Banquet (Seeking Collection)

Crown Prince Wilhelm's gaze at Oscar was practically spitting fire. He had originally wanted to cause trouble for Oscar, but never expected to be so easily defused, and even to have the Empress's impression of Oscar shift—this was truly a case of trying to steal a chicken only to lose the rice!

The other princes also looked at Oscar with some hostility. Compared to them, Oscar, who held a golden goose, had already left them several streets behind in terms of financial resources.

"Hmph! Some people get carried away once they have money and start throwing it around recklessly. That's utterly disgraceful," Crown Prince Wilhelm snorted coldly.

Oscar's expression darkened, but he did not retort. After all, the Empress did not want quarrels among the brothers. He had no desire to let the favorable impression he had finally earned from her be wiped away again.

But seeing Oscar ignore him only fueled Crown Prince Wilhelm's rage, and he grew even more vehement.

"The German Empire is now facing a great crisis. Old enemies like Britain and France are pressing in on us step by step. Expanding our armaments, especially developing the navy, requires enormous funds. Some people, as princes of the German Empire, enjoy all the privileges the royal family brings them, yet give no thought to serving the Empire and only waste money—this is utterly detestable." Crown Prince Wilhelm put on a grand, righteous air, heaping blame onto Oscar's head. He would not rest until he had thoroughly trampled Oscar underfoot.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, is it wrong for me to use my own money to buy a Christmas gift for my mother? How I spend my own money is naturally for me to decide—no one else can make that choice for me. Even if Your Highness becomes Emperor of the Empire, I doubt you would have that authority. Besides, you are still only the Crown Prince, not yet the Emperor. As for serving the nation, I certainly have not forgotten. Soon, I will fulfill my promise and donate a Battleship to the navy. As a prince of the German Empire, I know my responsibilities and duties. I need no reminders from Your Highness the Crown Prince—you would do better to mind your own affairs. Moreover, when accusing others, Your Highness should first consider what contributions you yourself have made to the Empire."

Oscar gave Crown Prince Wilhelm no face at all, striking back with sharp words that left the Crown Prince without even a chance to rebut.

"You... you..." Crown Prince Wilhelm flushed crimson, his face twisted with rage, looking quite frightening. He had never imagined that Oscar, whom he had always looked down on, would dare speak to him like this. When had this taciturn younger brother become so eloquent?

In the end, the Empress had to intervene again to stop their quarrel.

Even so, the atmosphere of the gathering had already been severely affected. Restoring it to a harmonious state was nearly impossible.

Such was perhaps the tragedy of royalty. As the princes grew older, scheming against one another for future power and interests was unavoidable. Even though Crown Prince Wilhelm's claim to the throne was relatively secure, he still spared no effort in suppressing his brothers, ensuring they posed no threat to his position.

The gathering soon ended. Wilhelm II did not attend due to his busy official duties. Oscar was unable to meet Wilhelm II and had to ask Karl's father to deliver the gift he had carefully prepared for him.

At half past six in the evening, the banquet was held in the palace's grand hall. Countless dignitaries attended the event.

Oscar entered the hall alongside the Empress and the princes. Their group immediately drew everyone's attention. Of course, Oscar had previously been the invisible man, easily overlooked. But now, with the great success of the Welfare Lottery Company, he had attracted considerable notice. After all, in a country like Germany, money often played a very significant role.

Soon after, Wilhelm II appeared in the banquet hall.

"Ladies and gentlemen, you are the elite of the German Empire, the pillars of the nation. Over the past year, you have worked hard. It is because of your efforts that the German Empire has been able to maintain rapid development. However, it cannot be denied that even as the German Empire grows stronger, our voice is still not heeded by other nations, and our legitimate interests are not understood by them. Our external environment remains very dangerous. Therefore, the German Empire must continue to grow stronger, so that the other nations of the world will no longer dare to ignore us!" Wilhelm II addressed the crowd with passionate, stirring words.

The eyes of the Empire's elite burned with fervor. Indeed, Germany was already powerful and was growing more so. But they also knew that if Germany wanted to secure greater benefits in a fiercely competitive world, it would need even greater strength.

However, the diplomats from Britain, France, and Russia in the hall wore grim expressions. Germany's growing power placed immense pressure on them. With the footsteps of war already approaching, they felt a profound sense of crisis.

Oscar watched all of this in silence. He knew that war was inevitable. Unless Germany abandoned its expansionist ambitions, the established powers like Britain and France would never sit idly by. In the end, only war would decide everything.

After Wilhelm II's speech, the banquet continued. Music began to play, and pairs of men and women entered the dance floor. More people broke off into small circles to converse. A banquet was, after all, the perfect place to expand one's social network and strike certain deals.

For the noble ladies, of course, it was also a legitimate opportunity to mingle with other men.

"Your Highness, hello." As Oscar was lost in thought, a voice sounded behind him.

Oscar turned around. Two elderly men stood behind him, wine glasses in hand, smiling warmly.

Oscar recognized both of them. One was Director Ludwig Birkenhagen of the Kiel Naval Academy. The other was an even more prominent figure—the head of the German Navy, Grand Admiral Count Tirpitz, the German Navy Minister.

"Your Excellency, Director, greetings!" Oscar said respectfully. Both men were key figures in the navy. Grand Admiral Count Tirpitz, in particular, was highly trusted by Wilhelm II.

"Your Highness, thank you for your support of the Imperial Navy. The Imperial Navy will not forget this," Grand Admiral Count Tirpitz said with a smile.