I had a dream

Seven days later, a line of officers who looked sharp and capable stood before Eitel. Konstantin stood beside him, introducing His Majesty Eitel to these young commanders who had yet to make their names.

Among the young officers, Manstein's background immediately caught Eitel's eye.

Although Manstein was only a captain at present, his father and grandfather were both generals of the empire, and even his elder brother was a battle-hardened major general.

Looking at that string of von names, Eitel could not help reflecting that this was a true Junker aristocratic officer.

Facing His Majesty Eitel, who had resolutely become emperor of the German Empire and taken up its banner while the empire teetered in turmoil.

All the officers present could not help feeling a little nervous. After all, their service records seemed rather unimpressive against the backdrop of the entire Great War, even though they had reached positions at a young age that many soldiers would never attain in their lifetimes.

But before this emperor of the German Empire, the commander-in-chief of the Fifth Army, they still seemed rather too insignificant.

Just as they were wondering what about them had caught the eye of this newly enthroned emperor.

Eitel spoke. "You are all outstanding members of the empire's younger generation. My main purpose in summoning you here today is to transfer you into the army under my direct command, the Fifth Army."

"I imagine you all have some sense that we can no longer keep fighting this war. Rebellion is rising in the rear, while the Allied armies eye us hungrily at the front."

"In the end, our German Empire has only one path open to it: peace negotiations."

At this point, Eitel took a deep breath and looked at Rommel. "Staff Officer Rommel, it has been some time since you were transferred to a staff position. Tell us about the current situation."

Rommel had been listening carefully. Suddenly addressed by His Majesty Eitel, he jolted, straightened his legs, raised his head, and thrust out his chest. "Yes, Your Majesty!"

With that, he began to think.

Although I don't know why His Majesty has summoned us, this must be my first test. I must satisfy His Majesty to pass it and have a chance to advance further in the future.

As these thoughts ran through his mind, Rommel kept speaking, beginning a detailed analysis of the current situation.

"Although we have now entered a standoff with the Allied troops along the Hindenburg Line, our logistical supply situation is far from encouraging. It will be difficult to sustain prolonged operations."

"This is connected to the increasingly intense workers' movement at home. The revolution in Russia has shown them a glimmer of hope, but they do not know what fate their actions will bring upon the German Empire."

"So our current priority should be maintaining the standoff, with suppressing rebellion at home as a secondary task."

As he spoke, Rommel glanced at Eitel. Only after seeing no sign of displeasure did he let out a long breath and continue.

"I predict that peace negotiations will come soon. Although I do not know what terms the Allies will offer, I believe they will certainly be unfavorable to our German Empire."

"And domestic pressure will force us to agree to negotiations. How many bargaining chips we have at the negotiating table will depend on our actions."

As Rommel finished, a bead of cold sweat trickled down his forehead. In truth, if this emperor of Germany was a warmonger, these words might provoke his fury.

But he had reasons that compelled him to speak. If he spoke, their German Empire might still have a slim chance of survival. If he did not, the pressure they would face might be unprecedented.

The terms of this peace settlement might even crush the entire German Empire until it had no room left to survive.

Just as Rommel nervously closed his eyes and waited for His Majesty's judgment, a warm hand patted his shoulder.

Opening his eyes in confusion, Rommel saw His Majesty Eitel looking at him with approval.

"Good. You have indeed lived up to my expectations."

"Staff Officer Rommel is right. This is the greatest problem facing us at present."

"You may not know this, but I am about to return home to quell the workers' movement."

Eitel withdrew his hand, walked back to the table, and pointed to Berlin on the map spread across it.

"Berlin is currently one of the areas with the most frequent workers' activity in the country. My purpose in returning this time is to quell the workers' movement at home."

"To provide stronger support for our front lines. At the same time, the Ruhr Industrial Region."

As Eitel spoke, he moved his finger to several locations.

"Kiel, Hamburg, Bremen, Lübeck, and Wilhelmshaven all have workers' movements of varying intensity."

"In the port cities, the workers' movements are even connected to the navy. Every day their movements continue, the supply problems at the front will grow more severe."

"So we must pacify the home front as quickly as possible."

At this point, Manstein spoke. He stepped forward and saluted His Majesty Eitel. "Forgive my bluntness, Your Majesty, but we may need a great many troops to quell this workers' movement. As far as I know, most of our forces are currently to be used to man the Hindenburg Line."

"Furthermore, bloody suppression may provoke resistance. At that point, the situation might begin moving beyond our control."

Manstein's words set all the officers present thinking.

Although Manstein was not yet the Marshal Manstein whose name would one day resound across Europe, such insight was indeed rare.

Moreover, the problem Manstein had raised was highly constructive. Whoever could devise a countermeasure first would receive more attention from His Majesty.

Seeing all the officers present lost in thought, Eitel was in no hurry to interrupt them. He simply sat down quietly and studied their faces.

Before long, Guderian suddenly spoke, drawing everyone's attention. "Your Majesty, I believe we should win through speed."

At Guderian's words, Eitel's eyes lit up, and he could not help leaning forward. "Elaborate."

With Eitel's approval, Guderian began slowly. "I believe our greatest source of pressure is primarily those naval personnel colluding with the workers in the port cities."

"Your Majesty said just now that the main purpose of this return is to quell the workers' movement in Berlin first."

"Then we can feint east and strike west. Your Majesty can lead part of the army back to Berlin, while I lead another force ahead to Wilhelmshaven, Lübeck, and other locations to seize the naval personnel's weapons."

"Forgive my bluntness, but aside from those naval personnel, the workers are of no consequence. If I can take those places before Your Majesty returns to Berlin, the workers' movements throughout the empire will soon subside as well."

Guderian's words left all the officers present feeling a little shocked.

Even Eitel nodded. His Majesty Eitel looked at the still somewhat unseasoned Guderian before him, and through him seemed to glimpse the future tank superman, the father of Blitzkrieg, the illustrious General Guderian.

With these cornerstones of the empire, what fear was there that the empire would not flourish!