I Became a Tycoon During World War I: Saving France from the Start

Chapter 132: My Tank Isn't for Bidding

Deyoka had already heard about TAS's tank development project since it was a government-sponsored program. So, when he and Charles saw the nearly complete "Mark I" tank in the factory's development area, he couldn't help but voice his concerns. "Have you heard about that new tank design they're working on?"

"Yes, Father," Charles replied, still examining the Mark I tank and pondering how best to coordinate infantry with its operations. "Apparently, it's the Automotive Technical Services leading the project."

"I've also heard they're planning to arm their tank with cannons," Deyoka suggested. "Shouldn't we consider that as well?"

"No," Charles answered firmly, knowing that adding a cannon would be a mistake. Just as inexperienced hands tend to grasp at any technique that comes their way, people of this era were eager to transform the tank into an all-purpose "moving fortress" that could withstand any firepower.

It was essential to define what tasks a tank was meant to handle, what tasks could be left to infantry, and to consider carefully the trade-off between engine power and added weight. Otherwise, real battle would expose its weaknesses harshly, even if the tank was developed by powerful forces like Joffre, Schneider, and the ATS.

In others' eyes, this tank might seem "unbeatable," but Charles saw it as "trash."

The ATS-led tank would become the "Saint-Chamond," while Francis's tractor company was working on what would become the "CA-1." The Saint-Chamond's first battle ended in disaster: small shell craters would leave it immobile. In one field operation, only one of the 16 tanks deployed managed to keep moving; the rest were left abandoned on the battlefield, eventually repurposed as mobile artillery platforms instead of leading the infantry charge.

As for the CA-1, over 57% of them were destroyed by enemy fire in their first battle, instilling a lasting fear among French troops and prompting the immediate removal of their cannons in favor of becoming assault vehicles.

In short, these so-called "tanks" initially tried to be bigger, tougher, and more loaded with weaponry. But after harsh lessons in combat, they all ended up stripped down piece by piece. Charles was not worried about competition from these "scrap piles."

As Joseph approached, wiping his hands with a cloth, he said, "Master Charles, the Mark I will be ready for testing in a couple of days. Do you think we should carefully consider large-scale production?"

Joseph seemed a little skeptical about the Mark I's potential.

"No," Charles replied decisively. "Once it passes the test run, proceed with mass production immediately. We don't have time to waste!"

For Charles, time meant not only money but also opportunity. The Mark I would allow him to gain experience, train personnel, and lay the groundwork for his next model, the "Renault."

"Master Charles…" Joseph began but was silenced by a look from Deyoka. Charles seemed like a determined, unyielding commander, impervious to advice or persuasion.

"He knows what he's doing," Deyoka assured. But privately, he thought about the recent lucrative sales, with over two million francs made from the first deal alone. Even if this was a gamble, Charles could afford it.

…

Later, as the sun cast its last rays through the sycamore trees, Charles and Deyoka left the factory. Just outside the gate, they saw a carriage pulled by two white horses—Grévy's usual understated elegance.

Deyoka glanced around, checking that Laurent and the guards were positioned securely along the road, guns in hand. Only then did he relax.

Seeing Charles's car, Grévy opened his carriage door and stepped down, stretching casually as he smiled and waved. "Shall we talk?" Grévy's face exuded confidence.

Deyoka stopped the car beside him, but Charles had no intention of getting out.

"I don't think we have much to discuss, Mr. Grévy," Charles replied from inside the vehicle.

"We should be allies, Charles…"

"I know what you did," Charles interrupted.

Grévy understood exactly what Charles meant and admitted freely, "That was simply acting in line with our positions, Charles. Now things are different."

"Nothing's different," Charles replied firmly.

Grévy's gaze held a flicker of confusion. "Surely you've heard that Schneider is developing a new tank."

Charles gave a slight nod, his face impassive.

"Then…" Grévy continued, "don't you think that only by joining forces can we counter them? Remember, that's Schneider, backed by Joffre and the ATS!"

When Grévy first heard about Schneider's involvement, he hadn't considered it a "problem"—quite the opposite. He saw it as an opportunity, a rare chance. A strong competitor like Schneider could force Charles into an alliance with him. Charles was a smart man and knew what to do.

The idea of teaming up with Charles was exhilarating.

But to Grévy's shock, Charles simply replied, "It doesn't concern me, Mr. Grévy."

"What do you mean?" Grévy spread his hands.

"My tank isn't going up for bidding," Charles said coolly. "I'm just building it for fun, so whatever Schneider is doing is your concern, not mine."

Grévy stared at Charles, dumbfounded.

Deyoka glanced back, equally surprised, unaware of Charles's decision not to compete for military contracts. He thought his son might be bluffing to pit Grévy against Schneider.

As the car pulled away, Grévy remained rooted in place, bewildered. He had anticipated many possible responses, but this wasn't one of them.

Not bidding? Then why go to all the trouble of building it? Just for fun? Surely not!

Could Charles be playing both sides, waiting for Grévy and Schneider to clash? No, that wouldn't make sense, as the victor would secure the contracts, leaving Charles with nothing.

There was only one explanation. Grévy's eyes flashed with a trace of fear: Charles might not consider either of their tanks worth his time.

(Pictured: Saint-Chamond Tank, notable for its advanced electric motor drive system.)

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