When Admiral Chigwell heard this, he said to Chamberlain: "What's the big deal? You can assign someone to keep an eye on him the whole time. As long as he doesn't enter the most sensitive areas, what harm is there if he walks around Scapa Flow?"
Indeed, in a world where intelligence and espionage networks are highly valued, many spies and intelligence organizations from various countries are hidden in every nation. Once news of the opening of a naval base becomes public, it is bound to attract attention. Covert agents will try to infiltrate Scapa Flow to gather information.
People like this German colonel, who voluntarily disclosed their military identity, are the least threatening and the easiest to manage. The real challenge comes from spies hidden in the shadows.
After hearing Chigwell's statement, the British government quickly approved Mainz and his group's request to visit.
Mainz breathed a sigh of relief. Openly revealing his identity as a German officer on British soil was still very risky. Had he been in France, he might have been killed outright!
Britain, historically pragmatic, did not harbor deep hatred for other European nations. European countries often stirred trouble among themselves, but Britain maintained a pragmatic approach. During the Napoleonic Wars, Britain had strongly supported the Prussian army under General Blücher, joining the anti-French coalition to overthrow Napoleon.
Believing that there is no eternal friendship between nations, only eternal interests, Britain's attitude toward other countries is pragmatic—very different from continental European powers.
Even so, Mainz exposing his identity carried considerable risk. The First World War had just ended; millions of soldiers had been killed or wounded, and countless families had lost loved ones. If Mainz were recognized, he could be ambushed by someone seeking vengeance, much like the Sarajevo assassination scenario.
However, he had to act because the system had just released a new mission:
[System Prompt: Side Quest "Imperial Army Soul" is now available for a limited time. Check it out immediately!]
This was the first side quest Mainz had received; previous quests had all been main missions, so it felt novel.
[Mission Description: On June 21, 1919, the German High Seas Fleet, representing decades of effort by the German Empire, was sunk in Scapa Flow. The fleet's steel giants lie at the bottom of the sea, silently observing the era. Only the ocean hears their anger. They await their homeland's descendants to perform a ceremonial tribute to calm their spirits.**]
[Mission Requirements: The host must enter Scapa Flow as a German Imperial soldier on the opening day and complete the memorial ceremony for the High Seas Fleet.**]
[Reward: Obtain a full set of blueprints for the Bismarck-class battleship, the strongest battleship of the Third Reich.**]
To be honest, the task description was confusing, and the mission requirements were vague—but the reward was tempting: a full set of Bismarck-class battleship blueprints!
Though the Bismarck-class battleships were limited in number and the German navy could not reverse the fate of the Reich during World War II, the Bismarck's performance in the Atlantic was legendary. Firing a single round that damaged the battlecruiser Hood, forcing the battleship Prince of Wales to retreat, and surviving torpedo attacks showcased her formidable design. Ultimately, only the crew opening the sea valves caused her sinking. In naval history, the Bismarck is an iconic vessel.
Publicly paying tribute to the High Seas Fleet would also benefit Mainz politically, increasing his visibility and reputation. At this moment, few would dare such a public gesture, so those who did would be remembered, building political capital for the future.
Thinking of this, Mainz had no reason to refuse the task.
"Mission accepted!"
A week later, on the opening day of Scapa Flow, Mainz wore the uniform of a colonel in the German Imperial Army, perfectly polished. Knowing reporters might track or photograph him, he even prepared his hair in advance. After all, this was a rare opportunity to display the dignity of an Imperial soldier—he could not let it pass.