Oscar looked at Wilhelm II, this middle-aged man who was imposing yet faintly benevolent, ambitious yet somewhat overreaching. Although Wilhelm II was somewhat willful and arrogant, it had to be admitted that he was also an exceptionally outstanding Monarch.
Wilhelm II's grand ambitions had ultimately ended in failure entirely because his opponents had been too powerful. Although Germany was a rising great power, it faced old-established powers such as Britain and France as enemies, while the United States, another rising power, stabbed Germany in the back at a critical moment. That made victory in the war fundamentally impossible for Germany.
Oscar knew that Wilhelm II was a man whose word was law. Once he had made a decision, it was difficult for anyone else to change it.
But Oscar did not want to go to the Kiel Naval Academy and waste four years of his life. Four years were enough for him to accomplish many things. If nothing else, it was entirely possible to accumulate considerable wealth. That way, even if Germany still could not avoid defeat in the end, he could at least live comfortably as a wealthy man with that fortune.
Therefore, Oscar had to refuse Wilhelm II's decision. Though he knew what consequences this might bring, and that if things went badly, it could provoke Wilhelm II's thunderous rage.
But Oscar could no longer afford to worry about so much.
"Father Emperor, I don't want to go to the Kiel Naval Academy!" Oscar looked calmly at Wilhelm II.
"Hmm?" Wilhelm II could not help frowning.
Among Europe's many monarchs, the German Emperor's power was undoubtedly immense. Though it could not compare with the power of a Chinese emperor, it was still supreme. Especially within the Imperial Family, no one could defy his will.
Perhaps Wilhelm II himself had never expected Oscar to say such a thing. He, too, was stunned.
At the side, Crown Prince Wilhelm's originally beaming expression froze as well.
But then, a faint smile appeared at the corners of his mouth.
As the Crown Prince of the German Empire, he was first in line to inherit the throne.
Naturally, he hoped that every one of his younger brothers would be mediocre and incompetent. That would undoubtedly throw his own talents into sharper relief. At the same time, his throne would naturally be completely secure, and he would not need to worry about his brothers taking it from him. Of course, the chances of that happening were extremely small. Unless he died young or Germany perished, his succession as German Emperor was practically set in stone.
This fool actually dared to refuse Father Emperor like this. He simply didn't know the difference between life and death. Crown Prince Wilhelm was overjoyed.
Although Crown Prince Wilhelm looked down on this withdrawn younger brother from the bottom of his heart and did not believe Prince Oskar posed any threat to his throne, he would be more than delighted to see Prince Oskar trampled beneath his feet, never to rise again.
"Oskar, what are you doing? This is Father Emperor's arrangement for the rest of your life. How can you refuse it? By doing this, you are completely letting down Father Emperor's good intentions." Crown Prince Wilhelm immediately jumped out and harshly rebuked Oscar, as though Oscar had committed some utterly unforgivable crime.
A flicker of displeasure crossed Wilhelm II's face, though he concealed it well. He waved his hand, stopping Crown Prince Wilhelm's incessant chatter.
"Oskar, do you have any ideas of your own? If you truly do not wish to attend the Kiel Naval Academy, you can go to another academy. What about the Army Academy?" Wilhelm II asked.
To demonstrate their loyalty to the German Empire and win the people's affection, the princes of the German Imperial Family often pursued military careers. Whether in the army or navy, they had to serve. Only then could the people see that the Imperial Family stood on the front lines of defending the Empire and the people's interests.
Under Wilhelm II's gaze, Oscar immediately felt enormous pressure.
"Father Emperor, I don't want to attend university. I want to do something on my own." Oscar forced himself to say it.
The moment Oscar said those words, the expressions on both Wilhelm II's and Crown Prince Wilhelm's faces became utterly remarkable.
Wilhelm II's face was filled with anger he could not suppress. From his eyes, Oscar could clearly see his disappointment. Evidently, in Wilhelm II's eyes, Oscar had completely become a coward with no ambition, someone who even fled from his own responsibilities and obligations.
After his brief astonishment, Crown Prince Wilhelm was somewhat delighted by Oscar's misfortune. He had not expected Oscar to be even more willing to sink into depravity than he had hoped. In that case, he could practically conclude that Oscar would never pose any threat to him for the rest of his life.
This fool truly is beyond saving. Still, this is a good thing for me. For the sake of our brotherhood, when you are destitute and down on your luck, I will kindly give you some aid. A trace of sympathy appeared in Crown Prince Wilhelm's gaze as he looked at Oscar.
"Oskar, what exactly are you thinking? You are a Prince of the German Empire, a direct member of the Hohenzollern family. Do you wish to bring shame upon the great Hohenzollern family and the German Imperial Family because of your actions?"
"You have truly disappointed me too much. Your brothers have already entered military service or will soon enter it. As members of the German Imperial Family, fighting for the interests of the German Empire—even dying on the battlefield—is our destiny. Yet now, you are being so cowardly. You have utterly disgraced the German Imperial Family."
Wilhelm II roared furiously, trembling all over with rage. He simply could not bear the thought that among his sons, there was actually someone like this.
Oscar opened his mouth, wanting to explain, but in the end, he did not say a single word. He could hardly tell Wilhelm II that if Germany continued developing at this pace, then no matter how it prepared for war, it would not be a match for Britain, France, and the United States, and would ultimately be dragged to death alive.
If he said that, Wilhelm II would certainly take him for a lunatic spouting nonsense.
Moreover, knowing how history would unfold in the future was Oscar's greatest secret. Naturally, he would not expose it. If anyone discovered that Prince Oskar's body already contained another person's soul, who knew what Wilhelm II would do? He might even kill him outright.
"Oskar, get back to your room! I don't care what exactly you are thinking. One week from now, you must report to the Kiel Naval Academy. Even if you merely muddle through, you must stay there for four full years. Without my permission, you are absolutely forbidden from returning to the palace!" Wilhelm II issued the order in fury.
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