Chapter 81
Chapter 81
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Translator: penny
Chapter Title: Upheaval
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Meanwhile, at the Great Headquarters.
Wilhelm II shouted.
"Insolent!!"
The chamberlain, who had brought resignation letters from numerous prominent officers, ministers, and officials, flinched and trembled.
These resignation letters weren't truly meant to step down from their positions; they were all demands to dismiss Falkenhayn immediately.
The incident in Germany, which was practically an absolute monarchy, had caused enormous repercussions.
"How dare they challenge imperial authority! War Minister! Put them on military trial at once!!"
"...Your Majesty."
As the Kaiser continued swinging his fists and venting his rage, Falkenhayn, who had been silent until then, finally spoke.
Falkenhayn had grown even gaunter over the past few months, his hair now streaked with gray.
"This is enough. Whether you accept my resignation or dismiss me, just decide."
"I told you! This is a matter of authority!! If I tolerate their insolence, what will become of me?!"
"..."
Unlike the Kaiser, who had been clashing with the military since the middle of the Verdun battle, Falkenhayn was exhausted.
Verdun's meat grinder.
His devotion to the fatherland and the Kaiser had returned only the worst nickname and dishonor.
It was no wonder his motivation had vanished.
"Thus, I command you: put them all on military trial immediately!! How can we let those traitors who dared to rebel against me live?!"
"..."
Falkenhayn merely gazed at the rampaging Kaiser with deep, sunken eyes, oblivious to the man's feelings.
However, his patience didn't last long.
"Especially the generals on the Eastern Front—show them no mercy! Hindenburg and Ludendorff, those two especially...!"
"Stop talking nonsense, Your Majesty."
"...What did you say?"
Grit—Falkenhayn finally clenched his teeth, veins bulging on his forehead.
At the sight of the Chief of Staff like this, the Kaiser's pupils shook as he grew furious.
"If you execute all the Eastern Front generals, who will you put in their places? Junior officers? Or soldiers?"
"How dare you...!"
"What about the Western Front? You'll have to kill at least three-tenths of the generals there too—can you handle that?"
"Isn't that all because of you!"
Falkenhayn, who had been pressing Wilhelm II, suddenly flinched.
Seeing this, the Kaiser scolded him even more harshly.
"Even without popularity, there's a limit! Do you think it's reasonable that all the frontline generals are rushing to submit resignations?!"
"No, that's not..."
"How on earth have you managed your subordinates!!"
Bang!! As the Kaiser slammed the desk, Falkenhayn pitifully bowed his head.
The Chief of Staff then struggled to open his mouth.
"...So dismiss me and appoint someone more suitable to this position."
"Nonsense! Utter nonsense!!"
Wilhelm II scowled deeply and shouted at Falkenhayn.
"Argh, I can't even stand the sight of you!! Get out!!"
Without a word in response, Falkenhayn slowly turned around.
From behind came the sound of the Kaiser collapsing into his seat as if exhausted.
"Falkenhayn... even you..."
'...Your Majesty, you can't hold out like this forever.'
Leaving behind Wilhelm II, who muttered as if considering himself Caesar to the end.
Falkenhayn left the room with a heavy heart.
'Hindenburg is no pushover.'
Falkenhayn, who had directly and frequently clashed with him over power struggles, knew him well.
Hindenburg and Ludendorff were men who would never miss this opportunity presented by the crushing defeat at Verdun.
'Now, there's only one person I can trust...'
However, Falkenhayn knew one thing but not two.
'Rommel... I should have at least promoted him higher in rank.'
That his most favored subordinate.
'Please protect the Empire.'
Was a dagger hidden in his bosom.
In the end, the Kaiser yielded.
Thud—thud—heavy footsteps echoed through the Great Headquarters.
"..."
"..."
As the giant of a man slowly advanced.
The staff officers parted like the miracle of the Red Sea.
The tense staff officers stood frozen, unable to greet him, so I had no choice but to speak up.
"...Congratulations on your promotions. Your Excellency the Chief of Staff and Your Excellency the Deputy Chief of Staff. Welcome to the Supreme Army Command."
"Thank you."
"..."
The new Chief of Staff, Hindenburg, gave a slight nod.
The new Deputy Chief of Staff, Ludendorff, ignored my words.
Soon, they stood before the European operations map outlining Germany's general situation.
"It has been a year and a half since the war broke out."
