The Rise of German empire

King Wilhelm II sat in his throne, his expression solemn as the weight of the past decisions pressed upon him. After the recent developments, his mind was constantly turning over the events that had unfolded. Prince Oscar's battleship design, once dismissed by the Naval Technical Committee, had proven to be the key to Germany's future naval power. The Dreadnought had set a new standard, but now, with the construction of four new battleships based on Oscar's designs, Germany had a chance to bridge the gap with the British Navy. It was a bittersweet victory, but it was a victory nonetheless.

"Your Majesty," Marshal Earl Tirpitz spoke with respect, breaking the silence in the room. "I must admit that His Royal Highness Prince Oscar's talents in warship design have been proven to be extraordinary. Although we lost valuable time, there is still hope. If we act quickly, it is not impossible for us to close the gap with the British."

Wilhelm II nodded thoughtfully. Tirpitz, always a steadfast supporter of the Navy, had been one of the most vocal critics of the failed designs in the past. To hear him acknowledge Oscar's brilliance was a sign of how much had shifted. The stubbornness of the Naval Technical Committee, once a fortress of authority, had now crumbled before the undeniable truth of Oscar's vision.

"Yes," the Emperor agreed, his voice hard yet tempered with a hint of satisfaction. "It pleases me that even those who once opposed Prince Oscar have now seen the truth. I trust this will serve as a lesson that authority cannot stand above innovation. The Committee must never again think it knows the future of naval warfare better than those who are willing to challenge the status quo."

Count von Warren, the Chairman of the Naval Technical Committee, who had been the most vocal in dismissing Oscar's designs, now sat with his head lowered. The humiliation was evident, but the Emperor's decision to move forward without harsh repercussions was a small mercy. Though his committee had been criticized for its failure, the damage was not as severe as it could have been. Still, the influence of the Naval Technical Committee had been irrevocably weakened. The days of unquestioned authority were over.

"I will not pursue this matter any further," Wilhelm II continued, his tone firm. "But I expect all of you to learn from this. The damage done is not just to our Navy but to the entire Empire. If we do not act swiftly, we risk falling into a disadvantageous position in any future conflicts."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Count von Warren replied hastily, his voice tinged with relief. The weight of the Emperor's approval was heavy but welcomed.

Wilhelm II's gaze shifted to the matter at hand. "Now, there is something important I must inform you. After his design was rejected, Prince Oscar was not one to surrender to failure. He took matters into his own hands and purchased the Royal Shipyard, using his own personal fortune to expand it into a major facility. Since November of last year, he has been building the battleships he had originally designed. Four ships have already been constructed, all at his own expense. I have allowed this to proceed, as it is in the best interest of the Empire."

A murmur of surprise rippled through the room. The ministers knew that without the Emperor's tacit approval, Prince Oscar would not have had the resources or the ability to undertake such a monumental task. His purchase of the Royal Shipyard was an audacious move, but now it was clear that it had been a stroke of genius. These ships, built to Oscar's specifications, were no longer mere hopes for the future—they were tangible, ready to be integrated into the German Navy.

"Your Majesty," Marshal Count Tirpitz began, his voice measured but full of admiration, "It seems as though fate has smiled upon the Empire. Prince Oscar's persistence has given us the opportunity to close the gap with the British Navy. Since his shipyard has already constructed four new battleships, we should consider these as the next-level capital ships for the Navy. This would allow us to avoid the delay of redesigning and reordering new ships. The Navy can take over these ships, and I propose we pay Prince Oscar for them, at the appropriate cost."

The proposal was met with approval from the other ministers, though some of them exchanged uneasy glances. The shift in shipbuilding orders was a win for the Navy, but it was a significant blow to the other major shipyards, many of which had close ties to the Naval Technical Committee. Orders for battleships, especially capital ships, were a major source of revenue for these shipyards. Now, with Oscar's shipyard rapidly producing battleships, the other yards would likely lose out on these lucrative contracts.

Count von Warren opened his mouth to speak, but the words seemed to fail him. The embarrassment of the Committee's failure was still fresh, and there was no real argument he could make. The Navy's needs took precedence, and his committee had no leverage left after the debacle over Oscar's designs.

Marshal Tirpitz saw the hesitation and moved quickly to secure the Navy's interests. "Your Majesty, we must take advantage of this opportunity. The battleships under construction in Prince Oscar's shipyard will allow us to catch up with the British Navy more quickly than any redesign or delay. We should move forward without hesitation."

The ministers knew that the course was set. While the other shipyards would feel the impact, there was no turning back now. The Navy's priority was clear—these four ships would become the backbone of Germany's next naval push.

"I agree," Wilhelm II said with finality. "Tomorrow, Tirpitz, I want Prince Oscar here to sign a contract with the Navy. We will make these ships the foundation of the next generation of the Imperial Navy."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Tirpitz responded, his face now resolute.

The decision was made. The shipyards of Prince Oscar were now central to Germany's naval future. As the council began to disperse, there was a sense of cautious optimism in the air. The Navy was poised to take a significant step forward, but the true test lay ahead. Would these new ships, and the vision of Prince Oscar, be enough to bring Germany to the forefront of naval power? Only time would tell.

The news would soon spread, and the reputation of Prince Oscar, not just as a royal but as a shipbuilding genius, would solidify. His name would be forever linked with the future of Germany's naval dominance. The Emperor had made his choice, and now the wheels of history were set in motion.