A Sea of Opportunities and Dangers

"Congratulations, Your Royal Highness. This time your design is a great success." On the train back to Berlin, Marshal Count Tirpitz entered Oscar's special compartment with a proud smile.

"Your Excellency, Marshal, thank you. This is all due to everyone's support. It is my honor to be able to design such powerful warships for the navy!" Oscar responded humbly, his tone sincere but modest. He firmly believed that humility was key to success. Without it, true achievement was far out of reach.

"His Royal Highness, the 'Moltke-class' battlecruisers and the 'Kaiser-class' battleships are truly excellent warships. Once the German Navy has these ships, our strength will surpass that of the British Navy. Defeating them will be within our grasp," Marshal Count Tirpitz declared confidently.

From a current standpoint, the Germans were poised to surpass the British. The British had yet to develop warships equipped with 343mm main guns, while the Germans had already begun building two classes of battleships—each equipped with the same caliber gun—and three battlecruisers with the same weapon. These formidable ships were essential assets for the German Navy's future plans to dominate the seas.

"Your Excellency, Marshal, I must disagree. While we may appear to have surpassed the British Navy now, we cannot afford to take things lightly. From what I know, the British have completed or are nearing completion on their own large-scale naval vessels equipped with 343mm guns. The main issue for them lies in developing these naval guns, but once they overcome this bottleneck, they will quickly catch up and even surpass our pace. They have a wealth of shipbuilding experience, which is unmatched by us," Oscar said with a serious expression.

Marshal Count Tirpitz's smile faded as he considered Oscar's words. He had momentarily become too optimistic about the navy's progress. The British had been maritime hegemonists for centuries, and they had survived crises before, emerging victorious in the end. This historical background made them a formidable adversary in any conflict.

Oscar let out a sigh, his mind preoccupied. Despite his efforts, the rapid expansion of the German Navy, backed by his designs, might not be enough to dethrone the British Empire. Still, as the crown prince of the German Empire, he had already committed himself to this dangerous path. There was no turning back.

As a person reborn into this world, Oscar knew how powerful the British response would be once they sensed a real challenge. In another timeline, familiar to him, the British had begun ramping up their naval construction in 1909, commissioning a series of battleships with powerful 343mm and later 381mm main guns. If the British naval expansion accelerated, the Germans would face an even harder struggle.

"Your Highness, we cannot underestimate the British. This may be our only chance to challenge their maritime supremacy. If we miss it, we may never have another opportunity," Marshal Count Tirpitz said, his voice filled with concern. He understood the gravity of the situation—Germany's fate could hinge on this naval arms race.

Oscar nodded solemnly. "Indeed. We must seize this opportunity now, or we will regret it too late."

"By the way, Your Excellency the Marshal," Oscar added, "I have heard that the British are developing a larger 381mm naval gun. As of now, we have yet to start on the design for such guns ourselves. We must accelerate our own development in this area. If the British begin equipping their battleships with 381mm guns, it will become even more difficult for us to compete."

"Yes, we must push Krupp to advance their work. But it is hard to believe that the caliber of battleship guns will increase so drastically in such a short period," Marshal Count Tirpitz remarked.

Oscar merely smiled, not responding immediately. He wasn't about to inform Marshal Tirpitz that in the future, countries like Japan would be equipping battleships with even larger 460mm guns—a development that would reshape naval warfare entirely.

"Your Highness," Marshal Count Tirpitz continued with a curious glint in his eye, "your industrial group has already expanded into so many sectors. I wonder, which field will you venture into next?"

The Deutsche Industrial Group, under Oscar's leadership and the presidency of Karl von Jonareit, had made a name for itself. The group controlled several prominent companies, including the Deutsche Welfare Lottery Company, Deutsche Shipyard, Deutsche Energy Company, Deutsche Engine Manufacturing, and Deutsche Motor Vehicle Manufacturing.

Oscar smiled, proud of his empire-building efforts. "I've instructed Karl to register the Deutsche Arms Company. We've already begun constructing factories and recruiting workers and engineers."

"Deutsche Arms Company?" Marshal Count Tirpitz asked with a raised eyebrow. "Is Your Royal Highness venturing into the arms manufacturing industry?"

"Not entirely," Oscar replied. "My focus is primarily on designing and manufacturing individual weapons. I've noticed that the German Army's individual firepower and squad-level effectiveness are lacking. I hope to address this gap and strengthen the Imperial Army's capabilities."

"Your Highness, while your intentions are undoubtedly noble, I fear this will encroach upon the turf of some influential people. The German Army's arms contracts have always been handled by companies like Mauser, Rheinmetall, and Krupp. By entering this field, you're bound to share their business interests, which could lead to friction," Marshal Count Tirpitz cautioned.

"Perhaps, but their inability to provide the German Army with the firepower it needs is something I cannot ignore. In order to win future wars, I must act," Oscar said firmly, determination shining in his eyes.

Marshal Count Tirpitz thought for a moment before suggesting, "Your Highness, perhaps it would be wise to seek advice from His Majesty before moving forward with this venture."

Oscar nodded in agreement, understanding the wisdom behind the suggestion.