Charles leaned in closer and lowered his voice. "What is the na of your organization?"
He wanted to be certain.
Lucia hesitated, seeming unsure. "You wouldn't know it. It was only just ford, and we have barely more than thirty mbers!"
Charles stayed silent, rely looking at Lucia intently.
"Fine!" Lucia finally replied with a resigned sigh. "We used to be called 'Michelin Station,' but we unanimously decided to change the na to 'The Lady in White.'"
Charles let out a brief "hmm," his doubts cleared, and holstered his revolver.
A flash of curiosity crossed Lucia's eyes. "Have you heard that na before?"
Only then did Charles realize he'd slipped. He shouldn't have relaxed his guard just because of the ntion of "The Lady in White."
This alias had likely only co into existence in the past few days, and was only known internally.
"No, I haven't heard of it," Charles said, placing his hand on the table as he offered an excuse. "It just reminded of the Enlor Artillery Front. The British shared that intelligence with us, so…"
"So, you believe us now, don't you?" Lucia asked, clutching Charles's hand with excitent. "That's wonderful, Colonel! We'll be of use to you!"
Lucia's hand was a little cold, trembling slightly—whether from recent fear or from her current excitent, Charles couldn't tell.
Realizing her gesture might have been inappropriate, Lucia pulled her hand back quickly. "My apologies, Colonel. I'm glad we could clear up this misunderstanding. I hope…"
There was no need to say more—she hoped Charles would take leadership of "The Lady in White."
But Charles didn't respond. He simply sipped his champagne in quiet contemplation.
Lucia's mind raced, her thoughts in turmoil.
Was she overreaching? This was an organization with barely thirty mbers, none of them professionals. Was it presumptuous to expect that soone of Charles's rank and status would even consider leading such a small, untrained intelligence network?
She cursed herself silently for even bringing it up. It was humiliating. The more she thought about it, the more she regretted ever entertaining the unrealistic hope of Charles's leadership.
Charles, however, was thinking differently.
Right now, he did need a reliable intelligence network—whether for military purposes, business matters, or handling political rivals.
While "The Lady in White" was an amateur civilian group without formal training, history had proven it to be capable and reliable—qualities that suited his needs perfectly for the mont.
Only…
"Tell , what's your purpose?" Charles asked. "Is it for Belgium, or is there sothing else?"
If "The Lady in White" was solely focused on national liberation, they might not be interested in any conflict beyond Belgium's borders. In that case, their cooperation would end when Belgium's freedom was secured.
Lucia, sharp as ever, understood Charles's implication instantly, and her eyes lit up. Did this an there was hope?
"You don't need to worry about that, Colonel!" Lucia replied excitedly. "We hope you'll lead us out of gratitude and trust in you. Many of us, myself included, were inspired by you. Without exaggeration, you're our spiritual leader! Of course, national liberation is part of our cause, but we don't see any conflict in that!"
Charles believed her.
Otherwise, they would have aligned with Albert I instead of approaching him.
After a mont of consideration, Charles nodded. "Very well. I have no further concerns."
Lucia froze, her eyes wide as she stared at Charles, seemingly in disbelief over what she had just heard.
After a long mont, she snapped back to her senses, barely holding back a cry of joy. "Really? Colonel, you…you really agree to lead us? This is incredible! I can hardly believe it…"
Charles found her reaction puzzling. This wasn't exactly good news. There was little reward in it for them, and they might even end up risking their lives. What was there to be so happy about?
Then again, these won had always pursued their cause without expecting anything in return. They were fighters driven by pure conviction.
Suddenly, Lucia leaned in and planted a soft kiss on Charles's cheek.
Her lips were soft, carrying an electric warmth that lingered on his skin.
The faint scent of her perfu hung in the air, leaving Charles montarily dazed. He instinctively tried to pull back but found himself leaning slightly forward instead.
"Forgive , Colonel," Lucia whispered softly in his ear, her tone both nervous and hopeful. "I suggest we pretend to be a couple. This way, we can et freely without arousing suspicion. What do you think?"
Charles hesitated for a mont. "It's a good idea. I have no objections."
After all, who would turn down such a proposal? Charles thought.
"Thank you very much, Colonel!" Lucia said with a hint of delight in her voice.
She was content. Tonight's progress had far exceeded her expectations.
…
The celebrations continued until half past nine in the evening.
The light was still on in Gallieni's office when Charles approached, holding a steaming cup of coffee. He knocked softly on the door.
"Co in!" Gallieni's voice called from inside.
Charles opened the door to find Gallieni, wrapped in a heavy coat, reviewing docunts at his desk.
"This is so coffee for you, General," Charles said, placing the cup on Gallieni's right side.
Gallieni murmured his thanks, taking a small sip. It was just the way he liked it, with two sugars added.
"And this," Charles continued, handing over a list.
Gallieni glanced at the list, his brow furrowing with curiosity. "What's this?"
Charles replied calmly, "The first row lists Joffre's informants within headquarters. The second row includes suspected collaborators with the capitalists, and the third row those likely already bribed by them."
Gallieni looked stunned, his gaze fixed on the list as he read, growing increasingly alard. "Where did you get this information? Are you certain?"
"I can't be sure, General," Charles answered. "But we can monitor and observe them closely."
He avoided explaining the source of his information, and Gallieni tactfully refrained from asking further.
The list was compiled by Lucia.
Suspicious officers openly t at the officers' club, and so even drunkenly discussed the prices they charged the capitalists for intelligence.
Lucia maintained an air of indifference but quietly docunted each one.
Gallieni nodded; this list was indeed vital for the headquarters.
Until now, the command had been left open to external parties—even the Germans—which had forced them to delay any strategic plans until the last minute to prevent leaks.
This had severely hindered operational efficiency.
Now, it was ti for a thorough cleanup.
anwhile, Charles pondered to himself. If he were to use his own funds to form a secret militia based on "The Lady in White," no one would ever know—and Parliant couldn't interfere, could they?
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