Living Aimlessly

"If Germany could defeat the British and French in this war, then perhaps everything could change. But for Germany to win this war would be far too difficult!" Oscar said to the quietly flowing Havel River.

Yet whenever he thought of this, Oscar felt a profound sense of helplessness. He wanted to contribute his own strength to Germany's defeat of its powerful enemies in the future war.

But he was merely Wilhelm II's fifth son. Above him were four elder brothers, the eldest of whom was the Empire's Crown Prince. Below him were a younger brother and sister, both more favored by Wilhelm II than he was. Among Wilhelm II's children, Prince Oskar could almost be considered a dispensable figure. That meant that even if he wanted to take part in Germany's grand ambitions, there was simply no way for him to do so!

According to the course of history, he would be sent to Kiel Naval Academy, study there for several years, then serve in the navy as a civilian official or a minor officer, with virtually no prospects. When war broke out and Germany was defeated, the entire royal family would have no choice but to leave Germany and go into exile in the Netherlands. Princes of such exalted status as them would be stripped of their glittering outer garments and eke out an ignoble existence until they finally died in humiliation.

"No, I can't live like that. I can't drift through life waiting to die. Otherwise, wouldn't I regret it for the rest of my life? Besides, since Heaven let me be reborn in Germany during this era, it surely didn't want me to muddle through this lifetime in mediocrity." Oscar secretly swore an oath.

"There are still ten years left. If I prepare carefully, will Germany have a chance to turn the tables?" Oscar asked himself inwardly.

Whether for Germany or for Oscar, they needed time. They needed time to prepare for the coming war. Especially Oscar—given his current status, winning the German Emperor's attention and contributing his strength to Germany would not be easy.

"I can't go to Kiel Naval Academy and waste time. Four years are enough to accomplish many things. For example, making a great deal of money." Oscar thought to himself.

Developing armaments and building tanks and warships all required enormous sums of money. A single battleship cost tens of millions of marks. Even the German Navy's first class of dreadnoughts—the Nassau-class battleships—cost forty million marks each. Given the German Navy's limited naval budget, trying to compete with the British Navy in the number of battleships was clearly extremely difficult. If Oscar could earn enough money over the next ten years to support the German Navy's development, perhaps everything would be different.

As a military enthusiast, Oscar had extensively studied the warships of every nation during the First World War. He knew the strengths and weaknesses of each country's major warships. In this regard, he undoubtedly possessed an enormous advantage for the German Navy. Of course, the prerequisite was that Oscar had to gain a certain amount of power. Only then could he apply knowledge more than a century ahead of its time to strengthening Germany's military might.

However, having never been favored by Wilhelm II, gaining power was undoubtedly harder for him than climbing to heaven. What was more, he was only sixteen years old now.

"Your Highness, His Majesty asks you to see him immediately!" a young palace servant said to Oscar.

"Alright, Karl. I'll go at once." Oscar rose to his feet.

This young servant was named Karl von Jonerait. His entire family served the royal family. His father, Essen von Jonerath, was German Emperor Wilhelm II's steward and held a high position within the palace. His eldest brother was even the head of Crown Prince Wilhelm's guards. Because they were close in age, Karl von Jonerait and Oscar got along quite well.

"Do you know what His Majesty wants to see me about?" Oscar asked.

"I don't know, but General Ludwig Birkenhagen just left His Majesty's office."

Oscar nodded. He roughly understood what this was about.

Major General Ludwig Birkenhagen was the Director of Kiel Naval Academy. He had cultivated many talents for the German Navy and was deeply valued by Wilhelm II.

As Wilhelm II attached great importance to naval development, he naturally hoped that his children could enter the Naval Academy and study there, allowing members of the royal family to contribute their share toward making the German Navy stronger.

Among Wilhelm II's many sons, his eldest, Crown Prince Wilhelm, was already twenty-two. As the Crown Prince, he had begun participating in the administration of state affairs.

His second son, Prince Eitel Friedrich, was already twenty-one and was currently serving in the army.

His third son, Prince Albert, was about to graduate from the military academy and enter service in the Imperial Guard. His fourth son, Prince August Wilhelm, had just entered the military academy.

Thus, Wilhelm II's dream of a powerful navy would probably fall only upon Prince Oskar and his youngest son, Prince Joachim.

"No matter what, I can't waste four years at the Naval Academy!" Oscar silently made up his mind, then headed toward Wilhelm II's office.

When he entered the office, he found that not only was Wilhelm II there, but Crown Prince Wilhelm was there as well. Wilhelm II's face was glowing with health, and he seemed to be in a good mood.

Oscar knew that Wilhelm II had been in good spirits lately. Japan and Russia had erupted into fierce war over control of the Far East. Moreover, the Russians were at a disadvantage on the battlefield. Naturally, this delighted Wilhelm II.

Russia was allied with France, making it undoubtedly a formidable enemy for Germany. Wilhelm II naturally hoped the Russians would take a hard fall in the Far East. That would help weaken Russia's strength and give Germany a greater advantage in the confrontations to come.

When Oscar entered Wilhelm II's office, he heard them discussing the situation at Lushun. The Japanese army had already completed its surprise attack on Lushun. Although the Russian army's resistance continued, even the Russians' Pacific Fleet had been bottled up inside the harbor. Once Lushun fell, the Russians would undoubtedly suffer devastating losses.

"Father Emperor, Crown Prince!" Oscar entered the office and bowed to the two men.

"Mhm, Oskar, you're here." Wilhelm II nodded. Though this son was not to his liking, he was still his son. He still hoped that he would become a useful talent rather than a prince who only knew how to drift through life waiting to die.

"Oskar, I've already spoken with Director Ludwig Birkenhagen. In half a month, you will report to Kiel Naval Academy. I hope that at the Naval Academy, you will study diligently and become an outstanding naval talent!" Wilhelm II said with great expectations.