Chapter 495: Even the Smallest Mosquito Is Meat
Antwerp Airport was as busy as usual. Fighter planes, with their "rumbling" roar, took off and landed on the runway intermittently. The propellers and wings stirred up clouds of dust, which mingled with the smoke from the engines and spread through the air, enveloping the airport in a faint smell of gasoline.
King Albert I and Colonel Eden stood tall at the edge of the airport, waiting. Behind them were several key figures from the Belgian new government, along with a military band. The members, dressed in fine attire, were lined up on both sides, holding various instruments and "standing at attention."
King Albert I was dressed in an imposing commander's uniform, with a sword hanging at his waist, exuding an air of grandeur.
Colonel Eden wore a new military uniform, still holding the rank of colonel. Though looking quite spirited, it was immediately obvious that he was the "supporting role" to King Albert I.
King Albert I glanced at the sky, noticing there were no planes in sight yet. He turned to those behind him and said, "Mr. Boyata, have you thought about how to address the brigadier general?"
Boyata, the owner of FN Armaments Factory, quickly stepped forward. "Yes, Your Majesty, I have thought it through."
"Good!" King Albert I nodded with satisfaction.
Boyata nervously glanced at Browning, who was standing beside him. Browning gave a slight nod, signaling that he was ready.
At that moment, the lookout shouted, "They're here, Your Majesty! Charles's plane!"
Four "Camels" appeared in the sky, two ahead and two behind, protecting the middle aircraft, which was an improved "Avro."
The latter was produced by the Eric Aircraft Manufacturing Plant, with slight modifications and a more powerful engine, allowing its speed to reach around 150 km/h.
This was obviously safer because many German planes couldn't reach such speeds and were thus unable to "intercept." Additionally, the "Camel" fighter plane, which could reach 195 km/h, would be well-matched with the Avro.
King Albert I observed the increasingly low-flying formation of planes. As the moment came, he turned to give an order, "Ready!"
The bandmaster immediately raised his baton, and the band members nervously prepared in various stances.
"Play!"
With a wave of King Albert I's hand, the "Brabançonne" song filled the sky above the airport.
Charles was almost startled by the scene. He thought the airport was holding some kind of event. It wasn't until the planes landed steadily in front of the formation that he realized this was a welcome ceremony prepared especially for him.
"Brigadier General, my friend," King Albert I gave Charles a big hug. "Congratulations on your victory once again. Your name and achievements have stunned everyone following the war, especially after you reversed the situation at Verdun in just one day."
This wasn’t entirely true. What truly stunned people was that Charles had defeated Joffre and successfully removed him from his position as Supreme Commander.
Having been involved in politics for a long time, King Albert I understood what this meant.
For Charles to kick a key figure in France, a Supreme Commander, off his position, it showed that Charles himself was now a major force in France.
Colonel Eden's mind, on the other hand, was filled with thoughts of directional mines, land mines, anti-tank mines, and jump mines.
If Belgium could get these and combine them with its fortress defense system, it would be perfect.
And then, there were the counter-slope fortifications.
The government officials rushed forward one after another to shake Charles's hand.
"Congratulations, Brigadier General."
"That was a magnificent battle. Everyone is praising your achievements!"
"It has lifted our spirits and shown us the hope of victory!"
...
The reporters swarmed over, nervously searching for the best angles in all sorts of awkward positions, their fingers twitching as they snapped photos to capture every precious moment.
As Charles dealt with the congratulatory crowd, he cast a puzzled glance at Tigani, who was standing aside.
Tigani shrugged his shoulders and helplessly replied, "It has nothing to do with me, Brigadier General."
"It wasn’t me who leaked the information."
"When you were still in the sky, the news of your departure from Paris to Antwerp had already spread throughout France."
Charles suddenly understood—it was the work of Paris's gossip reporters. They had even arranged for people to stake out the Paris Flying Club 24/7, tracking him like they would a celebrity.
This served as a warning to Charles: he would have to be more cautious in the future when traveling. Otherwise, if the Germans learned of his movements and sent intercepting planes, he might end up dead without even realizing what had happened.
...
At the headquarters of the First Mechanized Division, King Albert I, Colonel Eden, and Boyata followed behind as they entered.
"Do you have business here?" Charles asked.
Before King Albert I could reply, Charles, with a hint of dissatisfaction, added, "I don't like or need such a welcome, Your Majesty. I am a soldier, and you don’t need to treat me like a politician."
Politicians care about interpersonal relationships, while career soldiers care more about life and efficiency.
Charles felt that these formal welcomes only brought him uncertain risks.
"Sorry, Brigadier General," King Albert I smiled and responded, "This is not a welcome for a politician, but for a triumphant hero, a hero of France, and even more so, a hero of Belgium. This is important to us. It can inspire people to fight bravely against the invaders on the battlefield!"
Charles was momentarily speechless.
King Albert I's words seemed correct. Just as France had consciously promoted Joffre as a "hero," King Albert I had chosen Charles as his promotional figure.
Then, King Albert I stepped aside and handed over the speaking role to Boyata.
Boyata seemed a bit nervous. He stepped forward, took off his hat, and saluted Charles. "It’s a pleasure to see you again, Brigadier General."
Charles had almost forgotten about Boyata until he saw Browning beside him. He suddenly remembered. "FN Armaments Factory?"
"Yes, Brigadier General." Boyata looked excited; he couldn't believe Charles still remembered him.
"I’m glad we could collaborate on the 'St. Étienne 2' machine gun," Boyata continued. "Its production was successful. We’ve come this time to seek permission for further cooperation."
"Further cooperation?" Charles asked.
"We hope to obtain permission to produce directional mines, land mines, and similar equipment. What do you think..."
Boyata quickly added, "The profit-sharing will be the same as before, 50-50, Brigadier General."
Charles glanced at King Albert I and Colonel Eden. Seeing the eager look in their eyes, he seemed to understand. This was another of King Albert I's business connections.
Charles had originally considered deploying land mines in Belgium as part of the "fortress defense system." They would be much more effective than barbed wire and trenches.
Most importantly, they created an information gap: the enemy would not know where the minefields were, and every step they took would require caution and fear.
Meanwhile, his own personnel and vehicles could move quickly along known paths.
Given their simple production and low cost, land mines were perfectly suited for small countries like Belgium.
But Charles then thought to himself: since Belgium was seeking his help, why not take advantage of the situation and get some extra benefits?
After all, even the smallest mosquito is meat.
Moreover, FN Armaments Factory wasn’t a mere mosquito, and Browning, the master of firearms, had considerable strength!