Chapter 2: Eat and Die
"If Germany can defeat Britain and France in this war, perhaps everything could change. But it will be far too difficult for Germany to win!" Prince Oscar murmured to the quietly flowing Havel River¹.
Just thinking about this filled him with a deep sense of helplessness. He wanted to contribute to Germany's future victories against powerful enemies.
However, he was only the fifth son of Kaiser Wilhelm II². He had four older brothers: the eldest was the crown prince of the empire, while the second son and a younger sister were both more favored by Wilhelm II than he was. Among all the children of Wilhelm II, Prince Oscar was almost a dispensable figure. This made it impossible for him to influence Germany's hegemony, no matter how much he desired to.
According to historical trajectory, he would be sent to the Kiel Naval Academy³, study for a few years, and then serve in the navy. As a low-ranking officer, he would have almost no future. When the war broke out and Germany was defeated, the royal family would have to leave Germany and live in exile in the Netherlands. Even these distinguished princes would be stripped of their ceremonial privileges, living a modest existence until they died in humiliation.
"No, I cannot live like this. I cannot simply eat and wait to die. Otherwise, I will regret it for the rest of my life. Besides, God made me reborn in Germany at this time, and I refuse to live so mediocrely," Prince Oscar swore silently.
"There are still ten years left. If I prepare carefully, will Germany still have a chance to recover?" he asked himself.
Time was crucial, both for Germany and for himself. Preparation for the coming war would take years. Especially for Prince Oscar, gaining the Kaiser's attention and contributing to Germany's strength would not be easy.
"You cannot waste time in the Kiel Naval Academy. Four years are enough to accomplish many things. For example, to amass wealth," he thought secretly.
Developing armaments and building tanks and warships required enormous funds. A battleship could cost tens of millions of marks. Even a first-class dreadnought of the German Navy, such as the Nassau-class battleship⁴, cost around 40 million marks. Given the limited budget of the German Navy, competing with the British fleet in numbers was virtually impossible. If Prince Oscar could amass wealth, he could potentially support Germany's naval development, possibly altering the course of history.
As a military enthusiast, Prince Oscar had deeply studied the warships of various nations during World War I, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each country's fleet. Such foresight would be a tremendous advantage for Germany—but only if he could acquire influence and resources. At sixteen years old, this was no easy task, especially as he had never been favored by Wilhelm II.
"Your Highness, His Majesty requests your presence immediately!" a young palace attendant announced.
"Very well, Carl. I'll go right away," Prince Oscar said, standing up.
This attendant was Carl von Jonneret, whose family had long served the royal family. His father, Essen von Jonneret, had been a steward to Kaiser Wilhelm II, and Carl's elder brother headed the crown prince's bodyguard. Being of similar age, Carl and Prince Oscar shared a good relationship.
"Do you know why His Majesty wants to see me?" Prince Oscar asked.
"I do not know, but Rear Admiral Ludwig Birkenhagen⁵ has just left His Majesty's office," Carl replied.
Prince Oscar nodded, having a strong suspicion of what awaited him.
Rear Admiral Ludwig Birkenhagen, dean of the Kiel Naval Academy, had trained countless naval officers and was highly valued by Wilhelm II. When the Kaiser emphasized naval expansion, he naturally expected his children to enter the academy and contribute to the navy's strength.
Among Wilhelm II's sons, the eldest, Crown Prince William, was twenty-two and already involved in state affairs. The second son, Prince Ethel Friedrich, was twenty-one and serving in the army. The third son, Prince Albert, was about to graduate from the Army Academy and join the Guards, while the fourth son, Prince August Wilhelm, had just entered the Army Academy.
Thus, Wilhelm II's hopes for contributing to a powerful navy fell mainly on Prince Oscar and the youngest son, Prince Joachim.
"No matter what, I cannot waste four years in the Naval Academy!" Prince Oscar resolved, then walked to Wilhelm II's office.
Upon entering, he saw not only Wilhelm II but also Crown Prince William. The Kaiser's face was flushed, and he seemed to be in a good mood.
Prince Oscar realized Wilhelm II had been in high spirits recently. Japan and Russia were engaged in a fierce war for influence in the Far East, with Russia currently disadvantaged. This naturally pleased Wilhelm II, as it weakened Germany's potential adversary in future conflicts.
Russia, allied with France, posed a significant threat to Germany. Wilhelm II hoped Russia would suffer setbacks, which could shift future balances in Germany's favor.
As Prince Oscar entered, he overheard discussions of the situation at **Port Arthur (Lushun)**⁶. The Japanese army had completed their assault, and the Russian Pacific Fleet was blocked in port. If Lushun fell, Russia would suffer heavy losses.
"Father, Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince!" Prince Oscar saluted both men.
"Ah, Oscar, you're here," Wilhelm II said. Though this son did not please him, he remained hopeful that he could become a competent contributor rather than merely a prince who "eats and waits to die."
"Oscar, I have already arranged with Dean Ludwig Birkenhagen. In half a month, you are to report to the Kiel Naval Academy. I hope you study hard and become an excellent naval talent!" Wilhelm II said with expectation.
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Historical Notes
1. Havel River, Potsdam – Potsdam was the residence of the German Kaiser near Berlin; the Havel River runs through it.
2. Kaiser Wilhelm II (1859–1941) – The last Emperor of Germany (1888–1918), known for naval expansion and political ambition.
3. Kiel Naval Academy – Founded in 1872, this academy trained officers for the German Imperial Navy; highly prestigious.
4. Nassau-class battleships – Germany's first class of dreadnoughts (commissioned 1908–1910), representing its naval expansion program.
5. Ludwig Birkenhagen – Historical figure serving in the German Navy; here depicted as dean for narrative purposes.
6. Lushun (Port Arthur) – Site of the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905), where Japan blockaded the Russian fleet.