The Rise of German empire

Oscar hurriedly exited the office of William II, his heart pounding in his chest. He had narrowly escaped further wrath, but the storm was far from over. William II's temper was legendary, and now, Oscar had added fuel to the fire by rejecting the royal path. The emperor had shown signs of deep disappointment—an emotion Oscar knew could be more dangerous than anger. He couldn't risk being disowned by the royal family. The thought of becoming an outcast, rejected by the very people who had once sheltered him, was a terrifying prospect. It would mean ruin in Germany, where status and bloodline were everything.

"I have to think of a way out," Oscar murmured to himself as he paced his room. His mind raced, trying to find a solution that would save him from the four long years of servitude in the Kiel Naval Academy.

The royal decree was clear: he had a week to report to the academy, or else face William II's wrath. But Oscar knew that time in the academy would be a wasted effort. He had other plans—plans that required freedom, not the rigidity of a military school. To him, four years of mindless study and training would only take him further from his goals.

But how to escape it?

He thought of Dean Ludwig Birkenhagen, the stern, unyielding head of the academy. Known for his strict adherence to the rules, Birkenhagen was a man who had dedicated his life to the navy, his loyalty to Germany unquestioned. Still, every man had his price, and Oscar was determined to find it.

"If I can get him to bend the rules for me, I'll have enough time to pursue my own ambitions. I'll still be tied to the academy, but it will give me room to maneuver," Oscar reasoned, his mind racing as he worked through his options.

He stood up, his decision made.

"Karl, get two tickets to Kiel. We leave immediately," he commanded, calling for his trusted servant.

"At once, Your Highness," Carl von Jonneret responded, his relief palpable. He had heard the whispers about the fallout between Oscar and the emperor, and the tension had been suffocating. Now that his prince had decided to comply, at least for the time being, Carl could breathe a little easier. His fate, like everyone else around Oscar, was tied to the prince's fortunes. Should Oscar fall out of favor completely, Carl would be swept up in the fallout.

The journey to Kiel was long, though not particularly arduous. The dense German railway network ensured that travel was relatively swift. Even with the first-class tickets they held, the trains were primitive by modern standards, but that didn't matter to Oscar. He needed to focus on his task, not the discomfort of travel. By the time they arrived at Kiel, the sun had set, casting long shadows across the city.

"We'll find a place to rest tonight," Oscar said as they disembarked at Kiel Station. "Tomorrow, we visit Birkenhagen."

They found a modest hotel and after a quick meal, Oscar retired to his bed. But sleep eluded him. His mind kept turning over the details of his plan. What could he offer the dean in exchange for his favor? And how could he convince the rigid man to compromise on a matter so important? It wasn't just about bypassing the academy's structure; it was about earning enough time to execute his own ambitions without the constant interruption of naval studies.

Finally, after an hour of quiet contemplation, a solution began to form in his mind, one that he hoped would work. A sly grin crept across his face, and he finally allowed himself to rest, knowing that tomorrow would be crucial.

The next morning, after a quick breakfast, Oscar and Carl made their way to the Kiel Naval Academy. Kiel was a small, naval-centered city, and it didn't take long for them to arrive at the imposing institution. The academy was not only a training ground for Germany's naval officers but also a symbol of national pride. With its vast naval shipyards and strategic location, it was vital to the security of the empire.

Upon arriving, Oscar was ushered into the office of Dean Ludwig Birkenhagen. The man's stern, wrinkled face greeted them without warmth. It was clear from his expression that he had already heard about Oscar's refusal to attend the academy, and it hadn't earned him any points with the old dean.

"Your Highness," Birkenhagen said with barely concealed disdain. "Are you here to officially report for duty, or is this another pointless visit?"

Oscar didn't flinch. He knew what Birkenhagen thought of him and his refusal to comply with royal expectations. But now wasn't the time for weakness.

"Actually, Dean Birkenhagen, I have a small request," Oscar said smoothly, keeping his voice even. "I would like to enroll, but I don't want to attend classes. Instead, I request that I only come to take the exams at the end of each term. I can study on my own, outside of the academy."

Birkenhagen's face darkened immediately, his jaw tightening as if he had bitten into something sour.

"A request?" he repeated, his voice edged with disbelief. "You wish to bypass the academy's structure entirely? To not participate in the daily studies, yet still take exams?" He paused, his eyes narrowing. "Do you think this is a school for idle princes who seek to waste time? Do you think you can waltz in and demand such a thing without consequences?"

Oscar met his gaze steadily. "I do. And I believe it will benefit both of us."

Karl, standing behind Oscar, was visibly stunned. He had expected Oscar to ask for special treatment, but this—this was beyond anything he imagined.

Birkenhagen's contempt was palpable. "Your Highness, if you do not wish to study, you are welcome to leave. I will send a telegram to His Majesty immediately to ask him to revoke his request for your enrollment," he said coldly, his eyes flashing with disdain.

Oscar's heart raced, but he stood firm. This was a dangerous gamble.