The Rise of German empire

Oscar was momentarily taken aback, but then he quickly understood the context. Marshal Count Tirpitz was referring to his promise to donate a battleship to the navy—a commitment that had now put him under the radar of key military figures.

"Your Excellency Marshal, this is merely my responsibility," Oscar replied. "Had Your Excellency the Dean not supported my request, I would still be wasting time in the Naval Academy, far from where I am now."

"Your Royal Highness, initially, I thought you might be just making empty promises to avoid school," Dean Ludwig Birkenhagen commented, shaking his head with a faint smile. "But it seems you truly intend to follow through. I had my doubts, but now, given the success you've had, it seems you can indeed fulfill your word."

Despite the high expectations, the realization that Oscar might actually follow through with his commitment left both men impressed. The cost of building a battleship was astronomical—yet Qin Tian, with the wealth he had accumulated from his ventures, had turned what seemed like a distant hope into a tangible promise. It was a game-changing moment, one that could make a real difference to the German navy's future.

"I assure you, Your Excellency, I will fulfill my promise. The battleship will be donated next year at the latest, and construction can begin," Oscar said with certainty.

Marshal Count Tirpitz, who had been silently studying Oscar's demeanor, looked at him with renewed interest. "It seems that Prince Oscar's welfare lottery company has indeed made a massive fortune. Otherwise, you wouldn't be so calm about fulfilling such a promise. The navy's military expenditures are increasingly strained, and we could use such a contribution."

The subtle hint in Tirpitz's words did not go unnoticed. Clearly, he was looking to secure further support from Oscar, a potential benefactor. However, despite his desires, Tirpitz understood the limitations; after all, the construction of a single battleship was an immense financial undertaking, let alone more.

Nevertheless, Tirpitz was eager to foster a strong relationship with Oscar, knowing that such a connection could be invaluable in future dealings. "Your Highness, Dean Birkenhagen has mentioned that you have some unique insights into the development of the navy. Might I hear more about it?"

Oscar paused, and a flicker of concern crossed his face. "Your Excellency, Marshal, it's not so much an insight as it is a worry about the future of the German Navy."

"Please, do share. We have plenty of time tonight," said Tirpitz, smiling. "Though, I must admit, I would have expected you to be dancing with some of the noble ladies, given the occasion."

Oscar chuckled and shook his head. "Dancing does not interest me. It is an honor to discuss matters of such importance with you, Your Excellency."

The three of them found a quieter corner, where Oscar began sharing his thoughts on the navy's situation. Despite being a young prince, he had a sharp understanding of military matters, especially with his knowledge from the future. He spoke not only with a sense of caution but also with a clear awareness of the potential pitfalls facing Germany.

"Your Excellencies, the German Navy has made great strides, with ships like the 'Brandenburg-class' and the 'Kaiser Friedrich III-class' already in production. But even with 24 battleships, we are still nowhere near matching the British Navy," Oscar said, his voice steady.

Both Tirpitz and Birkenhagen's faces grew somber. They knew all too well the gulf in power between the German Navy and the Royal Navy. While Germany had made strides in naval development, it was still dwarfed by Britain's overwhelming maritime dominance, built on centuries of naval supremacy.

"We are building a strong fleet, but in terms of quality and quantity, we are not yet in a position to challenge the British Navy's long-held superiority," Tirpitz admitted. "That said, we have no choice but to press forward. If war comes, the British will undoubtedly be our first target, alongside France and Russia."

Oscar nodded, his gaze distant. He knew well how crucial it was to secure dominance at sea. "I agree. The British have formed a strong alliance with France, and they are edging closer to Russia. Should war break out, they will be formidable enemies."

Dean Birkenhagen's face darkened as he spoke. "But Your Highness, how can we possibly hope to defeat the British? They dominate the seas. What are we supposed to do?"

Oscar took a deep breath, his expression serious. "The key to victory lies in the navy. If we cannot break the British naval blockade and secure control of the seas, we will be unable to maintain a prolonged war effort. Without access to vital supplies through overseas trade, we will be at a disadvantage from the start."

Tirpitz and Birkenhagen exchanged a look of concern. The British blockade was a devastating weapon, and Germany's position was precarious at best.

"But what about preparing our resources before the war? Should we not stockpile supplies?" Tirpitz asked, hoping that logistical preparation might tip the balance in their favor.

Oscar smiled, a hint of mockery in his tone. "Your Excellency, I fear that won't be enough. The German high command still thinks of war as something quick—a matter of a few hours or days, like the Franco-Prussian War. They are sorely mistaken. A conflict with Britain will last much longer, and no amount of reserves will be sufficient if we cannot break their naval blockade."

Marshal Tirpitz's brow furrowed. He had not fully grasped the implications of a prolonged war. "Then what do you suggest, Your Highness?"

"The most important thing," Oscar continued, "is for the navy to defeat the British Navy at sea. Only then will Germany have the freedom to trade and resupply. If we fail in that regard, the war will be lost before it even begins."

Tirpitz and Birkenhagen fell silent, contemplating Oscar's words. They knew the stakes had never been higher. The future of the empire, and perhaps their own lives, depended on decisions made in the coming months.

Oscar's insights had not only revealed the flaws in their current strategy but also opened their eyes to a reality they had been too blind to fully see. Germany's future would depend on the strength of its navy—and the question now was whether they could build that strength in time.