A Web of Betrayal

"Oscar, my child, how are you feeling?" Queen Victoria looked concerned. As Oscar's mother, she didn't like him at first. Like William II, she loved her eldest son, Crown Prince William, more. However, as Oscar's performance became more outstanding, and he often gifted her with valuable presents, her opinion of him had changed greatly.

"Mother, I feel much better, but the wound still hurts, and I have no strength," Oscar said, his face pale from the excessive blood loss he suffered after being shot.

"Oscar, you are a man, you are good. Scars are medals on a man. How can a real man not have a few scars?" William II added.

It was the second day after Oscar woke up, and William II and Queen Victoria had come to visit. Their royal status prevented them from staying at the hospital like ordinary parents, but they still wanted to check on their son.

Oscar smiled weakly and shook his head. "Father, I wish this scar had been earned on the battlefield, instead of from a despicable and shameless assassination."

Oscar was furious over the assassination attempt that nearly cost him his life. He was filled with a sense of anger that anyone in his shoes would feel.

After waking, Oscar couldn't stop thinking about who was behind the attack. After much contemplation, he began to suspect Crown Prince William. But without solid proof, he couldn't openly voice his suspicions, as doing so could spark rumors and backlash.

Yet, this incident served as a harsh reminder for Oscar. He was no longer an ordinary person; he was now extremely wealthy, and with wealth came enemies. Many would wish him dead, and if he didn't take more precautions, he might not be so lucky next time.

"Oscar, did you offend someone? Otherwise, how could they treat you like this? If I find out who did this, I will never forgive them!" Queen Victoria's voice was filled with anger.

A flash of anger appeared in William II's eyes. He seemed to already know who was behind the plot but chose not to share this information with Oscar. It was a disappointing but calculated move. For the sake of the empire's stability and the peace of the royal family, William II opted to hide the truth from his son. It was a bitter pill for Oscar to swallow, but he understood the political realities at play.

"Rest easy, Oscar. Let the others handle things. Right now, your health is the most important thing. Once you're stable, we'll take you back to the palace," William II declared.

"Okay, Father. But I feel the conditions here are better. It's best to stay here for now," Oscar replied, unwilling to leave.

William II didn't insist, agreeing to his son's wishes.

As they left the room, Oscar's smile disappeared. From his father's words, he deduced that William II knew exactly who was behind the assassination, but was intentionally withholding that information. This only confirmed his suspicions that Crown Prince William was behind it all. William II's choice to protect his son, the crown prince, made Oscar feel utterly betrayed.

"It seems that Crown Prince William is more important to him than I am," Oscar murmured to himself, deeply disappointed.

Back at the palace, William II called for Essen von Jonaret immediately.

"Essen, do we have solid evidence that Crown Prince William ordered the assassination?" William II asked, his tone cold.

"Yes, Your Majesty. The killer has confessed. He was sent by Grand Duke Friedrich Franz III of Mecklenburg-Schwerin to assassinate Prince Oscar," Essen von Jonaret replied.

William II's face darkened. Though Essen hadn't said it explicitly, it was clear: Friedrich Franz III, Crown Prince William's father-in-law, had orchestrated the attack. This made sense—Oscar's rising influence posed a direct threat to Crown Prince William's position.

While William II had occasionally considered replacing his son as heir due to Oscar's abilities, he had never acted on it. However, Crown Prince William's actions now made it undeniable. William II couldn't accept that his son had resorted to such underhanded tactics to maintain his position.

"They are brothers! How could it come to this?" William II muttered, sadness overtaking him.

"Your Majesty, perhaps it wasn't the Crown Prince's order but rather Lieutenant General Friedrich Franz III's decision. After all, Prince Oscar's exceptional performance might have made Friedrich Franz III fear for his own son's succession," Essen von Jonaret suggested, though it was clear that his explanation was a weak attempt to comfort the emperor.

William II understood the truth all too well, but he appreciated Essen's attempt to mitigate the situation.

"Essen, gather all the illegal evidence on Friedrich Franz III. I will replace him as Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin," William II commanded, his voice dripping with resolve.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Essen nodded.

"As for Crown Prince William, bring him to me immediately," William II added, his voice cold with authority.

"Of course, Your Majesty," Essen replied, sensing the gravity of the moment. He understood that William II was likely giving Crown Prince William one last chance, but deep down, Essen could only wish the emperor had the courage to make a more decisive change.