Prussia had clearly grown much warmer toward Ernst lately. Before he had even returned to Hohenzollern Castle, Ernst learned that the Prussian Royal Family had invited him to Berlin as a guest.
Ernst had long anticipated Prussia's intentions, so he changed course in Bavaria and headed toward Berlin.
Kingdom of Prussia.
"Ernst, how have you been lately?" King Wilhelm I asked with a smile.
"Your Majesty, I have been very well. I've been occupied with business lately, so I've been rather busy," Ernst said.
"You can call me Uncle. Your father is a king now as well, and you are the Crown Prince. Besides, we are both members of the House of Hohenzollern. There's no need to be so formal," King Wilhelm I said.
"I'm afraid that wouldn't be appropriate."
"What's inappropriate about it? We're all family. From now on, call me Uncle in private. In formal settings, you can call me Your Majesty."
Wouldn't that make Wilhelm II my grandnephew? Ernst secretly rejoiced, but kept his face calm as he said, "Yes, I'll do as you say, Uncle Wilhelm."
"That's more like it!"
"I called you here today because I have a favor to ask. I'm not ashamed to admit it, but although I've fought quite a few wars in my life as king, Prussia's finances can scarcely hold on because of them. We owe a great deal of debt. Yet for the cause of German unification, Prussia cannot stop moving forward," King Wilhelm I sighed.
"I understand, of course. Over the years, Prussia has indeed made immense contributions to the cause of German unification," Ernst said flatteringly.
"Mm. I can reveal some news to you now: the French can no longer hold themselves back. But after the last war, Prussia was already buried under a mountain of debt.