The Rise of German empire

The eyes of Emperor William II and Marshal Count Tirpitz were locked onto the blueprint on Oscar's desk. As Oscar laid out the design of the new 'Nassau-class' battleship, both men were taken aback. While the design was not immediately shocking, it was clear that this was a formidable warship—more powerful than even the 'Nassau-class' battleship currently in service.

If the German Navy could bring such a battleship into operation, it would significantly bolster the Navy's strength. Oscar had already explained that the British Navy was working on only slight modifications of the 'Dreadnought' battleship, and with the 'Nassau-class' and the new battleships, Germany could close the gap. Even with the British Navy's numerical advantage, the German Navy would possess superior combat effectiveness, which could shift the balance in their favor.

"This is impressive, Oscar," said William II, nodding approvingly. "A battleship with such firepower, defense, and speed—it's exactly what we need to secure our future on the seas."

Oscar smiled but remained cautious. "Yes, Your Majesty. However, the real test will be in how we can fund such an endeavor."

At this, Marshal Count Tirpitz, who had been silently studying the blueprint, spoke up. "Your Highness, how much would one of these ships cost to build?" His concern was not just about the quality of the design but the reality of funding such an expensive project. Despite the significant loans he had secured from Oscar, the navy's budget was still tight, and every mark spent needed to be justified.

Oscar leaned forward and spoke plainly, "Around 60 million marks per ship."

The room fell silent. William II's expression shifted from satisfaction to worry, and Tirpitz's brow furrowed. Sixty million marks per ship was an astronomical sum. For a few battleships, the total cost could run into the billions, a staggering amount for any nation, let alone the already stretched budget of the German Empire.

"Sixty million per ship?" Tirpitz asked, his voice strained. "This price is far too high. The Navy cannot afford such extravagance. We have to be realistic about our capabilities."

Oscar didn't flinch. "I understand your concern, Your Excellency. But consider this: the 'Nassau-class' battleships, while capable, are already outdated. These new ships, although more expensive, will far outclass the British dreadnoughts. With them, we could easily surpass the British Navy in combat effectiveness. The British may have quantity, but we would have the edge in every other respect. Surely, that is worth the investment?"

Tirpitz opened his mouth to reply but found himself momentarily speechless. Of course, he wanted the German Navy to overpower the British, and the new design represented a path to that goal. But the financial reality was undeniable. He was about to protest when William II interjected.

"Enough, Your Excellency. We will find a way to solve the money problem," said the Emperor, his voice filled with finality.

At this, Tirpitz fell silent, and Oscar could sense the shift in the atmosphere. William II, despite his often erratic leadership, had access to substantial funds. The German welfare lottery, among other royal investments, was bringing in hundreds of millions of marks annually. Though the money was mostly tied up in various ventures within Germany, the royal family still held significant wealth. If they were to prioritize the strengthening of the Navy, the funding might be found.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Tirpitz finally replied, a broad smile crossing his face. For the first time, he felt genuine hope for the future of the German Navy. If William II's commitment was solid, the prospect of new, cutting-edge warships entering service was no longer a distant dream but an achievable reality. For Tirpitz, this was a victory he had long hoped for—one that would elevate the German Navy to new heights.

Oscar turned to William II with a measured question. "How many of these ships will we build, and what names will they bear?"

William II, as always, sought the advice of his trusted Marshal. "Tirpitz, what do you think?"

Marshal Count Tirpitz took a deep breath and spoke carefully. "Your Majesty, there is something we must consider before making a final decision. It will not be possible to hand over all the construction of these new battleships to the Deutsche Shipyard." He paused, gauging the Emperor's reaction. "While the Nassau-class ships were all built by the Deutschland Shipyard, this has caused dissatisfaction among other major shipyards. If we continue to favor one shipyard over the others, it could cause significant tension in the industry, and we risk alienating valuable partners."

Oscar, having anticipated this challenge, nodded in understanding. "I see. The interests of the other shipyards cannot be ignored, as their support is vital to maintaining Germany's shipbuilding capabilities. If we focus all orders on one, we risk undermining the very industries we rely on."

William II, too, recognized the implications of such an action. "Oscar is right. We must balance the needs of Deutsche Shipyard with the broader shipbuilding industry. If we push too far, the repercussions could be disastrous for the entire country's naval capabilities."

Oscar smiled slightly. "For the greater good of Germany, I am willing to compromise. Deutschland Shipyard will receive the order for one of these next-level battleships. I will personally fund that ship as a fulfillment of my promise to Dean Birkenhagen."

The room relaxed at this compromise, and even Marshal Tirpitz looked relieved. It was clear that Oscar, though often distant and reserved, was making decisions with the greater good in mind. William II, too, was impressed. For a moment, he considered that if Oscar were the Crown Prince, Germany might have a far brighter future. But with Crown Prince William ahead in the line of succession, this thought remained unspoken.

"As for the rest," Tirpitz continued, "I propose we build five of these advanced battleships. This will allow us to take care of the interests of all the major shipyards while simultaneously boosting the strength of the fleet."

William II nodded in agreement, pleased with the compromise. "Five it is, then. Let's proceed with the plan."

As the meeting concluded, Oscar knew the path forward would not be easy, but with these new ships, the German Navy would take a decisive step toward challenging the might of the British. And though the journey would be costly and fraught with obstacles, it was a battle he was prepared to fight.