Father of France

Chapter 10 Outline of French State Affairs

The next morning, as the sun once again caressed the earth from the east, the entire military camp was filled with quiet hustle and bustle. Countless soldiers emerged from their barracks to assemble, from companies and platoons all the way to brigades and regiments, forming a well-disciplined and elite force. The Youth Division would march to the port of Beirut to board a ship, cross the Mediterranean, and land in southern France.

The 100-kilometer march was the first test for the Youth Division, but fortunately, there were no orders to urge these young men, who were undertaking their first long-distance march, to arrive within a set time.

Koeman was prepared, using strips of cloth to bind his legs to reduce the difficulty of walking. He also refused the vehicle arranged by General Duval, the division commander. Traveling by car wasn't very convenient, and it would be a big deal if he were to leave the group over such a small matter, as it would be inconsistent with his character.

As Koman boarded the troop transport ship, he placed his hands on the railing and looked straight ahead at the outline of Beirut, the largest port in French Syria. In Koman's relatively rich memory, the only thing he remembered about Beirut was the Beirut explosion.

If it were just Koeman alone, the scene might have been a very stylish candid shot. Unfortunately, there were a bunch of people around him, with Martin and Alan on his right. Seeing Koeman's genuine emotions, Martin couldn't help but say, "Leaving the place where I've lived for so many years, I'm also feeling bad."

Koeman raised an eyebrow. He had only been momentarily stunned. Hadn't someone said that when your eyes are tired, you should look into the distance? How did Martin manage to interpret so much?

Just as I was about to say something, Alan also said in a dejected tone, "It's not true to say I'm reluctant to leave. We've lived here for so many years."

Koman glanced around. The faces in front of him were either sorrowful or lost in thought, all clearly immersed in a sad atmosphere. If he were to explain that he had been lost in thought, would he be considered antisocial and contrary to his own collectivist principles?

Just then, a few raindrops began to fall. After marching more than 100 kilometers under the late August sun for two days, and finally getting on the ship, this was the scene. When did He become so sentimental?

"Let's go." Koeman feigned empathy, slowed his pace, and returned to the cabin. The ship's horn sounded, and the fleet slowly departed from the port of Beirut, beginning this Mediterranean voyage.

Although the German wolf packs had been greatly suppressed by the overwhelming naval superiority of the Allies, there are always exceptions. After passing through the Strait of Sicily, a Liberty ship transporting supplies was sunk.

Four days later, Koeman landed in Palau, Sardinia, because a Liberty ship was suspected to have been sunk, and some of the Youth Division personnel needed to stay there for two days for resupply.

The occupation of Sardinia was relatively bloodless, with no particularly fierce fighting taking place. At the time, it was under the control of the First French Army, whose headquarters were also located there, giving them full authority over operations on the Italian front.

Koman landed in Palau and was greeted along with his company. They immediately prepared a jeep for him and he was greeted with the most sincere greetings. "I can't drive," he said.

Koeman has always believed that if you don't have a car, there's no need to learn to drive. He belongs to the carless group; it's not that he can't drive at all, but he hasn't reached the level to drive on the road.

“It’s alright, I’ll take you to headquarters. Your comrades will also be properly taken care of,” Kalia replied readily, driving Coman there and explaining the current battle situation along the way.

Sardinia is Italy's second largest island after Sicily, but in the Mediterranean theater, it was generally only used as a supply point. There were not many garrison troops on the island, and the Axis troops had already withdrawn before the Allied invasion, as the occupation was carried out virtually without bloodshed.

Due to historical reasons, both southern Italy and Spain were ruled by the Northern Habsburg dynasty. Combined with Latin culture and Catholicism, Sardinia has a strong Spanish influence.

Carglia did not send Koeman to the headquarters of the First Army of France, mainly because the commander of the First Army was not actually that busy. The intensity of the Italian battlefield was neither high nor low. The Italian peninsula is not a very vast area, and there was not much room for the commanders of both sides to make their moves.

The Allied forces on the Italian peninsula were numerous, including the U.S. Fifth Army, the British Eighth Army, and the French First Army. The Anglo-French forces also appeared on the Italian battlefield, with the U.S. Fifth Army joining the fighting after landing in Italy.

Koman got off the car with his suitcase and glanced at the house in front of him, whose style he didn't know. Although his cultivation in the Dao was sufficient, he had no experience in this area.

But since Kalia said the Commander's family lived here, it must be true. He knocked and the door opened. A woman who was about the same age as Koman opened the door. After seeing Koman clearly, she looked surprised and said, "Koman, when did you arrive? This is such a pleasant surprise."

“Mrs. Adile, it’s been a year.” Koman smiled and greeted her gently, then glanced at her protruding belly. “My father’s life is all thanks to your care.”

“Coman, actually…” Adile noticed Coman’s gaze lingering on her abdomen, her tone slightly tense and unsure of what to do.

There's no melodramatic plot twist. Strictly speaking, Koman should call her stepmother. This woman, who is about the same age as him, is a lady of equal status to Admiral Dragon and his wife.

"Big brother." A boy's voice appeared, looking at Koman with a gaze that seemed to long for him but also somewhat hesitant, while his gaze towards Adile showed a hint of rejection.

"Como, have you been obedient for the past year since we came out?" Coman put down his suitcase and said slowly, then looked at Adile and asked, "Is Father home? If so, take me to see him."

He took two steps and pointed at Cuomo, saying, "You come with me too."

Reaching the door of the study on the second floor, Koman stopped and said to his younger brother, "I told you before that we have an older brother, but since something unexpected happened, you can stand at the door and reflect on your actions until I come out."

Although he didn't say anything, Como's expression was completely in the form of an "oh," and he stood obediently at the door watching his brother push the door open and enter, then stared blankly at the door.

"Como's been made to stand as punishment again." Admiral Dragon knew that Coman had been waiting for him at the port these past few days since his departure, so he wasn't too surprised. He had just heard the commotion at the gate and guessed what had happened.

Koeman didn't answer the question directly. Instead, he opened his suitcase and took out a thin document that read "Outline of French State Affairs." "My handwriting isn't very good, so I had a copy printed and signed by my father on the back. I want to take it to France. This is quite important."

Admiral Dragon gave a wry smile and said helplessly, "I think you're more suited to be the commander. Don't you have anything to say?"

"What are you saying? She's pregnant." Coman muttered indifferently. "Como is only ten years old, he can't accept this. I'll talk to him later."

　Not having a single word saved was indeed a bit of a mistake.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)