"Donate a battleship?" Dean Ludwig Birkenhagen was stunned.
A battleship! The cost of such a vessel was tens of millions of marks. Even princes of the royal family, despite receiving fixed dividends from their estates, could not afford to finance the construction of a battleship independently[1].
"Your Highness, are you joking?" Dean Ludwig Birkenhagen's face was serious. Known for his staid and disciplined personality, he initially thought Oscar was simply whimsical, writing a blank check to achieve personal goals. In German eyes, this was a very serious matter—especially considering Oscar's status as a royal prince.
"Your Excellency, Dean, I am not joking. I know my current wealth is far from sufficient to build a battleship. However, over the next four years, I will earn the necessary funds. I swear by God, I am completely serious; I am not speaking lightly," Oscar said earnestly.
Dean Ludwig Birkenhagen remained silent. He could not understand where Oscar's confidence came from. Judging from decades of life experience, completing such a task would be extremely difficult. Yet Oscar's self-assurance suggested that a miracle might indeed occur[2].
"Your Excellency, compared to a battleship, it doesn't matter whether I attend the Naval Academy or not. If I can fulfill my promise and provide a battleship, it will be an immense boon for the German Navy. Even if I fail, the Academy loses nothing," Oscar added quickly, noticing that the dean seemed intrigued.
Dean Ludwig Birkenhagen nodded, though he considered the chances slim. Nevertheless, the potential benefits for the German Navy were enormous. Even if Oscar was exaggerating, his independence and determination had no negative impact on the Academy.
"Very well, Your Highness, I accept your conditions. But you must demonstrate progress within two years. Otherwise, you will return to the Academy and complete your remaining courses honestly," the dean stipulated. This would allow some compensation if Oscar's promise proved empty.
"Understood, Your Excellency Dean," Oscar nodded, ecstatic that the dean had granted him the necessary freedom to pursue his plan.
Oscar and Karl then bid farewell to Dean Ludwig Birkenhagen and left the Naval Academy.
Standing by the window, watching them leave, the dean muttered, "This prince is certainly unusual. Is he a genius or a fool? If he truly donates a battleship within four years, I will be grateful for today's decision."
The dean then sent a telegram to Wilhelm II, explaining Oscar's plan and the conditions under which he had granted permission. He also sought the Kaiser's understanding for his own initiative[3]. In his heart, he hoped Oscar could succeed, as it would greatly benefit both the German Navy and the empire.
"Your Highness, do you truly intend to donate a battleship to the Navy within four years?" Karl asked as they rode the train back to Potsdam. As Oscar's close companion, he knew the extent of Oscar's wealth. Though substantial, it was far from enough to fund a battleship. He questioned whether this was a wise decision.
"Don't worry, Karl. I have a plan. My current resources are insufficient, but I will acquire enough soon. From now on, we must work diligently to earn money. I have no intention of breaking my promise," Oscar replied confidently.
If Oscar failed, Dean Ludwig Birkenhagen would undoubtedly be disappointed, and he risked offending the entire navy. After all, how could he appear to be deceiving the German Navy?
As for Wilhelm II, he would be completely disappointed, possibly even outraged enough to expel Oscar from the Hohenzollern family.
While Oscar and Karl traveled back, Wilhelm II had already received the dean's telegram. After reading it, the Kaiser's brow furrowed tightly. He disliked those who only boasted without acting—Oscar had already been classified as such.
"Hmph! Oscar is overconfident. Does he think himself a business genius while everyone else is foolish? If making money were this easy, wouldn't the entire nation be wealthy?" Wilhelm II exclaimed angrily[4].
"Your Majesty, His Royal Highness wishes to attempt it. Dean Birkenhagen's plan is prudent. Even if Oscar fails, he must return to the Naval Academy in two years. If he succeeds, it would be a great boon for the Navy and the empire," Essen von Jonneret, the Kaiser's steward, explained.
Wilhelm II respected capable businessmen, but he preferred that his sons pursue military careers, as soldiers were considered true talents.
"Very well. I shall watch what tricks this young man employs over the next few years. If he fails to fulfill his promise, he will lose his title, be removed from the Hohenzollern family, and forfeit all privileges," Wilhelm II declared coldly.
The Kaiser was clearly disappointed. From his perspective, Oscar had used the plan as a pretext to avoid studying at the Naval Academy, indulging his own whims. To Wilhelm II, such a person was unworthy of being a prince of the German Empire.
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Historical Notes
1. Cost of battleships: German dreadnoughts in the early 20th century, such as the Nassau-class, cost tens of millions of marks, reflecting massive industrial investment.
2. Dean Ludwig Birkenhagen: As a high-ranking naval officer and educator at Kiel Naval Academy, he trained many officers for the Imperial German Navy.
3. Kaiser Wilhelm II: Known for his emphasis on naval expansion, Wilhelm II closely monitored his children's military education and naval involvement.
4. Hohenzollern family expectations: German princes were expected to serve militarily, reflecting both dynastic tradition and public propaganda showcasing loyalty to the empire.