Father of France

Chapter 127 Captain Coman
Koeman believed that he was now a technically skilled soldier who had made significant contributions to the French Army, and that giving him the rank of captain was not an exaggeration at all.

Although reaching the rank of captain is still a step away from being a field-grade officer, it is still enough to be a full-fledged officer of a company, in other words, he can be a company commander.

In the Youth Division, speaking was entirely dependent on power and one's father's influence. Once someone became a company commander, they could mobilize their own troops at any time without having to submit reports or applications every few days.

Colonel Köbel understood a soldier's desire for advancement, but he hadn't expected Corman to be so direct about wanting a promotion. For a moment, he didn't know how to answer and could only say, "Corman, your future is bright."

Do you even need to tell me? Inspirational quotes won't work on Koeman. He promised Gudrun Himmler that he would become a general within ten years, and Admiral Dragon is already forty-nine years old, with only ten years left before his retirement.

His power, granted by his father, is time-limited. He must do everything in his power to rise to the top ranks of the military within ten years, even if it's just to become a brigadier general.

As a unit under the fourth branch of the armed forces, in addition to the Army, Navy, and Air Force, Koeman knew this was a matter for the military police, but the Army Chief of Staff should still have influence.

After leaving the firing range, Koeman went straight home to report the encouraging news of the explosive reactive armor test results to the Army's top leader. "If General Duval promotes me, will it be prevented by unforeseen circumstances?"

"Corman," Admiral Dragon asked, looking at the troublesome child, "are you referring to your father, me, when you say 'force majeure' prevented your promotion?"

"Some people will do things to seek fame and reputation in order to maintain their so-called reputation and fairness."

Koeman couldn't guarantee that General Dragon wasn't just seeking fame and fortune, so he had to be on the safe side: "To get promoted, I need to have merits, and even that's not enough; I also need to serve overseas."

General Dragon didn't understand why Corman was in such a hurry to be promoted. Of course he didn't understand, since it was he who had gone from major to general, not Corman.

Because of his age, Koeman witnessed firsthand how rocket promotions were conducted during a unique historical period. However, by the time it was his turn, he was still a minor when World War II ended. Shouldn't he strive for his own promotion now?
"You're going to serve overseas?" Admiral Dragon was genuinely surprised. He softened his tone and said, "The war is over. You can get promoted on home soil. You can use technology like explosive reactive armor to get promoted without taking such a big risk."

“Technical achievements are nowhere near as valuable as war.” Koeman had made up his mind not to waste any more time at home. “Now that the Fourth Republic has been established, we don’t need to dangle our energy in these parties anymore. The current conflict between the presidential and parliamentary systems is enough to keep them busy. We can do what we want overseas.”

"Eat first." Admiral Dragon had no way to deal with his child, but as a father, he couldn't compromise. Usually, when there was a disagreement, he would just let it go.

Admiral Dragon's attitude was also a way of telling Koeman that he would not prevent Koeman from getting promoted through his own means.

Two days later, General Duval held the promotion ceremony at the French Gendarmerie Headquarters. Every name called was accompanied by a promotion in rank—the most direct reward for a soldier. "Lieutenant Coleman."

"Here!" Koman's body stiffened abruptly before his mind could register it, and he stepped forward. "General."

"In recognition of your extraordinary courage during the war, your performance in the advance into Germany, your successful completion of the mission, and your outstanding contributions to the research of explosive reactive armor," General Duval's voice was devoid of much emotion, simply stating facts. "By decision of General Henrizier of the headquarters, you are promoted to captain. May you shoulder even greater responsibilities."

An adjutant stepped forward and ripped the sash representing the lieutenant's rank from Koman's uniform collar. The slight tearing sounded deafening to him. Then, the adjutant forcefully pressed a pair of brand-new gold epaulets, symbolizing the captain's rank, onto Koman's shoulders.

The cool metal against the skin through the soaked fabric brought a distinct, almost chilling sensation.

A few suppressed but sincere congratulatory voices rose from the surrounding area, mostly from his comrades who had been promoted at the same time. Koman reached out and touched his shoulder insignia, a necessary step on the road to command. He was no longer a soldier who simply followed orders; from now on, every decision he made would determine the fate of an entire company.

After the promotion ceremony, Koman couldn't wait to share his joy with Ava Gardner. There was no fun in being promoted if no woman was happy for him.

Koeman, a person full of base desires, thinks very simply: do whatever makes him happy.

Ava Gardner did not disappoint Koeman, offering him immense emotional value: "Let me dance for you."

"You can do this too?" Koeman was quite surprised; he had only just learned that Ava Gardner could dance.

“I’ve auditioned for musicals.” Ava Gardner rolled her eyes at Coman, her signature villainous supporting character expression unconsciously returning, and stepped forward, saying, “I’ll teach you.”

The United States also had many musicals in the 1940s and 50s, making it a prominent and influential country. However, Hollywood would never have imagined that musicals, which are just a small subgenre of Hollywood films, would become a mainstream genre in a populous country.

Ava Gardner turned on the music, and the two danced slowly, not moving much in either direction. She could feel his legs pressing against hers, and their stomachs occasionally brushed against each other.

The singing stopped. But he still held her, humming the tune of the song he had just sung. They remained like that until the next song began. He naturally led her to dance to the music, and they continued dancing, while outside the window, the cicadas chirped mournfully as September arrived.

"Loyal Captain Corman, are you happy with this celebration?" Ava Gardner whispered in Corman's ear, practically clinging to him.

Koeman had to admit that people are different. Some people will thrive in the world to come, while others will not. Although Ava Gardner was a few years older than him, his mental age far surpassed hers. He awkwardly followed her for a lap, then lost interest and started to get physical.

The Hugo Street residence, still under renovation, witnessed the harmonious union of the male and female owners.

"I might have to serve overseas." Koman hugged Ava Gardner's delicate body, informing her of his upcoming journey. "Are you feeling a little sad about leaving?"

“Ha, of course.” Ava Gardner nestled in Koman’s arms, gazing into the man’s eyes as she asked, “Do you know where we’re going? I never thought the military police could serve overseas.”

“North Africa or Southeast Asia, it should be an overseas department of North Africa,” Corman answered in detail. Algeria is related to France’s true status as a major power, and whether it can survive is Paris’s biggest concern.

Algeria is a land on the Mediterranean coast that faces France across the sea.

Its stability is directly related to the security of France's southern flank, the security of the Mediterranean, and the defense against illegal immigration into Europe.

As a region of significant influence on the African continent, Algeria was a crucial link in France's network of influence in French Africa. While French Indochina might be more valuable when compared to individual colonies, the difference is stark when considering the value of French Africa as a whole.

Koeman also wants to transform Algeria into a military society, creating a society where everything is geared towards the interests of the military. He certainly can't do this remotely from France; he has to go there in person.

(End of this chapter)