The Rise of German empire

"It seems that the responsibility of the navy is even greater than we imagined!" Marshal Earl Tirpitz sighed deeply, his face reflecting the immense weight of the task ahead. The pressure of ensuring Germany's naval strength weighed heavily on his shoulders.

"Indeed, Your Excellency," Dean Birkenhagen agreed. "Even with the full support of His Majesty the Emperor, we still face severe financial constraints. The resources required to build a modern navy that could truly challenge the British are far beyond our current capabilities."

Oscar listened to their concerns with quiet understanding. It was evident that despite the powerful position of the German Imperial Navy, its challenges were not just strategic but also deeply financial. However, Oscar, ever the pragmatist, had a plan in mind, and he was prepared to shoulder some of the burden.

"Your Excellency, Marshal," Oscar spoke up, his voice steady and filled with resolve, "I must thank you for your gratitude. Adding even one more battleship will certainly enhance our navy's strength. It may even give us a fighting chance against the British."

Marshal Tirpitz nodded in agreement, though he was cautious in his optimism. The idea of a real chance to defeat the British Navy, long considered the world's most formidable maritime force, seemed far-fetched. Yet, as a naval officer who had dedicated his life to building up Germany's fleet, he could not dismiss the possibility outright.

"Your Highness, is there truly a way to defeat the British?" Tirpitz asked, his curiosity piqued by Oscar's words.

"Of course," Oscar responded with confidence. "But the key is not to compete with the British in sheer numbers. Instead, we must outperform them in quality. Our future battleships must surpass their current ships, specifically in terms of performance."

The room grew quiet as Tirpitz and Birkenhagen processed what Oscar was suggesting. The British, with their wealth and long-established naval tradition, held a clear advantage in terms of the number of capital ships. However, if Germany could build ships that outperformed British designs, it might tip the scales.

"Your Excellency," Oscar continued, "we can't match the British in quantity, but we can beat them in quality. Every new class of battleships we build must be more advanced than the British Dreadnoughts. In this way, we can overcome their numerical superiority and challenge them in a way they never anticipated."

Tirpitz and Birkenhagen exchanged looks of concern. While the idea was revolutionary, the execution seemed impossible. How could they, with limited resources, develop a battleship that could rival the Dreadnoughts—ships that had already revolutionized naval warfare?

"Your Excellency, the battleship I have pledged to donate to the navy will be unlike any we've seen before," Oscar declared, his tone unwavering. "It will be an epoch-making ship. Once completed, older designs will likely be rendered obsolete."

Both Marshal Tirpitz and Dean Birkenhagen were stunned by Oscar's statement. The thought of creating a battleship that could rival the British Dreadnoughts was unthinkable, but they knew better than to dismiss Oscar's bold ideas outright. He had already defied expectations in the past, and if anyone could turn this dream into reality, it was him.

"Your Highness," Tirpitz asked, his voice tinged with disbelief, "Are you serious? Do you truly believe this is possible?"

Oscar nodded firmly. "I assure you, Your Excellency. If we can develop a battleship with superior performance, the balance of naval power will shift in Germany's favor. The British Dreadnoughts, while formidable, have their flaws—thin armor and inadequate shells. We can exploit those weaknesses."

The room grew heavy with the weight of his words. If Oscar's vision could be realized, the German Navy could indeed have a chance to rival the British, if not immediately, then in the very near future.

"Your Highness, I must see the designs," Tirpitz said eagerly, his excitement palpable. "If these plans are as good as you say, they could be the key to transforming our navy."

Dean Birkenhagen, too, leaned forward, intrigued by the possibility of such a breakthrough. "Can we see the drawings?"

Oscar smiled but shook his head. "Not tonight, Your Excellencies. It is not the right time. After tonight's festivities, I will gladly show you the designs at a more appropriate moment."

Though eager, both Tirpitz and Birkenhagen understood and nodded in agreement. They knew the importance of keeping such revolutionary ideas under wraps until the right moment.

But as they spoke, a cold, calculating gaze from across the room rested upon them. Crown Prince William had been observing the conversation from a distance, his eyes narrowing with suspicion and jealousy.

"What is Oscar trying to do?" Crown Prince William muttered to himself, barely able to contain his frustration. "Is he trying to align himself with the Navy? Does he think he can surpass me?"

The idea that his younger brother might gain the military's favor and challenge his claim to the throne was too much for William to bear. As the legitimate heir to the German Empire, he saw his brother's growing influence as a direct threat.

"No one will take the throne from me," William thought with murderous intent, his fingers tightening into fists. "I will ensure that Oscar fails."

Meanwhile, the evening continued, the atmosphere charged with tension. William II, after making his obligatory appearance and exchanging pleasantries, excused himself from the party. Despite the festive occasion of Christmas Eve, his mind was preoccupied with the political ramifications of his son's actions.

Back in his private office, William II glanced at a long box placed on his desk. "Essen, what is this?" he asked his assistant.

"Your Majesty, it is a Christmas gift from His Royal Highness Prince Oscar," Essen replied.

William II chuckled to himself, shaking his head. "Oscar, always with the extravagance." He opened the box, expecting to find something lavish, but to his surprise, inside was a simple piece of paper.

"Paper?" William II frowned in confusion. But as he studied the contents, his eyes widened in astonishment. The paper was covered with detailed technical drawings—drawings of a warship, one that could potentially change the course of naval warfare.

"Where did Oscar get this?" William II asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"Your Majesty, it seems that His Highness designed it himself," Essen explained. "He's been working on it in secret for some time now."

A smile slowly spread across William II's face. "I didn't realize Oscar had such talent. It seems he's not just a businessman—he's also capable of extraordinary things in military design. Perhaps he's more than just a royal fool after all."

For the first time in a long while, William II felt a surge of pride for his son. Oscar's brilliance, not just in business but also in naval design, was a revelation. Even William II, with all his power and experience, could not deny that his son had the potential to change the course of history.