Eating and Waiting to Die

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

Yet, whenever he thought of this, a deep sense of helplessness washed over him. He wanted to contribute his strength to help Germany overcome its powerful enemies in the coming war.

But he was merely the fifth son of Wilhelm II. Above him were four older brothers, the eldest being the Crown Prince of the Empire. Below him were a younger brother and a younger sister, both more favored by Wilhelm II than he was. It could be said that among Wilhelm II's children, Prince Oscar was almost a negligible figure. This made it impossible for him to participate in Germany's grand ambitions, no matter how much he wished to!

According to the trajectory of history, he would be sent to the Kiel Naval Academy, study for a few years, then serve in the navy as a civilian staffer or a minor officer—with almost no future. When war broke out and Germany was defeated, the entire royal family would have no choice but to leave Germany and flee to the Netherlands. These princes, once so illustrious, would have their glamorous exteriors stripped away, scraping by until they died in disgrace.

"No, I can't live like this, can't just coast 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 this era of Germany, it surely doesn't want me to fritter away this life in mediocrity." Oscar silently vowed.

"Ten years remain. If I prepare carefully, does Germany have a chance to turn things around?" Oscar asked himself in his heart.

Both Germany and Oscar needed time. Time to prepare for the coming war. Especially for Oscar, given his current status, gaining the German Emperor's attention and contributing his strength to Germany was no easy task.

"I can't waste time at the Kiel Naval Academy. Four years is enough to accomplish a great deal. For instance, earning a vast amount of money." Oscar thought to himself.

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

As a military enthusiast, Oscar had deeply studied the warships of various nations from the World War I era. He knew the strengths and weaknesses of each country's main vessels. For the German Navy, this was undoubtedly a tremendous advantage. Of course, the prerequisite was that Oscar had to gain a certain degree of power. Only then could he apply his knowledge, which was over a hundred years ahead of its time, to strengthening Germany's military might.

But for someone who had never been favored by Wilhelm II, gaining power was harder than reaching the heavens. Moreover, he was only sixteen years old now.

"Your Highness, His Majesty requests your presence immediately!" a young palace attendant said to Oscar.

"Alright, Karl, I'll go right away." Oscar stood up.

This young attendant was named Karl von Jonerait. His entire family served the royal household. His father, Essen von Jonerath, was the steward of German Emperor Wilhelm II, holding a high position within the palace. His eldest brother was even the Crown Prince Wilhelm's chief of security. Because they were of similar age, Karl von Jonerait and Oscar had a close relationship.

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

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

Oscar nodded. He had a general idea of what this was about.

Major General Ludwig Birkenhagen was the director of the Kiel Naval Academy. He had trained many talents for the German Navy and was highly valued by Wilhelm II.

At a time when Wilhelm II was emphasizing naval construction, he naturally hoped that his children could enter the naval academy to study, allowing the royal offspring to contribute their share to the strength of the German Navy.

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

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

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

Thus, Wilhelm II's dream of a powerful navy would likely have to fall on Prince Oscar and his youngest son, Prince Joachim.

"No matter what, I can't waste four years at the naval academy!" Oscar silently resolved, then walked toward Wilhelm II's office.

When he entered the office, he found not only Wilhelm II present but also the Crown Prince Wilhelm. Wilhelm II's face was flushed, as if he were in a good mood.

Oscar knew that Wilhelm II had been in a good mood lately. Japan and Russia had erupted in a fierce war over dominance in the Far East, and the Russians were at a disadvantage on the battlefield. This naturally put Wilhelm II in high spirits.

Russia was allied with France, which was undoubtedly a major enemy for Germany. Wilhelm II certainly hoped that the Russians would take a heavy fall in the Far East. This would help weaken Russia's strength, giving Germany a greater advantage in the coming confrontation.

When Oscar entered Wilhelm II's office, he heard them discussing the battle situation at Lushun. The Japanese army had already completed its surprise attack on Lushun, though Russian resistance continued. But even the Russian Pacific Fleet had been blockaded in the harbor. Once Lushun fell, the Russians would undoubtedly suffer heavy losses.

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

"Hmm, Oscar, you're here." Wilhelm II nodded. This son, though not to his liking, was still his son. He hoped this son could become a useful talent, not just a prince who knew only how to coast through life.

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