Chapter 451: FN Armaments Factory
Antwerp, in the serene Albert I Manor.
After a few days of renovations, the manor transformed from its previously disorganized and dilapidated state into a warm and tidy abode.
It was lunchtime. Albert I and Colonel Eden were discussing with great interest as they ate.
The meal was simple: a few slices of bread, some vegetable leaves, and a scant serving of fried chicken, the only semblance of meat on the table.
"I plan to save every penny for our defense system," Albert I declared. "This is the most pressing matter right now."
The topic of discussion revolved around defense systems.
"We’ve already recovered two strongholds," Albert I said, chewing on the dry, hard bread. He then asked Colonel Eden, "What can we do now?"
"In theory, much can be done, Your Majesty," Colonel Eden replied. "Based on Charles’ defensive strategy, strongholds primarily serve as storage for fuel and ammunition. Ghent, being deep in the rear, should act as the most critical 'ammunition and fuel' depot."
Albert I nodded in agreement.
Liège Fortress was positioned too far forward, destined to be the Germans’ first target...
Wait, Albert I sensed something was off.
"What if it’s France?" he asked, lowering his voice and looking up at Colonel Eden.
Though currently an ally, France could not be overlooked as a potential threat.
Positioning fuel and ammunition in Ghent, so close to France, would expose their vulnerabilities to them.
"Your Majesty," Colonel Eden raised his brows helplessly. "France has Charles, and he is only eighteen."
Albert I instantly understood.
No defense or preparation would be effective against Charles, especially since the defense system was his brainchild.
"Very well," Albert I said firmly. "It shall remain in Ghent."
Defending against France seemed meaningless.
"So we should reinforce Ghent’s fortifications and infrastructure," Colonel Eden suggested. "Additionally, constructing a few large underground warehouses would be ideal to protect them from enemy airstrikes and artillery."
He added, "Military forces must also be bolstered. Charles’ defense system demands a highly capable military."
"Indeed," Albert I agreed. "They must be able to penetrate enemy lines and advance swiftly, just like Charles’ forces, to connect the strongholds into an integrated system."
However, Albert I felt a twinge of unease. He had a recurring desire to link the strongholds with trenches, fortresses, or bunkers.
He once asked Colonel Eden about this idea.
Colonel Eden responded: "That may not be a wise choice, Your Majesty."
"We don’t have enough troops to defend such an extensive frontline."
"The result would likely be a defensive line that the enemy could exploit, causing significant harm to our armored and mechanized units."
Albert I realized the logic in this. The five strongholds, if connected in pairs, would form eight links totaling over 500 kilometers.
With Belgium’s population, the standing army could only reach around 100,000 soldiers.
With 100,000 troops defending a 500-kilometer line, there would be only about 200–300 soldiers per kilometer—barely enough for one or two infantry companies.
Developing armored and mechanized units would further strain their already limited manpower.
Perhaps Charles had foreseen this issue, which is why he advocated for mobile defense using armored and mechanized units!
Albert I sighed inwardly. Lacking military expertise, he always felt uneasy without something tangible on the defensive line.
Otherwise, leaving it bare seemed an open invitation for enemy tanks to break through and rampage unchecked—it was unsettling, to say the least.
As Albert I pondered, a guard approached to report, "Your Majesty, Mr. Boyata is waiting outside."
"Let him in," Albert I commanded.
Colonel Eden appeared slightly nervous as he glanced at Albert I. "The owner of FN Armaments Factory?"
"Indeed," Albert I replied calmly. "I invited him for a discussion."
"Shall I step out?" Colonel Eden offered.
Some matters were better left unknown.
"No," Albert I shook his head. "There’s nothing you cannot know."
Soon, a man in his sixties entered the dining room with steady strides. Despite his wrinkled face, his sharp, bright eyes suggested excellent upkeep.
Albert I stood to welcome him and introduced him to Colonel Eden.
The food on the table was promptly replaced with coffee, and the men chatted as they sipped.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty," Boyata said with a smile. "We’ve reclaimed a third of our land. With Charles’ help, it’s only a matter of time before the rest is recovered."
"This is equally good news for you, Mr. Boyata," Albert I met his gaze. "It means your Ghent branch has returned to FN, leaving only the Liège headquarters to be reclaimed."
Boyata chuckled. "Indeed. Thanks to Charles. I hope I’ll have the chance to thank him in person!"
"You’ll have that chance," Albert I assured. "He’s right here in Antwerp. If you’d like, I can take you to meet him now."
Boyata chuckled again. "Your Majesty wouldn’t have invited me merely to introduce me to Charles, would you?"
Boyata was unsure of his relationship with Charles.
FN once monopolized Belgium’s arms production, primarily producing rifles and pistols while progressing towards machine guns.
However, Charles’ emergence disrupted FN’s market.
Were they rivals or allies?
If rivals, Boyata still relied on Charles to recover his headquarters.
If allies, they were destined to become fierce competitors—a rivalry not to be underestimated.
"I heard your company has been developing light machine guns recently?" Albert I inquired. "Any progress?"
"It’s not development, strictly speaking," Boyata admitted. "We’ve imported the Chauchat machine gun from France and are working on improvements."
Albert I nodded, elegantly sipping his coffee. "And this is to compete with Charles’ ‘Saint-Étienne 2’?"
Boyata’s expression shifted as he hastily denied, "No, no, that’s not my intention. I merely wish to explore firearm advancements, nothing more. As you know, light machine guns are a new category distinct from both rifles and heavy machine guns. We don’t want to fall too far behind in this area."
Colonel Eden, who had been silent, suddenly grasped the purpose of Albert I’s invitation.