The Rise of German empire

For the German navy, if Oscar could become the crown prince, it would undoubtedly be the best result. Oscar had already provided the navy with tremendous help and support. If he ascended to the throne, it was certain that the navy would continue to receive significant backing, ensuring its further strength and prominence.

Marshal Earl Tirpitz even believed that no one was more suitable than Oscar to become the crown prince of the empire. This, he felt, was in the best interest of Germany as a whole.

However, everyone knew that it was an uphill battle for Oscar to surpass the other princes and claim the title of Crown Prince. First and foremost, the law of succession to the throne could not be ignored, and there were many conservatives who insisted on strictly adhering to it. Second, the attitude of William II, the emperor himself, played a crucial role. If William II firmly opposed it, Oscar would have little chance of ascending to the position without a coup, which would be nearly impossible to execute. So long as Oscar was not foolish enough to attempt such a drastic move, it seemed highly unlikely to succeed.

"Your Highness, no matter what, the navy is your most staunch supporter," Marshal Tirpitz said with sincerity. "We sincerely hope that you can become the crown prince of the empire and lead the entire nation to a more glorious future."

"Your Excellency, thank you for your unwavering support. If I am given the opportunity to lead this empire, I will do everything in my power to bring the victory that everyone expects," Oscar replied, his tone resolute. At this critical moment, the support of the military was vital. In both practical and emotional terms, he could not afford to let them down.

Marshal Tirpitz nodded with satisfaction, a smile creeping across his face. Oscar's answer was exactly what he had hoped to hear.

As time passed, two days later, the details surrounding Crown Prince William's fall from the horse began to become clearer.

Essen von Jonalet reported to William II the findings of the investigation, as well as the Royal Hospital's diagnosis of Crown Prince William's condition.

"Your Majesty, after a thorough investigation, we can confirm that Crown Prince William's fall was entirely accidental. It is extremely dangerous for the Crown Prince to ride a horse while intoxicated. Furthermore, the foreleg of the horse became trapped in a snow pit and broke, causing the Crown Prince to be thrown and strike his head against a rock. If this had been a deliberate act, it would have been impossible for everything to fall into place so perfectly," Essen von Jonalet explained.

William II nodded grimly. "Poor Prince! It seems it truly was an accident."

William II felt sympathy for his son's misfortune, but the weight on his heart lifted slightly. At least the worst scenario—Oscar's revenge on Crown Prince William—had not materialized. This was a small comfort for William II, though it didn't entirely ease his burden.

"What does the Royal Hospital say? Can the Prince recover?" William II inquired.

"Your Majesty, the Royal Hospital managed to bring His Highness out of immediate danger," Essen von Jonalet replied. "However, His Highness remains in a coma due to the head injury."

"When will the Crown Prince wake up?" William II pressed.

"I'm afraid that's hard to say. The Royal Hospital's conclusion is that they're unsure when His Highness will regain consciousness, as there is swelling in the brain, putting pressure on the nerves."

"Alright, Essen, just tell me when the Crown Prince wakes up. There's no need for further details," William II interrupted, his patience wearing thin.

"Your Majesty, the final assessment is that the likelihood of His Highness waking up is minimal. There is a strong chance that he will remain in a vegetative state. Of course, there is a slim possibility that a miracle could occur, and His Highness may awaken," Essen von Jonalet added.

"A vegetable? The Prince will become a vegetable?" William II's face twisted with distress. Such a reality was nearly impossible for him to accept.

"Your Majesty..." Essen von Jonalet attempted to offer comfort, but was cut off by William II.

"Enough, Essen. I understand. Don't worry, this setback won't break me!" William II said firmly, though his eyes betrayed his inner turmoil.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Essen von Jonalet nodded.

"Go and inform the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, the Chief of Staff, the Navy Secretary, and the Minister of War. We will hold an imperial meeting tonight!" William II's expression darkened.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Essen von Jonalet knew that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss a crucial matter. With Crown Prince William incapacitated, the empire could no longer afford to leave the position of crown prince vacant. The stability of the nation depended on securing a new heir.

As Essen von Jonalet left, William II was left alone with his thoughts. A trace of sadness flickered in his eyes. As a father, seeing his son in such a state was painful. But as an emperor, he had no time for personal grief. The empire's future was at stake, and he had to prioritize the greater good.

"Oscar... is he a suitable candidate for the crown prince?" William II pondered, his mind clouded with uncertainty. If Oscar were to become the crown prince, he knew it would come with immense resistance. But he had to admit that Oscar was arguably the best option among all the princes.

Oscar, as his fifth son, stood behind three other potential heirs. Surpassing them to claim the throne would not be an insurmountable task. However, there was still the issue of whether William II could bring himself to support Oscar, especially with the fierce opposition it would provoke.

"If Oscar becomes the crown prince and Crown Prince William wakes up later, how will we explain that?" William II's thoughts were weighed down by this possibility. The fall of Crown Prince William still nagged at him. If the crown prince position was passed to Oscar, and William II's son regained consciousness, the explanations would be difficult to justify.

"Damn it, how did this happen?" William II muttered, his frustration evident.

But with the situation as it was, William II had no choice. The German Empire could not wait indefinitely. The position of Crown Prince needed to be filled, not just for the good of the royal family, but for the stability of the entire empire. The people of Germany needed to believe that the future of the nation was secure.