The Emperor's Wrath (Seeking Collection)

Oscar looked at Wilhelm II—a middle-aged man whose authority carried a trace of paternal warmth, ambitious yet somewhat overreaching. Though Wilhelm II was stubborn and self-opinionated, one had to admit he was also a remarkably outstanding monarch.

Wilhelm II's grand ambitions ultimately ended in failure solely because his opponents were too powerful. Germany, though a rising power, stood against old stalwarts like Britain and France, while the United States—another emerging power—stabbed Germany in the back at a critical moment, making victory in the war utterly impossible.

Oscar knew that Wilhelm II was a man of his word; once he made a decision, others could hardly change it.

But Oscar had no desire to waste four years at the Kiel Naval Academy. Four years was enough for him to accomplish a great deal. For one, accumulating considerable wealth was entirely feasible. That way, even if Germany ultimately could not avoid defeat, he could at least live out his days as a wealthy gentleman on that fortune.

Thus, Oscar had to reject Wilhelm II's decision. He knew what consequences this might bring—at worst, it could provoke the Emperor's thunderous wrath.

But at this point, Oscar no longer cared.

"Father Emperor, I do not wish to attend the Kiel Naval Academy," Oscar said, his face calm as he looked at Wilhelm II.

"Hmm?" Wilhelm II furrowed his brow.

Among Europe's monarchs, the German Emperor wielded immense power. While it could not compare to that of a Chinese emperor, it was still supreme—especially within the Imperial Family, where no one could defy his will.

Wilhelm II himself had not expected Oscar to dare utter such words, and he was momentarily stunned.

Nearby, Crown Prince Wilhelm's originally beaming expression also froze.

But soon, a hint of a smile curled at the corner of his mouth.

As the Crown Prince of the German Empire and first in line to the throne, he naturally hoped that all his younger brothers would be mediocre and incompetent. That would highlight his own abilities and secure his position without fear of being usurped. Of course, the likelihood of that happening was very slim. Unless he died young or Germany fell, his succession as German Emperor was practically a foregone conclusion.

"This fool dares to refuse Father Emperor like this—he's practically asking for death," Crown Prince Wilhelm thought gleefully.

Though he inwardly despised this aloof younger brother and did not believe Prince Oskar posed any threat to his throne, seeing Prince Oskar trampled underfoot with no chance of recovery was something he would gladly witness.

"Oskar, what are you doing? This is Father Emperor's arrangement for your future—how can you refuse? You're completely spurning his goodwill," Crown Prince Wilhelm immediately jumped in, heaping accusations on Oscar as if he had committed some unforgivable crime.

A flicker of displeasure crossed Wilhelm II's face, but he masked it well. He waved a hand to silence the Crown Prince's incessant chatter.

"Oskar, do you have any thoughts of your own? If you truly don't want to go to the Kiel Naval Academy, you could attend another school. How about the Army Academy?" Wilhelm II asked.

To demonstrate loyalty to the German Empire and win the people's affection, the princes of the German Imperial Family typically pursued military careers. Whether in the army or navy, they had to serve. This allowed the public to see that the Imperial Family stood on the front lines defending the empire and its people.

Under Wilhelm II's gaze, Oscar felt immense pressure.

"Father Emperor, I don't want to attend university at all. I want to do something on my own," Oscar said, steeling himself.

As soon as Oscar spoke, the expressions on Wilhelm II and Crown Prince Wilhelm's faces turned quite telling.

On Wilhelm II's face, barely suppressed anger was evident, and from the depths of his eyes, Oscar could clearly see disappointment. In Wilhelm II's view, Oscar had become a coward with no ambition, even shirking his duties and obligations.

After a brief moment of shock, Crown Prince Wilhelm felt a sense of schadenfreude. He hadn't expected Oscar to sink even lower than he had hoped. This all but confirmed that Oscar would never pose any threat to him for the rest of his life.

"This fool is truly beyond saving. But for me, that's a good thing. Out of brotherly kindness, when you're down and out, I'll graciously throw you a bone," Crown Prince Wilhelm thought, a trace of pity creeping into his look at Oscar.

"Oskar, what are you thinking? You are a Prince of the German Empire, a direct descendant of the Hohenzollern family. Do you want to bring shame upon the great Hohenzollern family and the German Imperial Family with your actions?

You have disappointed me greatly. Your elder brothers have already entered military service or are about to. As a member of the German Imperial Family, it is our destiny to fight—even die on the battlefield—for the interests of the German Empire. And now, you show such cowardice, disgracing the German Imperial Family."

Wilhelm II roared in fury, trembling with rage. He could not bear that one of his sons had turned out like this.

Oscar opened his mouth to explain but ultimately said nothing. He couldn't very well tell Wilhelm II that if Germany continued developing at this pace, no amount of preparation would make them a match for Britain, France, and the United States, and they would eventually be ground down.

If he said that, Wilhelm II would surely dismiss him as a raving lunatic.

Moreover, knowing the course of future history was Oscar's greatest secret, and he had no intention of exposing it. If anyone learned that Prince Oskar's body now housed a different soul, who knew what Wilhelm II might do—perhaps even have him killed outright.

"Oskar, get back to your room. I don't care what you think. In one week, you will report to the Kiel Naval Academy. Even if you just coast through, you will spend four full years there. During that time, without my permission, you are absolutely forbidden to return to the Imperial Palace!" Wilhelm II issued the command in fury.