Chapter 45 Conversation
Arthur's discussion with Wilhelm II had gone smoothly, which significantly lifted his spirits after the emotional weight of Queen Victoria's critical condition.
It was clear the queen wouldn't last more than a few days. No matter how deep Arthur's affection for her was, he had to begin planning for Australia's future.
Without Queen Victoria's protection and support, Britain's backing would effectively disappear.
Although Crown Prince Edward maintained a seemingly cordial relationship with Arthur, he would never go out of his way to help Arthur or support Australia's rise.
Arthur indeed held compromising evidence against Edward, but exposing it would not only devastate Edward's position and reputation—it would shake the prestige of the British monarchy and, by extension, the monarchies of other nations.
As a member of the British royal family, Arthur shared in its glory and downfall. If the monarchy's reputation suffered, his own legitimacy as monarch of Australia could be undermined.
Though monarchy was still the dominant political structure across Europe, the rise of liberalism and democracy had already begun to challenge its foundations.
Rather than exposing the evidence, it was far wiser for Arthur to use it as leverage to extract benefits from Edward.
But doing so would naturally set him at odds with Edward. While it might not lead to an outright break with the British Empire, any close cooperation with Britain under Edward's reign would become unlikely.
Having both achieved satisfactory outcomes, Wilhelm II and Arthur enjoyed the beauty of the Isle of Wight even more. Its already picturesque landscape seemed all the more vibrant.
"Arthur, what's your view on the current European situation?" Wilhelm II suddenly asked as they walked back to the estate. "The lines have been clearly drawn. Do you favor our Triple Alliance or the so-called St. Petersburg Military Accord between France and Russia?"
"The situation in Europe?" Arthur paused briefly before replying. "Given the current standoff, I think both military blocs are fairly balanced. France and Russia have vast territories and populations, while Germany boasts a powerful army and advanced industry. In a short war, I believe Germany holds the advantage. But if the war drags on, that edge may shift to France and Russia."
That was, in fact, how history had played out. Germany had performed well in the early stages of the war, but once it turned into a prolonged conflict, it couldn't compete with the combined resources of Britain, France, and Russia—nations with larger populations and land.
Especially once maritime supply lines were cut, even Germany's massive industrial base would stall due to a lack of raw materials.
"Hahaha, Arthur, you underestimate one thing: the might of the great Junker aristocracy and the German army. No matter how vast France and Russia may be, they cannot withstand Germany's relentless assaults. Once war breaks out, every German soldier is confident—we will, just like in the last Franco-Prussian War, storm Paris and end the war swiftly," Wilhelm II laughed, dismissing Arthur's assessment.
He was referring to the war that had led to the founding of the German Empire—the famous Franco-Prussian War.
That conflict had begun with France's provocation, but within two months, Napoleon III had surrendered. Even after the French launched a revolution and continued resistance, German forces overran Paris, forcing the new government to sign a humiliating peace treaty.
The war shattered the Second French Empire and birthed the Third Republic. Germany regained Alsace and Lorraine—regions rich in coal—and demanded massive reparations, setting France back significantly during the Second Industrial Revolution and ending its dominance in central and western Europe.
This victory was the source of Wilhelm II's confidence. If German troops could storm Paris decades ago, why couldn't they do it again—especially now that Germany was even stronger?
Wilhelm's childhood physical disability had given him a mix of inferiority and arrogance. After ousting the Iron Chancellor Bismarck, Wilhelm gained enormous influence over German politics.
All of Germany dreamed of repeating the quick victory over France. Who would have thought that the next war would last years and ultimately destroy the mighty German Empire?
"Perhaps you're right, Cousin Wilhelm," Arthur replied. "But both France and Russia, taken individually, are regional powers. Aside from Germany, the only other major power in the Triple Alliance is Austria-Hungary. I'm not too optimistic about Italy's performance. It has territorial disputes with Austria-Hungary, which are often masked by its larger conflict with France. But who's to say France won't make concessions to buy Italy's loyalty?"
Arthur's words weren't meant to express support for the Allies. A prolonged and brutal European war would be beneficial to Australia as well.
The true turning point in the war wouldn't come until the United States decided to intervene. Until then, both blocs would trade victories, and the war would remain relatively balanced.
So why couldn't Australia be the one to tip the scales? If given ten years to develop, Arthur was confident he could build a powerful industrial base—perhaps even enough to influence the course of the war.
A neutral country and a victorious one occupy vastly different positions in the post-war world. And with so much money to be made during the conflict, why should only the old colonial powers profit? Why couldn't Australia share in the spoils?
"Perhaps," Wilhelm replied. "But we don't expect much from Italy. As long as they stay neutral and don't side with France and Russia, Germany is confident we can crush France quickly and end the war decisively."
As someone deeply self-assured and obsessed with victory, Wilhelm II was not the kind to be easily swayed by Arthur's logic.
But Arthur had no intention of changing Wilhelm's mind. What mattered now—for both him and Australia—was how to extract maximum benefit from the two rival alliances and accelerate Australia's rise.
(End of Chapter)
Friends, if you enjoyed the novel, you can subscribe to my Patreon channel.
Until November 30st, get 30% off both your subscription and the purchase of your novel. Thank you for your support.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Kira1997