Ludendorff slowly opened his mouth before the staff officers as he gazed at the map for a moment.
"Not everything has gone according to plan, and we can't say there have been no difficulties."
Hindenburg also quietly stepped back into the shadows to listen to Ludendorff.
"However, thanks to the heroic struggles of the troops on the front lines and the superior abilities of the staff officers, we are now overwhelming both the Western and Eastern Fronts."
"..."
"It's thanks to you all. Feel free to rejoice."
As Ludendorff began clapping first, the staff officers gradually joined in.
Dry applause echoed through the command.
"However, we have not yet seized the clear victory we so desire. Russia has suffered severe blows but has ultimately survived and is catching its breath, while the Anglo-French Entente..."
Glance—For a moment, Ludendorff's gaze turned toward Verdun.
"...is holding out better than expected."
At those words, many staff officers bowed their heads.
They were the survivors of the wave of demotions that had swept in with Falkenhayn's dismissal.
Most of those demoted were high-ranking officials, and since there weren't many officers loyal to Falkenhayn, a large number had survived.
"Therefore, after discussions, the Chief of Staff and I have concluded that we cannot continue like this. We need a turning point!"
Ludendorff continued, heedless of their reactions.
"The late Count Schlieffen, fearing his plan might fail, created a second plan."
"..."
"It is the Second Schlieffen Program. An extension of the economic plan halted before the war—a total war plan."
"The Schlieffen Program... wasn't that the economic plan?"
"There was another Schlieffen Program?"
"Total War."
The three- or four-year economic development plan, as it was called.
That it was actually for total war?
The staff officers whispered in astonishment.
Tak tak! Ludendorff struck the desk with his baton to refocus attention and spoke.
"We have already done our military best, so further enhancing military capabilities is no longer efficient. It is now time to focus on national capabilities—economy, politics, administration, and so on."
Slowly scanning the staff officers, he continued.
"For the Second Schlieffen Program, we will establish the Supreme War Office (Kriegsamt), and appoint Major General Wilhelm Groener as the first director."
"M-Major General? Wasn't Director Groener a brigadier general?"
"With many vacancies since Verdun, the Chief of Staff has made some new personnel adjustments."
At those words, all the officers' eyes sparkled.
Among them, Groener's reaction was the most striking.
"Oh, congratulations."
"Hahahahaha. Thank you, Major."
Since he was an officer from our logistics side and right next to me, I offered him congratulations.
Groener replied with a broad grin.
Not only promoted but also placed in the most important new position—it was reason enough to be thrilled.
"In addition, to facilitate smooth cooperation and war efforts with allied nations, entities such as the Supreme War Command (Oberste Kriegsleitung) will be established."
Seeing the atmosphere heat up, Ludendorff gave a small smile.
"Unlike the previous Chief of Staff, we will actively pursue change and make appointments based on ability. Countless opportunities lie ahead for you all."
It was exactly as he said.
With some high-ranking officials demoted and more positions created, many opportunities had arisen.
Officers sensitive to promotions didn't miss the new winds blowing.
"The Second Schlieffen Program will be implemented after laying this foundation. I hope you all excel in the missions assigned to you."
In doing so, the Chief of Staff would bestow golden nooses.
Clap clap clap clap clap clap-!! As if hearing those unspoken words, the officers clapped enthusiastically.
Secret chamber.
"So, how does it feel to have used us as shells to blast away Falkenhayn?"
Ludendorff asked in a tone full of irritation, unlike when he had been speaking before the staff.
"I have no idea what you're talking about. Didn't both of you order me to act as your messenger?"
"Heh, really."
I widened my eyes and retorted.
A mere major taking down the Chief of Staff—if I said such madness openly, it would be trouble.
At my innocent demeanor, Ludendorff seemed thoroughly annoyed and turned his back entirely.
Then Hindenburg took the baton and spoke.
"Major. Starting tomorrow, you will work at the Supreme War Office."
"Yes, understood."
"I've spoken to Groener, so you'll wield near-absolute authority."
"!"
Absolute authority.
Even I couldn't help but tremble slightly at those words.
Hindenburg, who had been explaining curtly, gave a faint smile upon seeing me.
"I hope you devote yourself fully to the mission given, Major... no."
I had to exert all my effort to keep a laugh from escaping.
"Lieutenant Colonel."
Up to general.
Just two steps away.