Chapter 3: Emperor's Wrath
Prince Oscar looked at William II, the majestic middle-aged man with a faint trace of kindness, who was ambitious yet sometimes reckless. William II was somewhat headstrong and conceited, but there was no denying that he was an outstanding monarch[1].
William II's ambitions ultimately ended in failure, primarily because his opponents were too strong. Although Germany was emerging as a power, it faced established nations such as Britain and France. Meanwhile, the rising power of the United States intervened at critical moments, making victory impossible for Germany[2].
Oscar knew that William II was a man of his word, and it was difficult for anyone to change his decisions.
However, Oscar did not want to waste four years at the Kiel Naval Academy. Four years was enough to accomplish many things, including accumulating wealth. Even if Germany still eventually faced defeat, Oscar could at least ensure his own financial security.
Therefore, he had to reject William II's orders. He understood the risks—anger the Kaiser, and he could face severe repercussions. But at that moment, Oscar could not care so much.
"Father, I don't want to go to the Kiel Naval Academy!" Oscar said calmly.
"Hmm?" William II frowned, visibly surprised.
Among European monarchs, the German Emperor wielded immense power. While it could not compare to the authority of the other historical Emperor's, it was still supreme. Within the royal family, no one could openly defy his will[3].
Perhaps William II did not expect Oscar to speak so boldly, leaving him momentarily stunned.
Crown Prince Wilhelm, standing nearby, froze mid-smile. Yet a faint smile eventually appeared on his lips.
As the heir to the throne of the German Empire, Crown Prince Wilhelm hoped all his younger brothers would be mediocre and incompetent. In that case, he could shine by comparison, securing his throne without worry. The likelihood of a challenge was low unless he died young or Germany perished; otherwise, his succession was almost guaranteed[4].
"This idiot dares to defy his royal father. He simply doesn't know how to survive," Crown Prince Wilhelm muttered with satisfaction.
Though he looked down on Oscar, he felt relief: this younger brother posed no threat to his future. To step on Oscar and ensure he never rose was a comforting thought.
"Oscar, what are you thinking? This is your royal father's arrangement for your future. How can you refuse? By saying this, you completely fail the trust he placed in you," the Crown Prince admonished, as if Oscar had committed a grave crime.
A trace of displeasure crossed William II's face, but he quickly masked it and gestured for his son to stop speaking.
"Oscar, do you have any alternative plan? If you truly do not want the Kiel Naval Academy, perhaps the Army Academy would suit you better," William II asked[5].
Members of the German royal family were expected to serve militarily, either in the army or the navy, as a demonstration of loyalty to the empire. This service ensured that the people saw the royal family actively defending Germany's interests.
Under William II's gaze, Oscar felt immense pressure.
"Father, I don't want to attend any academy. I want to pursue my own path," Oscar declared boldly.
The reaction was immediate. William II's face burned with anger, and Oscar could clearly see the disappointment in his father's eyes. To William II, Oscar appeared lazy, unmotivated, and shirking his duty.
After recovering from his initial shock, Crown Prince Wilhelm quietly rejoiced. He had not expected Oscar to be so self-willed and wayward. Now he could almost be certain that Oscar would never pose a threat.
"This one truly has no hope. But that is fortunate for me. For the sake of our brothers, I shall kindly aid him when he falls into poverty," the Crown Prince whispered with a hint of amusement.
"Oscar, what are you thinking? You are a prince of the German Empire, a direct member of the Hohenzollern family. Do you wish to bring shame upon the great Hohenzollern lineage?" William II's voice thundered.
"All your brothers have entered the military or are about to. As a member of the royal family, it is your destiny to fight for Germany. Yet you act so cowardly that you disgrace the royal house," the Kaiser continued, trembling with fury[6].
Oscar opened his mouth to explain but remained silent. He could not tell William II that, given Germany's trajectory, no matter how much preparation it made, it could not hope to defeat Britain, France, and the United States. Any such warning would be dismissed as the ramblings of a lunatic.
Furthermore, revealing that Prince Oscar's body was inhabited by another soul could result in death at the Kaiser's hands.
"Oscar, leave your room immediately! I don't care what you think. You must report to the Kiel Naval Academy in one week. Even if you are a fool, you will remain there for four years. During this period, you are forbidden to return to the palace without my permission!" William II commanded, fury clear in every word.
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Historical Notes
1. Potsdam and the Havel River: Potsdam was a major royal residence city for the German Kaisers, with the Sanssouci Palace as the primary summer residence.
2. Germany and the emerging U.S.: In the early 20th century, Germany was expanding militarily but faced established European powers and a rising U.S. influence in global politics.
3. Power of the German Emperor: Wilhelm II held significant centralized authority, and the German royal family's members were expected to comply with imperial decisions.
4. Crown Prince Wilhelm: Wilhelm, the eldest son of Kaiser Wilhelm II, was the heir apparent and largely groomed for leadership.
5. Military service of princes: Members of the Hohenzollern family were traditionally required to serve in the army or navy to demonstrate loyalty and gain public approval.
6. German military ambitions: Wilhelm II sought to expand Germany's navy, but strategic and financial limitations, along with Britain's naval superiority, made German dominance extremely difficult.