"Chancellor! This is a humiliation by the French against Prussia. It is time to let the French know what the Prussian Army's years of reforms have achieved." Moltke fixed Bismarck with a solemn gaze, speaking slowly yet with resonant force.
A fierce desire for victory shone from his sharp eyes. Of all people, Moltke understood the Prussian Army's development over the years best. It felt rather like watching a son grow up, now itching to go out and make a name for himself.
"General Moltke, there is no need to rush. War will come sooner or later; that is both His Majesty's and my own position. But victory in war has never been solely a matter of the battlefield. We have indeed developed rapidly, but we must also recognize reality. France is a top-tier great power, and its strength cannot be underestimated. I still need the Foreign Ministry to do more work, to ensure that the various nations do not intervene in this war and create the conditions for our victory on the battlefield." Bismarck spoke unhurriedly.
Some time earlier, after a series of maneuvers by Bismarck, Prussia had already secretly signed offensive and defensive alliance treaties with the states of Southern Germany. Thus, what appeared to be a war between Prussia and France was in truth already a war between Germany and France. Germany had already emerged; it only needed France to deliver its certificate of recognition. The so-called offensive and defensive alliance could then become a true Germany. From this, one could see that France was certainly capable—worthy of being called the founding father of America, Italy, and Germany, all three of which would later become great powers.
"Now, only three countries remain as uncertain factors in our war with France. I presume you understand as well that