Everything I Do Today Is for the Empire

After Guderian finished speaking, he stood where he was, waiting for His Majesty Eitel's response.

Just as Eitel was about to say something, Konstantin suddenly spoke up. "Although this plan may indeed produce unexpected results."

"But if there aren't enough soldiers to protect His Majesty, what will we do if something happens to him on the way back?"

There was a hint of challenge in Konstantin's words, which instantly made Guderian somewhat uneasy.

Konstantin had a point. With most of their forces tied down at the front, how many troops could His Majesty Eitel still deploy?

Moreover, His Majesty Eitel was certain to face assassination attempts on his return. After all, those Allied assassins and labor movement leaders had no wish to see the newly enthroned emperor return.

Faced with Konstantin's words, Guderian began to stammer.

Seeing the two of them, Eitel raised a hand to stop them.

"Enough, Konstantin. There's nothing wrong with what Guderian said."

"I think his strategy is very good. It may be the fastest way to quell the labor movement at home."

Hearing His Majesty Eitel's words, Konstantin immediately grew anxious.

"But Your Majesty, what about your safety on the way back?"

Eitel did not answer Konstantin's question. Instead, he asked him, "Are the troops I'm taking back with me ready?"

At this, Konstantin lowered his head and answered His Majesty Eitel. "They are ready, Your Majesty. The two storm assault battalions and the field cavalry regiment have received emergency reinforcements and completed their preparations."

"They can leave with you at any time. But aren't these forces rather thin? I believe you should have a more comprehensive guard detail to ensure your safety."

Konstantin's words were filled with worry and earnestness. At that moment, no one was more concerned about the emperor's safety than he was.

"They're enough, Konstantin. I know you're worried about my safety, but I am an emperor from the battlefield."

"Have a little faith in me, all right?"

Hearing His Majesty Eitel's words, Konstantin bit his lower lip and could only withdraw helplessly.

"Yes, Your Majesty. As you command."

After persuading Chief of Staff Konstantin, Eitel turned to Guderian. The moment the emperor's gaze fell on him, Guderian straightened up, waiting for His Majesty Eitel's instructions.

"Your tactics appeal to me greatly, but as you heard, I don't have many troops at my disposal."

"If I give you one storm assault battalion, can you accomplish what you proposed before I return to Berlin?"

His Majesty Eitel's words pierced Guderian's heart like a knife.

After a brief moment of thought, Guderian looked at His Majesty Eitel with determination in his eyes.

"That will be enough, Your Majesty. I will accomplish the mission!"

Guderian's words pleased Eitel greatly. After patting his shoulder encouragingly, he said earnestly, "I believe in you. Don't let me down."

"But remember one thing: the navy's fighting strength must not be underestimated. If the situation becomes untenable, retreat to Berlin, and we'll work out a longer-term plan."

At this point, Eitel turned to look at all the officers present. "You are all future stars of the empire's military. Losing even one of you would pain me immensely."

"I hope you will put your own safety first in everything you do."

His Majesty Eitel's words were deeply engraved in the hearts of every officer present. This was the first time they had encountered a superior who cared so much about their safety.

He was also the first emperor to place such trust in them.

His Majesty Eitel's hand was still resting on Guderian's shoulder, and he keenly felt its warmth and weight.

A tear rolled in his eye.

Seeing Guderian like this, Eitel could not help laughing as he scolded him. "This little thing is enough to move you all?"

"I still have plenty of work to squeeze out of you in the future."

Guderian raised his sleeve and wiped the corner of his eye, then declared spiritedly, "Everything for His Majesty the Emperor!"

After Guderian finished speaking, all the officers present called out in unison, "For His Majesty the Emperor! For the great German Empire!"

Eitel smiled with satisfaction. He knew that, at this moment, he had completely won over these future stars of the empire's military.

This scene was also captured by an accompanying war correspondent. In the future, this photograph would become the first meeting of the imperial generals that people throughout the German Empire, and even the world, would talk about with the greatest relish!

The next day.

His Majesty Eitel had barely stepped out of his quarters when he saw something that sent his blood pressure soaring.

Rommel, Guderian, and Manstein were sitting on a motorcycle, racing over the uneven trenches as though no one else were around.

Whenever the motorcycle's wheels struck a stone, the vehicle jolted upward, but none of the three felt afraid.

Instead, they cheered with ever-growing excitement.

Watching the three having such fun, His Majesty Eitel's vision went black.

He asked Konstantin, who had likewise just stepped outside beside him, for a blood pressure pill.

Although he knew that later generations would call this scene the Second German Reich version of "The Three of Us," seeing it now still made his heart pound with alarm.

After all, if anything happened to these three here, it would be a devastating blow to the empire.

At this thought, Eitel took a deep breath.

"You three! Stop right now!"

Hearing His Majesty Eitel's furious shout, all three immediately looked flustered.

After hurriedly stopping the motorcycle, the three stood obediently in front of it like children being punished, waiting for His Majesty's reprimand.

Eitel walked up to them, looking thoroughly displeased. "You three have plenty of time on your hands."

Guderian's expression changed, and he immediately tried to defend himself. "It's all Manstein's fault. He was the one who called us out for a ride."

Hearing Guderian's words, Eitel's expression darkened. "You still dare make excuses? Since you three clearly have so much free time, there's no need to consider anyone besides Guderian."

"You three will be coming home with me this time!"

"Go pack your things right now and get back out here!"

To Eitel's surprise, after hearing his words, the three were not upset at all. Instead, they let out a couple of happy cheers.

It was as though returning home with him were a leisurely vacation.

Seeing their reaction, Eitel raised his boot and gave Manstein a hard kick in the backside.

"Time waits for no one. Hurry!"

Then Konstantin and Eitel watched the three skip off toward their quarters.

Only after the three had disappeared from view did Konstantin cautiously speak. "Your Majesty, will putting those three together cause any problems?"

Only then did a faint smile appear on Eitel's face.

"No. I trust that they know what they're doing. Konstantin, do you believe it?"

"They will surely become the empire's shining stars in the future..."