Gallieni and Shire discussed the details over the map for a while. Suddenly, Gallieni thought of something. He looked up at Shire and asked, "If that's the case, how should I refuse Haig? Should I tell him the entire battle plan?"

Gallieni believed that not only could this resolve Haig's doubts about France and Shire, but it would also allow the British Army to prepare in advance to coordinate with France's counterattack.

But Shire shook his head. "That's not a good idea, General."

"We can consider doing that, Shire," Gallieni insisted. "After all, it's a matter of life and death for the British army. Haig isn't foolish enough to leak information to the Germans; it wouldn't benefit him."

"Really?" Shire retorted calmly.

"Is there a problem?" Gallieni looked at Shire in confusion.

French law prohibits soldiers from engaging in commerce or politics, and Gallieni adhered strictly to this rule, making him almost clueless in these two domains. He didn't realize how dire and limitless these fields could be.

"It's like this." Shire drew a line across the Arden Mountains with his finger. "The difficulties of armored units passing through the Arden Mountains are not just about roads and supplies. Once the enemy learns of our plan, even if the Germans get a hint, it could lead to our total annihilation."

Gallieni nodded in agreement.

If the Germans knew in advance that Shire's units would pass through the Arden Mountains, they only needed to station an infantry unit ambushed in the forests, waiting for prey.

In the jungle warfare of the mountains, armored units heavily reliant on roads and terrain would be rendered useless. Shire's elite armored units would be surrounded by German infantry and trapped in a desperate situation.

"I don't like putting my fate in the hands of others, General," Shire said. "Especially those who have rivalries with me in military, political, and commercial spheres."

Gallieni was taken aback. "There are rivalries in politics and commerce as well?"

He could understand military competition. Shire's victories starkly contrasted with Haig's "track record," making Haig and even the British Army a laughingstock globally and shaking the Colonial Army's confidence in Britain's supremacy.

But in the realms of politics and commerce, Haig is a British soldier. How could he have competition with Shire, a French Vice Admiral?

Shire answered unhurriedly:

"My military victories affect Haig's political career, General."

"As for the business world, since I control supplies and have established insurance and shipping companies in Britain, I've offended almost all British merchants."

"They now despise me. I believe even the King of England, Kitchener, and Haig all hope that I meet some misfortune."

Gallieni was enlightened.

That's the price of standing out. Shire's rapid rise had infringed upon the interests of many, including the British.

Leaking intelligence to Haig might indeed give Haig the chance to get rid of Shire.

Or at least bring Shire down from his pedestal as the undefeated warlord, breaking the Colonial Army's reverence for his command talent.

As for the life and death of the British Army, that's a matter for the nation and its people, many of whom are from the Colonial Army. How could that be more important than their personal interests?

With this in mind, Gallieni nodded heavily. "You're right; I'll handle this!"

He then turned his gaze to the map on the table and, after a moment of hesitation, analyzed solemnly:

"We have reason to believe that the 1st Armored Army and the 6th Army Group are the mainstays of Belgium."

"Once we redeploy them from Belgium, the Germans will launch a counterattack using the Liege Fortress as a base."

"This will make it difficult for the Allies to manage, which is clearly not a wise choice."

Shire said, "Haig might not believe these words..."

"It doesn't matter." Gallieni interrupted Shire. "Albert I has a right to know about this. I believe he will agree with my view."

Shire was immediately speechless.

He realized he was wrong; Gallieni understood politics.

Albert I is the last person who would want Shire's forces redeployed from Belgium. Once he knows about this, Gallieni likely wouldn't need to do anything more.

...

Hasselt, the capital of Limburg Province.

Under the star-speckled night sky, Albert I held a banquet with a dozen politicians at the city hall.

The banquet was kept simple. The buffet table had some common pastries and fruits, the lighting was from candles, and the violinist was a local, temporarily hired, whose performance occasionally included a few discordant notes.

But these did not affect Albert I's spirits. He tapped his glass to attract everyone's attention, ascended two steps to stand on a higher platform, and spoke in a loud and passionate voice:

"Gentlemen, ladies!"

"I am delighted to emphasize once again, we are standing in Hasselt! We are already on the border of Belgium and Holland."

"What I am more concerned about now is how to maintain the supplies for more than half a million German prisoners!"

The politicians responded with a burst of light-hearted laughter.

Albert I continued:

"We are only one step away from reclaiming all of Belgium."

"The Liege Fortress is only a few kilometers from us. It is the entry point for the Germans invading Belgium. Once we capture it, we will trap all invaders within, leaving them no escape."

"And I firmly believe that under Shire's leadership, our brave Belgian people can fulfill this great mission!"

"Long live Belgium, and glory to all of us!"

The politicians loudly echoed Albert I's call, shouting and cheering.

At this moment, in a corner close to the aisle, a messenger quietly pushed the door open and entered. He nervously scanned the crowd, saw Major General Eden, and quickly approached, whispering a few words and handing over a telegram.

Major General Eden's expression changed slightly. He took the telegram, nodded, and ordered the messenger to keep quiet about it. Then, he nonchalantly walked towards Albert I.

At this moment, Shire was already capable of deciding Belgium's fate. His redeployment could instantly demoralize the Belgian military and civilians, and all the previous achievements of Belgium might turn to dust.

Major General Eden believed that utmost caution was warranted in this matter.

Getting close, Major General Eden leaned in and whispered a few words to Albert I.

Albert I's previously excited face immediately turned stern. He looked coldly at Major General Eden and asked in a low voice, "Is this true?"

"Yes, Your Majesty." Major General Eden secretly handed the telegram to Albert I. "It's a telegram from General Gallieni."

Albert I didn't read it carefully. He folded the telegram and put it in his pocket. Then, with a gentle smile, he nodded to both sides, gave a polite apology, and hurriedly left with Major General Eden.