A Reliable Alliance (6)

No answer, not even as pleasantries.

"What? No?"

"I apologize, but I cannot give a definitive answer here."

"Why? Didn't French Commander-in-Chief General Joseph Joffre declare since last year that the war would end this year?"

Of course, General Joffre's statement meant ending the war by recovering French territory and peace negotiations with Germany, but anyway. They said the Western Front would end this year.

"Because we haven't gained the upper hand yet. If we just endure like this, the war could stretch on for years."

At Kokovtsov's razor-sharp statement, I briefly showed contemplation while setting down my glass.

Then raising my head again, I spoke to Kokovtsov.

"Well, I trust our wartime Prime Minister. Yes, certainly."

Of course I trust someone I appointed. There's no doubt about his ability after working with Witte for over a decade.