The Rise of German empire

The atmosphere in the room was growing more tense with every passing minute. As the representatives of the Naval Technical Committee voiced their concerns one by one, Oscar's resolve was being tested to its limits. His bold vision for a new kind of battleship was being met with skepticism, even outright opposition. It was clear that the road to implementing his design would be more difficult than he had anticipated.

"Your Highness, oil-fired boilers and steam turbines, although we have already started research in this area, we have made no breakthroughs so far," Bruckner, the chief engineer of the Naval Technical Committee, stated firmly. "Moreover, we have no experience in this area. The battleships we have built until now have always used coal-fired boilers and triple-expansion reciprocating steam engines. If we rush into using oil-fired boilers and steam turbines, the performance and reliability may not be guaranteed."

Oscar listened carefully, but his response was unwavering. "Oil-fired boilers and steam turbines are indeed new technologies, but we cannot simply dismiss them because they are unfamiliar. The British have already tested steam turbines on large warships and achieved very good results. This shows that the steam turbine outperforms the traditional reciprocating engines, and it represents the future of naval propulsion. Even though we lack experience in this area, we must start research and experiments now. With the technological strength of the German Empire, there is no reason we cannot break through in this area. We must not allow ourselves to fall behind the British."

The committee members exchanged uncertain glances, but before anyone could respond, Crown Prince Wilhelm, who had been relatively silent up until this point, interjected. "Oil-fired boilers, you say? But doesn't this mean we would consume vast amounts of heavy oil? Germany is already in short supply of oil, and if a war breaks out and our overseas trade routes are cut off, the consequences could be catastrophic. That's why I think we should stick with coal-fired boilers." His tone was dismissive, revealing his lack of understanding of the technology, as well as his apparent reluctance to fully commit to Oscar's vision.

Oscar remained calm despite the provocative comment. "Oil-fired boilers have significant advantages over coal-fired boilers. Yes, Germany lacks oil, but we can store as much oil as possible before the war begins. In this way, when the war inevitably comes, we will have enough resources to fuel our navy. If we can defeat the British in naval battles and break their blockade, we will have no further issues. We must face the reality that a victory in war will resolve all logistical challenges, including our fuel shortages. If we lose, however, none of this will matter."

A brief silence followed Oscar's words. The committee seemed to be considering the strategic implications of his argument, but the doubts were still present, especially in light of Germany's oil scarcity.

Marshal Count Tirpitz, ever the pragmatist, turned the conversation in a new direction. "Your Highness, what do you think of the battleship designed by Prince Oscar?" he asked, directing the question toward the commander of the High Seas Fleet.

"It seems like an excellent battleship," Prince Rishi, the commander, replied with enthusiasm. "Its performance and combat effectiveness are outstanding. If we were to have such a ship, the High Seas Fleet would be significantly strengthened."

Marshal Tirpitz nodded, his expression thoughtful. He understood that the German Navy was at a severe disadvantage compared to the British, and to overcome this gap, they would need to embrace bold innovation. However, it was clear that the Naval Technical Committee was not yet ready to accept Oscar's unconventional design. The road ahead would be a battle of wills between tradition and progress.

Prince Heinrich, who had been listening intently, spoke up. "It seems we have a difficult choice to make. How do we handle the novelty of Prince Oscar's design? If it is truly groundbreaking, it could elevate the Navy, but the risks are apparent."

Marshal Tirpitz gave a sigh. "There are some obstacles, but with the right political maneuvering, we might be able to overcome them. However, it will take time and effort."

"It ultimately depends on the Naval Technical Committee's final decision," Prince Heinrich said with a resigned tone. "We can only push so far."

The committee deliberated in silence for a moment before Count von Warren addressed them again. "Experts, do you have any further doubts or concerns regarding Prince Oscar's design?"

The experts exchanged glances, and it was Brigadier General Gusad who spoke first. "Your Highness, I have noticed that the main guns of the battleship are 305mm guns. However, we only have the outdated 305mm guns available to us. These weapons have limited power, range, and a very slow rate of fire. I believe we should use Krupp's 280mm 45-caliber cannon instead, as it is more efficient."

Oscar immediately countered the suggestion. "The Krupp 280mm main gun is indeed impressive, but its smaller caliber significantly limits its ability to pierce armor, especially when facing enemy ships with heavily armored hulls. A larger caliber, like the 305mm, is necessary for ensuring our shells can penetrate the toughest armor. Even the British are developing larger-caliber guns, such as the 343mm main gun. In this regard, we are already behind."

Despite Oscar's convincing argument, the committee remained divided. As the discussion grew more heated, Crown Prince Wilhelm, eager to wrap things up, interrupted. "Gentlemen, it's getting late. Prince Oscar has answered all your concerns. Can we now come to a conclusion?"

The experts muttered among themselves, but their answers were clear. One by one, they expressed their doubts, each more reluctant than the last. "I'm sorry, Your Highness, but I believe we should be more cautious," Sir Dietrich, the eldest expert, said. "Your design is bold, but we lack the necessary proof to back up its feasibility."

Brooke Na, another senior engineer, added, "Prince Oscar's design uses many unproven technologies. We haven't yet mastered them, and there's no tangible evidence that the full-heavy artillery approach will provide a tactical advantage. I think we need to reconsider the design before moving forward."

The other experts echoed similar sentiments, and it became clear that Oscar's design would not receive the committee's approval.

Count von Warren sighed deeply. "Your Highness, it seems that the consensus is clear. Your design may be forward-thinking, but given the current circumstances, it is not suitable for immediate implementation."

Crown Prince Wilhelm flashed a thin smile, though there was a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. "Oscar, don't be discouraged," he said, trying to sound sympathetic. "Your design is ambitious, but you are still young. There will be other opportunities for you."

Oscar could see through the false comfort in Wilhelm's words. The prince's gloating was barely concealed beneath his mask of politeness. Yet, despite the setback, Oscar refused to let his determination waver. This was only a battle, not the war. His vision for the future of the German Navy would not be so easily extinguished.