Chapter 442: The Belgian Crossroad
Charles located the area mentioned by King Albert I on the map.
It was situated north of Antwerp, 2 kilometers from the port, 1.5 kilometers from the train station, and 100 meters from the highway. The site reportedly included a completed factory building and several dormitories and office buildings ready for immediate use.
King Albert I explained that the location had previously been a British-funded bicycle factory. Fearing the impact of war, its investors had closed it down before hostilities erupted.
Charles roughly estimated the price: over 2,000 square meters for 3 million francs, with a unit price below 1,500 francs, and complete with all necessary facilities. It was practically a gift.
Although wartime land prices were generally low, they weren’t this low—especially not in Antwerp, where prices had skyrocketed following Charles’ victories, particularly near the port. Many investors were eager to "buy low" but found no opportunities, yet King Albert I offered this prime location to Charles on a silver platter.
More importantly, the area was safe: close to the sea and within naval gun range, it served as Antwerp’s fallback point. If an enemy attack occurred, this would likely be the last area of Antwerp to fall.
Yet Charles was unmoved.
In his command post, Charles invited King Albert I and Colonel Eden to a side room to discuss the matter.
Business negotiations, after all, felt out of place in front of the staff and communications officers in his office.
Perhaps to conserve energy, the dormitory's lights were dim, and the air smelled musty and sour.
The bunk beds occupied nearly all the space in the cramped room, each tiny space housing four soldiers. With three people standing inside, the room felt especially crowded.
The only furnishing was a small single table at the far end.
Charles spread out the map on the table and circled the area King Albert I had mentioned with a pencil.
“I admit this is a very attractive offer, Your Majesty,” Charles said regretfully. “But I just can’t think of what business to set up here right now. As you know, I’m primarily engaged in the production of military equipment, which doesn’t require frequent imports or exports.”
Unlike other products, military equipment relied heavily on technology and patents. Once those were resolved, most nations could handle production independently without needing a factory in Antwerp, especially not Britain.
Charles was deliberately playing coy, attempting a subtle probe.
King Albert I was momentarily taken aback, having not considered this point.
But he quickly brightened and replied, “That’s wonderful! We have a significant demand for military equipment, Brigadier General. I’m planning to rebuild the Belgian army and upgrade its equipment—not just firearms but also artillery and even tanks.”
This was a lucrative opportunity, Charles thought. Still, he remained silent, knowing it was critical to appear calm at this moment.
King Albert I turned his gaze toward Colonel Eden.
Colonel Eden seemed distracted for a moment before realizing the situation. Startled, he exclaimed, “We can obtain this equipment? That’s—that’s amazing!”
He looked toward Charles cautiously and asked, “I hope we can model the Belgian army after yours, General. If possible, I’d also like you to train them.”
His voice trembled with excitement, and his eyes betrayed his insecurity. He feared that these might be Charles’ closely guarded secrets—equipment and tactics capable of dominating the battlefield.
“That’s not difficult,” Charles replied calmly. “You just need to import from France, which is right next door. As for training, if I’m selling you the equipment, of course, I’ll teach you how to use it.”
“Really?” Colonel Eden’s eyes lit up instantly. “That’s fantastic, Brigadier General! Thank you so much—I can’t wait to see that day come!”
For Colonel Eden, this was an unexpected windfall.
He had often contemplated the future of the Belgian army.
With a population of less than 7 million, recruiting an army of tens of thousands was no small feat, yet those numbers were negligible compared to the major powers.
This disparity was why Belgium had long prioritized building and investing in fortifications.
But now, fortresses seemed incapable of ensuring Belgium’s safety.
So…
Colonel Eden’s thoughts shifted to Charles’ army.
With just over 20,000 troops, Charles had effortlessly defeated over 100,000 German forces.
What if Belgium’s tens of thousands of soldiers could emulate Charles’ army? What would that look like?
Yes, this was what Belgium truly needed!
King Albert I, however, hesitated—not because he opposed Charles but because he disagreed with Colonel Eden’s perspective.
“I have a question, Brigadier General,” King Albert I said. “This is an opportune moment to seek your advice. Fortifications clearly played a role in this war. They allowed our small forces to hold off the mighty German army for over two months.”
(Note: King Albert I referred to Antwerp’s surrender. Including Ypres, Belgium held out for the entire war, although most of the fighting in Ypres involved non-Belgian forces.)
“Now,” King Albert I gestured around him, “should we abandon this proven strategy?”
“Your Majesty,” Colonel Eden countered, “it wasn’t proven effective. I believe the opposite—it couldn’t withstand Germany’s heavy artillery. All we could do was wait for death.”
“But what about Charles’ bombers?” King Albert I retorted. “Bombers can destroy heavy artillery. Wouldn’t that allow us to repel any attack?”
Colonel Eden fell silent, as King Albert I’s logic seemed sound.
Charles listened to their debate, realizing that Belgium faced a crossroads in its development:
Would it follow Charles’ path and develop armored and mechanized forces, or stick to the traditional approach of building superior fortifications?
Either choice would benefit Charles:
If Belgium chose the former, Charles would supply its armored and mechanized forces.
If it chose the latter, Charles, as a military expert, would likely oversee the construction of its fortresses, knowing both how to defend and attack them.
Charles said little but turned to King Albert I and remarked, “Your Majesty, you only need to recall how I breached Antwerp.”
King Albert I froze, half-opening his mouth but unable to respond.
Colonel Eden suddenly realized something and exclaimed, “Yes! The Brigadier General’s armored forces easily broke through Antwerp’s defenses at night—even the German-occupied defenses. These fortifications were almost useless in the dark, unable to see the enemy or know where to fire!”