CHAPTER 549: AFTER MODIFICATION: CHAPTER 549 THE LAST CONDITION

After a while, Captain Jeremy and a few others returned to Shire.

"General," Captain Jeremy said, "we hope to have the right to go home on leave."

Shire agreed without hesitation, "Of course."

He nodded to the aide beside him, who took out a backup document from the briefcase and handed it over, shielding it from the rain.

Shire explained, "This is the rotation plan we’ve drafted. Take a look."

Captain Jeremy took it with one hand, flipped through it, and his eyes lit up. He excitedly shouted to those around him, "We get a week off after each rotation!"

The soldiers burst into cheers instantly.

Previously, rotations meant rear guard, third line, second line... moving one step closer to the front each time, staying on the front line for a week, then starting over without any leave.

Now, getting a week’s leave after each rotation was undoubtedly good news for the soldiers.

However, a lieutenant with a beard beside Captain Jeremy remained cautious. He glanced at the plan in Jeremy’s hand and stepped forward to ask Shire, "General, it’s not that we don’t trust you, but has this rotation plan been approved by the parliament?"

The soldiers all turned their gaze to Shire.

Many matters were beyond Shire’s decision; the decision-making power rested with the parliament.

They were worried that Shire’s promise wouldn’t be backed by the parliament’s decision.

Before Shire could speak, the aide answered quickly:

"This has been approved by the parliament, otherwise the general wouldn’t have come yesterday."

"The reason the general came today was to fight for your benefits in the parliament."

"You know, dealing with the people in the parliament is no easy task!"

The aide’s timely response was important. Shire should not have said these things himself as it would come off as self-praise; it worked much better coming from the aide.

As expected, the soldiers’ gazes towards Shire grew even more appreciative and respectful.

However, the bearded veteran still had concerns. He asked again:

"We all know that the previous lack of leave was due to a shortage of troops."

"The shortage still exists, and allowing leave will certainly strain our forces."

"General, how do you plan to solve this problem?"

Captain Jeremy nodded slightly, showing his agreement. If the root issue wasn’t resolved, the government’s and parliament’s plan was mere paper.

Shire answered calmly:

"The troop issue is easy to solve. We will maintain a period of strategic defense."

"We all know that defense requires far fewer troops than offense."

"Furthermore, responding to your first demand, we will avoid meaningless offensives, which will also save our forces."

The bearded man considered for a moment and nodded slightly, indicating it was indeed feasible.

Then Shire laughed, "You’re worried the parliament might deceive me too, aren’t you?"

Many soldiers nodded, including Captain Jeremy and some other representatives.

They did not distrust Shire; they feared Shire might be kept in the dark and used as a scapegoat by the parliament.

Shire’s tone was light and natural:

"I cannot be sure the parliament will not renege in the future, but I stand with you all, and I will do my utmost to ensure these promises are implemented."

"Additionally, you should understand that this approach is very risky."

"I’m not talking about the parliamentarians, nobles, or capitalists; we don’t care about their dangers."

Shire added with a jest, "I almost forgot, I’m also a capitalist."

The soldiers erupted in laughter.

Shire was not just any capitalist; they were willing to fight and protect him.

Shire moved closer into the crowd naturally.

This was unimaginable for other officers. High-ranking officers walking into a mutinous crowd of soldiers?

They risked being beaten to death by angry soldiers.

It had happened before; officers were pelted with stones by soldiers without firing a single shot, eventually being rescued by guards covered in blood.

Shire believed he didn’t need to worry about this. He had earned good reputation over time, using his wealth for the better.

Now, it was time for that good reputation to come into play.

"We are also protecting our families," Shire’s voice was calm and steady:

"Think about the current situation, gentlemen.

"What will happen if the Germans launch an offensive now? Can you hold off the Germans?

"If the front lines crumble, what will happen to your families, including yourselves?"

The soldiers exchanged glances; they knew Shire was right.

Although the mutiny proposed "agreeing to garrison positions but opposing offensive actions," the disorganized mutiny was uncontrollable, and the troops had lost combat effectiveness.

Some soldiers drove armored reconnaissance vehicles into the ammunition depot, taking whatever equipment and ammunition they wanted.

Some left the trenches to hide in the forest, believing it was safer and better for defense.

Others occupied nearby towns, declaring independence, establishing so-called "new governments."

...

Could this kind of army withstand a German offensive? Most likely, they would scatter and flee the moment the Germans arrived!

Captain Jeremy’s expression was heavy, eyes full of worry:

"This is what we fear as well, General."

"If the lines collapse, the first to be in danger are our families, while the capitalists, parliamentarians, and nobles will escape early."

"This is why we remain here."

They had held their positions on the front line, despite the intolerable conditions and the potential enemy counterattacks.

"I know," Shire nodded, "you are the bravest and most loyal among us, your courage is unparalleled."

It was the truth; maintaining their positions despite a mutiny was rare.

"But it’s not enough, far from enough," Shire’s gaze swept across the audience, "We need an army, one that can hold the lines, protect families, and defend France. Can you accomplish this?"

Captain Jeremy stepped forward, "We can, General. We are willing to follow your command."

One by one, the soldiers stepped forward:

"We can do it."

"We trust you, General!"

"Lead us into battle!"

...

The bearded man stepped forward and stood before the others, "One last condition, General."

Shire responded with an "Mm," ready to listen.

"We hope you will become the Supreme Commander," the bearded man’s eyes locked onto Shire.

Shire was taken aback. Was this seriously a condition?

The soldiers echoed one after another:

"Yes, make Shire the Supreme Commander."

"That’s the best assurance!"

"Only with him as Supreme Commander will we not be lambs to be slaughtered!"

...

But there was something different in the bearded man’s eyes.

Could it be that everything Shire was doing was for the position of Supreme Commander?