised look. "Young master? Are these factories yours?"
He looked Charles over again. Dressed in a coarse jacket with a cheap, frayed cap and a rickety old bicycle, Charles hardly looked like someone from a wealthy family.
"Not entirely mine," Charles replied. "I'm only managing them temporarily, thanks to the Germans."
Bronny's expression shifted as he scoffed bitterly. "So, this plan of yours was really just a way to get us to protect your factory?"
"Smart kid, using us for your benefit!"
The soldiers behind him shared his indignation. Most were from working-class backgrounds and harbored deep resentment toward the wealthy. Now, realizing they had been roped into defending this young capitalist's assets under the guise of "patriotism," they were seething.
"We're in this mess thanks to people like you!"
"We're dying at the front, all because we fell for your tricks. And now this!"
"You little scoundrel, we almost fell for your act!"
Charles turned calmly to face Bronny and his soldiers, saying firmly, "Mind your words, Major."
"Technically, you're here to protect not only the tractor factory but also the motorcycle and machine-gun factories. They all share the same owner."
"Not long ago, this same owner sacrificed everything, freely supplying you with food and ammunition."
"They could have taken what was left and fled, but they didn't."
Charles intended to win over the soldiers with this argument—it was essential for them to see value in defending the factory with their lives.
Bronny hesitated, doubtful. He found it hard to believe that a capitalist would be willing to make such sacrifices. But just then, a soldier behind him spoke up.
"I heard about that. Apparently, a businessman named Francis used all his savings to buy food overnight."
"I heard the same. That's why we changed our course and chose Dawaz as our fallback point."
Joseph seized the moment to add, "Yes, these factories belong to Mr. Francis. What you've heard is true—he has given everything for this war, for France. He even sold his safe assets in the south to buy the machine-gun factory."
Joseph then turned to Charles. "And this young man here is Mr. Francis's youngest grandson, young master Charles. Now, is there anything else you don't understand?"
Bronny's expression shifted to one of respect. He stepped forward, saluted Joseph, and said, "Understood, sir."
"Respect to you, to Mr. Francis, and…"
He turned to Charles, his eyes filled with regret.
"My respects to you, young master Charles. I apologize."
Charles raised an eyebrow and graciously replied, "No problem, Major."
"We're all doing this for France."
Bronny felt a surge of emotion; his body tensed, and he nodded, his eyes alight with resolve. "Yes, for France!"
One by one, the soldiers echoed him.
The soldiers were now thoroughly inspired by this young man's dedication. Though he was youthful and from a wealthy family, his patriotism seemed genuine, a soul willing to give everything for his country.
In his presence, the soldiers felt a twinge of humility. Their glances and expressions conveyed a shared understanding:
"This is a different kind of capitalist—a patriotic one."
"This is a capitalist worth protecting!"
"This one shouldn't be destroyed by the enemy. He's the kind of person who should lead us to victory!"
Charles was pleased with the effect but knew the scene needed a fitting conclusion.
Turning to Joseph, he said, "Make sure they have a good meal and a place to rest. These are brave men defending France; they deserve it."
Joseph nodded. "Understood, young master Charles."
"Gentlemen, follow me!"
The soldiers, ecstatic, tipped their hats or nodded respectfully as they passed Charles.
"Thank you, young master Charles!"
"You're a good man, young master Charles!"
Charles stopped Major Bronny before he left.
"Make sure to get some rest, Major. You only have four hours, and then we'll begin training after lunch."
"Training?" Major Bronny looked at him in surprise. Did this kid even know how to drill soldiers?
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