Chapter 731 - 731: Romania’s Victory

"The other news," Gallieni continued, now with a tone of amusement,

"Early this morning, three Romanian army groups crossed the Carpathian passes and entered Transylvania."

"The Austro-Hungarian divisions stationed there were completely overwhelmed. The Romanian army achieved victory."

"Just now, King Ferdinand of Romania personally sent me a telegram—he says they've already advanced 13 kilometers!"

Charles smiled faintly. The Romanian king sent a telegram personally?

A provocation directed at Gallieni?

No—Charles quickly understood. It was meant for him.

King Ferdinand couldn't contact Charles directly. His only line of communication was through Gallieni, the French Minister of War.

But the king knew Gallieni would pass the message on to Charles.

The subtext was clear:

"Didn't you say I couldn't win? Well, now I've already won!"

…

The Romanian army had set off the previous night.

This was the plan of Lieutenant General Alexandru Averescu.

"Your Majesty," Averescu said, pointing at the map,

"Although we've declared war on Austria-Hungary, they still don't know when we plan to attack."

"I believe we must strike as soon as possible—especially now that their front is collapsing under Russian pressure."

"My intelligence indicates that the five Austro-Hungarian divisions in Transylvania just pulled back from the front lines. Total strength is under 70,000 and they're exhausted."

Ferdinand nodded. "Then we launch the attack tomorrow morning."

"No, Your Majesty," Averescu objected. "Not in the morning—tonight."

"Tonight?" Ferdinand frowned.

Many of Romania's troops had only been conscripted two weeks earlier. They had received basic firearms training but had never drilled at night—let alone fought in darkness.

Even Ferdinand, with his limited military knowledge, knew that night combat was especially deadly for undertrained troops.

But Averescu pressed on:

"Your Majesty, the passes are easily defended and hard to take. If we give the Austrians time to react and reinforce them, we might never break through—or we'll pay a heavy price."

Ferdinand hesitated. But ultimately, Averescu convinced him.

The declaration of war had only been delivered that afternoon. A night attack just hours later would catch Austria-Hungary completely unprepared.

Ferdinand approved the plan.

Before Averescu left to command the front, the king reminded him repeatedly:

"If you meet resistance, don't press too hard. Wait for daylight. After all, we have superior numbers."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Averescu replied.

But he was confident. He had already sent scouts to study the terrain and mountain roads. Even if they were ambushed, his troops could flank the enemy by circling through side paths.

Of course, Averescu didn't say this aloud.

Because it was a tactic he had borrowed from Charles.

…

While Averescu led the troops forward, Ferdinand paced restlessly through the palace.

What would be the outcome?

What if the queen was right—and they lost?

No. That couldn't happen. The Russians were attacking from the front. The Austrians were in disarray. There was no reason Romania would lose to a collapsing force.

Just then, the church bell struck 1:00 a.m.

Ferdinand froze. It was time. The attack had begun.

A few muffled artillery blasts echoed from the north, startling the servants.

(Note: The Romanian capital was less than 50 km from the front lines.)

Ten minutes later, the phone rang.

Ferdinand raced forward like a child. The servant barely had time to lift the receiver before the king snatched it from his hands.

"Well? What's the situation?" he asked anxiously.

"We've won, Your Majesty! We've won!" came Averescu's ecstatic voice.

"They fled at the first shelling—faster than we imagined!"

Averescu almost sounded disappointed.

Why didn't they put up any resistance?

If they'd fought for just half an hour, my flanking units could've circled behind them!

Ferdinand jumped with joy. All his fears vanished, replaced by overwhelming elation.

"I knew it!" he shouted, pumping his fists. "I knew we'd win! No one can stop us—we are the army of righteousness!"

Then he gave Averescu his next order, booming with confidence:

"Advance, General! Your name and achievements shall be carved into Transylvania's monuments! Drive the invaders from our land—show them no mercy!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Averescu answered loudly.

After hanging up, Ferdinand was nearly euphoric. He shouted and leapt around the living room like a madman.

Then he remembered the queen.

He rushed toward her bedroom, barely pausing to open the door. He flipped on the light and called out:

"We've won, Marie! We've won!"

Queen Marie bolted upright, terrified. But when she saw it was the king, she relaxed—until his words registered.

"You... You're saying we've already attacked?"

"Yes!" Ferdinand said, trembling with excitement. "Not just attacked—we've won. The Austrians fled. They didn't even fight back."

"Oh God..." Queen Marie whispered, staring at him in disbelief. "Can't you see this is a trap?"

"What?" Ferdinand looked confused. "No, this isn't a trap. The Austrians just weren't ready."

"Your Majesty," she said, rising and walking toward him. "Did you even read the report I gave you?"

"I skimmed it," Ferdinand said dismissively. "But it seemed irrelevant…"

"Your Majesty," Queen Marie interrupted, "Charles analyzed this exact scenario. He predicted the Germans would lure our main force into the Transylvanian plains and annihilate it. Once that happens, no one can save Romania."

Ferdinand laughed.

"Charles? Him again? He's in Paris, Marie. Fighting Germans on the Western Front."

"This is the Eastern Front. This is Romania."

"He knows nothing about our situation. He's wrong—I'm sure of it!"

In that moment, Queen Marie realized: she could no longer convince her husband.

Charles had even predicted this—that no one could talk sense into the king.

And now it was happening. A man with no real military experience had been swept away by the thrill of his first victory—like a child tasting sugar for the first time. Addicted instantly.

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