Berlin, Moltke the Younger's residence.
After dinner, Moltke the Younger chatted with his family for a while before heading to his study as usual. Although he had already been dismissed, he still wielded immense influence within the German Army. Many battle reports still found their way to him.
Although Oscar had led the German military to an unprecedented victory in France, Moltke the Younger had not conceded defeat because of it. He believed that his abilities—at least his military command abilities—far surpassed Oscar's. To prove this, Moltke the Younger came up with a plan: he began writing books, passing down his military command theories through them. He believed that future generations would surely be able to tell who was superior.
That evening, Moltke the Younger had just put on his reading glasses and was preparing to work when the servant came to report that Lieutenant General Prittwitz wished to see him.
Moltke the Younger frowned. Although he and Lieutenant General Prittwitz had maintained a fairly good private relationship, Prittwitz had seldom visited since Moltke the Younger had been dismissed. After all, Moltke the Younger, having lost his post as Chief of the General Staff, could no longer be of much help to Prittwitz. Furthermore, both men had grudges against Oscar. If they met too often, word might inevitably reach Oscar's ears. That could very well give Oscar unfavorable ideas, which would undoubtedly be no good for either of them. Thus, they had deliberately reduced their meetings.
Though he could not understand why Lieutenant General Prittwitz had come so late at night, Moltke the Younger still had the servant bring him to the study.
"Good evening, Count!" Lieutenant General Prittwitz immediately greeted him upon seeing Moltke the Younger. Moltke the Younger's title was Count, though he had inherited it rather than