The German Emperor's Power Is Unlimited

At noon that day, when the heads of the Krupp Company and Rheinmetall walked out through the doors of the Reichstag building, their faces no longer looked so grave.

Looking at the sky outside, they felt that even the sun overhead had grown brighter.

"As expected of His Majesty. He resolved this problem so easily."

Gustav spoke with feeling, while Ehrhardt beside him also looked relieved.

Compared with the Krupp Company, with its Junker aristocratic background, he faced greater pressure as the head of Rheinmetall.

Under such complicated circumstances, he, who had never dared to take sides lightly, had grown even more anxious.

He had feared that under the treaty's restrictions, his Rheinmetall would cease to exist.

But now, with His Majesty having pointed out a clear path for them, he believed their company would soon be able to shine and burn for the empire once more.

Moreover, judging by His Majesty's attitude today, he did not seem particularly willing to accept the Treaty of Versailles.

So it was quite possible that once the German Empire caught its breath, His Majesty might launch another war.

At this thought, Ehrhardt turned to Gustav beside him. "Sir, we must continue working closely together."

"According to His Majesty, there will still be many places where we are needed in the future."

Gustav nodded in full agreement, though compared with Ehrhardt, his face also held a trace of excitement.

As a Junker aristocrat, he looked forward to war even more than the others present, and looked forward all the more to the weapons his company developed playing a major role on the battlefield.

"For the German Empire, for His Majesty."

Hearing Gustav say this, Ehrhardt's face also filled with resolve. "For the German Empire, for His Majesty."

After speaking, the two shook hands, then got into their respective cars and returned to their residences.

Next, they would follow His Majesty's instructions to convert military production to civilian use and establish subsidiaries.

Meanwhile, in the conference room, Eitel looked at Field Marshal Hindenburg before him with a thoroughly pained expression.

"Your Majesty, I still believe I can continue serving as field marshal. As for the post of headmaster of the Prussia War Academy, please find someone else."

Hindenburg stood before His Majesty Eitel, looking at him earnestly.

Eitel frowned. "What is it? Do you think the headmaster's post is beneath you?"

"You must understand that our task now is to prioritize the German Empire's development."

"You cannot simply refuse to go because you do not want to."

Eitel's words were utterly firm, and upon hearing them, Hindenburg's face fell completely.

"But Your Majesty, I truly do not know how to teach and nurture students. Though I have fought wars my whole life, asking me to teach..."

"You might as well let me retire to the countryside."

As he spoke, Field Marshal Hindenburg pulled out a chair on the spot and sat down.

Seeing Field Marshal Hindenburg act shamelessly at his advanced age, Eitel laughed in exasperation. He pushed his chair back a little and leaned against its backrest.

"That is true. After all, you are already over seventy, and your lifetime of hard work and achievements deserves recognition."

"Forget retiring to the countryside. You can step down from your posts right here and remain in Berlin for your retirement."

"From now on, the imperial household will take responsibility for your living arrangements."

Eitel calmly announced his decision regarding Field Marshal Hindenburg, but the moment Hindenburg heard His Majesty Eitel's decision, his eyes widened.

This script was wrong. This was not how the story was supposed to go.

His Majesty Eitel should first earnestly persuade him, and then he would demur a little.

Finally, at His Majesty Eitel's gracious invitation, he would take office as headmaster of the Prussia War Academy while remaining an imperial field marshal.

Backwater officialdom did not work like this at all. He would not accept it!

But now, seeing the unquestionable expression on His Majesty Eitel's face, it no longer seemed to be his decision to make.

Field Marshal Hindenburg could only hurry to his feet with a smile. "Your Majesty, I think we can still discuss this further. You see, I have been doing quite a good job lately."

"Surely you would not want to lose such a capable right-hand man as me. How about this? I will accept every decision you make."

"Whether you send me to teach and nurture students or arrange the army's demobilization, I will do my utmost to carry it all out properly."

Looking at Hindenburg's faintly ingratiating expression, Eitel smiled. "Wouldn't it have been better to say that from the start? Rest assured, I will arrange an honorary field marshal's position for you."

"Then prepare to take up your post at the Prussia War Academy in three days."

Field Marshal Hindenburg still wanted to say something, but Eitel picked up the documents on the desk and began reading.

He looked as though he would not listen to anything Field Marshal Hindenburg said.

Suppressing a smile, Chancellor Max walked over to Field Marshal Hindenburg. "His Majesty has affairs of state to attend to. Shouldn't the honorary... field marshal go and make his preparations as well?"

Chancellor Max spoke evenly, but paused while saying "honorary field marshal," as though mocking Hindenburg.

At this, Field Marshal Hindenburg glared at Chancellor Max, then turned and left.

Only after Field Marshal Hindenburg had left did Eitel raise his head.

"Feeling rather pleased with yourself?"

There was a hint of teasing in Eitel's words.

Hearing His Majesty Eitel say this, Chancellor Max immediately restored his calm expression and looked earnestly at Eitel. "No, Your Majesty. I believe you did exactly the right thing."

"Then, regarding what comes next, your intention is..."

Max had discerned the meaning behind Eitel's words, but he was not certain.

Eitel also understood that Max had grasped his meaning. After a moment's thought, he said, "Chancellor Max, you should understand what the position of Germany's emperor means."

"I do, Your Majesty. The German Empire was founded through military might, and the German emperor holds both military and political power."

"So you intend to reclaim the military authority in Field Marshal Hindenburg's hands, to ensure that the empire operates according to your will in the most efficient manner."

Max stated this earnestly, and Eitel nodded in agreement as he listened.

"Exactly. As emperor of the German Empire, I must ensure that the empire operates as efficiently as possible."

"From now on, I must ensure that the empire makes no missteps, so that the German Empire can return to its peak."

At this point, Eitel stood and looked out the window. "The burden is heavy, and the road is long."

Chancellor Max looked reverently at His Majesty Eitel standing by the window. "Your Majesty is wise indeed. I believe that under your leadership, the German Empire will surely return to glory."

Listening to Chancellor Max's flattery, Eitel felt not a single ripple in his heart.

At this scene, he could not help recalling a line from his previous life.

"I have walked this entire road as though treading on thin ice. Tell me, can I reach the other shore?"

"What?"

Hearing this sudden, disconnected remark from His Majesty Eitel, Chancellor Max looked faintly puzzled.

"Nothing. Go and get President Wilson on the telephone for me. I still have some matters to discuss with him."

"Yes, Your Majesty."