The Rise of German empire

"Okay, I already know everyone's opinions. I will think about it carefully. Tomorrow, I will officially inform everyone of my decision," William II declared, his voice resolute. After hearing all the views of his ministers, he knew the time for a decision had come. The pressure was mounting, but he had made up his mind.

"Yes, Your Majesty," the ministers replied in unison, their faces a mixture of anxiety and anticipation.

Moltke stood there, his expression tense. He knew the decision had been made, and although he didn't agree, he didn't dare protest. He understood the stubbornness of William II, who, once resolved, would not tolerate dissent. He had risen to power on William II's favor, and now, more than ever, he needed to maintain that trust. Speaking out would only bring him more trouble.

After the ministers had left the room, William II leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes for a moment. The decision weighed heavily on him. The idea of appointing Oscar as the Crown Prince was controversial, but the empire's stability was at risk. With his older son incapacitated, there was no time for hesitation.

"The navy and parts of the army support Oscar. It seems his succession is inevitable," William II muttered to himself.

Despite his doubts, he knew that Oscar, with his extraordinary abilities, was the only candidate capable of stepping into this role. He was the one who could guide the empire through the dark days ahead.

"Send for Oscar," he ordered, his voice firm.

Essen von Jonalet, who had been silently waiting in the corner, nodded. "At once, Your Majesty."

The summons had barely reached Oscar before he was on his way to the palace. Though the imperial meeting had just ended, he had already heard the whispers: Marshal Count Tirpitz's strong support and von Falkenhain's crucial backing had secured his position. But the battle was far from over. Moltke's betrayal had not gone unnoticed, and Oscar silently vowed to deal with him once he took his rightful place.

As he approached William II's office, he knew that this meeting would determine his fate. He stepped inside, his expression calm, despite the rush of emotions inside him.

"Father, I'm here," Oscar said, his voice steady.

"Sit down, Oscar," William II gestured toward the sofa in front of him.

Oscar obeyed, sitting down and waiting for the emperor to speak. He knew that, at this moment, everything would be decided.

"Oscar," William II began, his tone direct, "with your brother unable to fulfill his duties, the empire needs a new crown prince. The majority of the ministers are in favor of you. What are your thoughts?"

Oscar's heart quickened, but his face remained neutral. "Father, I still pray for my elder brother's recovery. He is the rightful heir, and I hope God will grant him a swift recovery. However, as for the crown prince position, I leave that to you. If you find a more suitable candidate, I will support them wholeheartedly. My loyalty to the empire remains, whether I become the Crown Prince or not."

Though he played the humble role, he knew better than anyone that he was the only choice.

William II's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression hard to read. "Oscar, I recognize your abilities. Your conduct is exemplary. You have become everything I could have hoped for. But there's something that troubles me. Just two years ago, you were so different. Withdrawn, cynical... now, you're almost a different person. What happened?"

Oscar met his father's gaze without flinching. "Father, men must grow. They must learn to take on responsibility, and that is what I've come to understand. That is why I changed."

He didn't reveal the truth: that he was not the original Prince Oscar, but a soul from the future, a man who had inherited a kingdom's power and now sought to shape the future to his will. It was a secret he would guard with his life. To admit anything else would lead to his doom.

William II leaned back, his gaze lingering on his son. After a long silence, he nodded slowly, as though accepting Oscar's answer.

"Oscar," he said quietly, "no matter what, you are my son. The empire is our lifeblood. If it prospers, we all prosper. But if it falls, everything we hold dear will vanish."

"Yes, Father," Oscar replied, his voice firm despite the joy bubbling inside him. He masked his excitement, trying to remain as composed as possible.

William II's face softened slightly. "I hope you can live up to your words."

The moment was here, and William II, with a heavy heart, spoke the words that would change everything. "After considering everything, I've decided to appoint you as the acting Crown Prince."

Oscar's heart skipped a beat. "Acting Crown Prince?" he asked, his voice betraying just a hint of surprise.

"Yes," William II confirmed. "The Crown Prince position is your brother's by birthright. Even if he cannot perform his duties now, he is still the legitimate heir. If he recovers, I hope you will return the title to him. But if he does not, we will cross that bridge when we come to it."

Oscar's mind raced, but his face remained a mask of calm. The title of "acting" Crown Prince was a temporary measure, a way for William II to avoid outright disinheriting his eldest son. But this was the beginning. Once Oscar secured his position, there would be no turning back.

"In time, Father, I will do everything to ensure the empire's strength," Oscar promised.

William II gave a small nod, his face a mix of hope and resignation. "I trust you, Oscar. The empire's future rests with you now."