Ammunition

In the competitive landscape of international bidding, the lowest offer had surprisingly come from GM, not Siemens. However, price was only one of many factors considered in the selection process. Ultimately, Edel chose the option that was most advantageous for Romania, leading to Siemens clinching the bid by a narrow margin due to other value-added propositions they offered.

As part of the agreement, Siemens committed to assisting the newly formed Cold Power Company—established specifically for the construction of the power plant—in training personnel and guiding the construction process. In exchange, Siemens would be given priority for future equipment purchases at competitive pricing.

After settling the power supply issue, Edel turned to his chief of bodyguards, Carust, for an update on other pressing national concerns. "Are there any other problems that need to be solved now?" Edel inquired.

Carust began listing a myriad of issues: the alarmingly high infant mortality rate in medical facilities, a shortfall in ammunition production that could hinder future military operations, and the disparity in wages between workers in private and state-owned factories. He also touched upon deficiencies in the education sector and other areas critical to national welfare.

Edel instantly regretted asking the question, as each problem seemed to demand significant financial resources to address—a sum not readily available. Half-jokingly, he thought about the absurdity of needing to rob the Bank of Scotland to cover such expenses.

Given the constraints, Edel decided to prioritize the issues based on immediacy and impact. The military industry, being vital for national defense and requiring relatively low investment for quick returns, was chosen as the starting point. He instructed Carust to gather detailed reports on the current ammunition stocks. The Bucharest arsenal, despite operating at full capacity, was producing only 50 million rifle rounds and 5,000 machine gun rounds annually—a figure established before the Russo-Japanese War had redefined global military standards.

In light of the reorganized Romanian army's requirements—100 rounds per soldier annually for training and 1,000 rounds for each machine gunner—it was clear that production needed to be ramped up urgently. Moreover, the transition to using Mauser's 7.92-caliber pointed bullets had depleted existing stocks, further compounding the urgency.

"The chief guard helped me meet with Ambassador Baslob," Edel directed, placing his hopes on securing additional support from Germany.

The following day, Ambassador Baslob arrived at the palace, greeted by Edel's warm welcome. "Ambassador Baslob, I'm very happy that you could make time to meet despite your busy schedule," Edel expressed.

"Your Highness, enhancing the relationship between our two nations is my primary responsibility here, and your role in that is crucial. It's an honor to be summoned," Baslob replied, unaware of the specific reason behind the meeting but eager to reinforce German-Romanian ties.

"Mr. Ambassador, there's a matter requiring urgent discussion," Edel began, cutting straight to the chase.

Curious, Baslob inquired, "May I know what the matter entails?"

"Our estimates for the ammunition production were off. We need to introduce two additional production lines—one for 50 million rounds of 7.92 caliber rifle ammunition and another for 30 million rounds of machine gun ammunition," Edel explained his predicament.

Baslob mentally calculated the cost of the additional production lines, which he estimated to be around 8 million marks—not an exorbitant sum by any means. "That shouldn't be a problem. I can send a telegram to our domestic arsenal; I'm sure they'll be eager to take on the business," he responded nonchalantly.

However, Edel had another request. "Our government's finances are currently strained. I was hoping this order could be included under the terms of our previous financial arrangements."

"That exceeds my authority. I'll need to consult with my government. I hope Your Highness won't mind the delay," Baslob replied, understanding the gravity of the financial aid being requested.

"No problem, I'll await your response," Edel said, realizing the depth of the government's financial woes. If not for the separation of royal and state finances, he might have considered using personal funds to alleviate the government's burden—an impractical and potentially harmful solution.

After Baslob relayed the request to Germany, the matter landed on the desk of Prime Minister Bernhardt. Surprised by the request given Romania's apparent economic prosperity, Bernhardt reviewed a report from the German military attaché which clarified the situation: the Romanian government was heavily invested in infrastructure and military reorganization, stretching its finances thin.

Prime Minister Bernhardt decided to take the matter to Kaiser William II, who, upon understanding the situation and recalling his cousin's impressive leadership, approved the loan without hesitation. "Approve their request. It's crucial to keep Romania aligned with us," the Kaiser instructed, recognizing the strategic importance of supporting Romania.

Meanwhile, Edel, unaware of the planned changes to the German military advisory group in Romania, felt a wave of relief upon receiving Germany's affirmative response. The challenges were far from over, but this support was a critical step in strengthening Romania's defense capabilities and overall national stability.

Within a span of two days, Crown Prince Edel journeyed to Iasi to observe the maneuvers of the recently restructured 14th Division. Accompanying him were Chief of Staff Pleven and the head of the advisory group, Colonel Ludendorff. The exercise was a showcase of the division's capabilities and an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of recent military reforms.

"General Turiaf, your soldiers are exceptionally well-trained," remarked Chief of Staff Pleven, lowering his telescope and addressing the commander of the 14th Division, Polly Turiaf.

"All credit goes to His Royal Highness's dedication to the military and the comprehensive training plan devised by the Chief of Staff. We merely adhere to the standards set forth," replied General Turiaf, his tone devoid of flattery, reflecting his stature as a seasoned officer.

"General Turiaf, you should direct your thanks to Ludendorff rather than me, as he was instrumental in developing the training program," interjected Pleven with a teasing smile, gesturing towards Colonel Ludendorff.

"The training program isn't solely my contribution. You added many crucial elements, and I wouldn't dare take all the credit," responded Ludendorff modestly, wary of accepting too much praise since his role was advisory.

"Enough with the mutual admiration," chided Crown Prince Edel, slightly amused yet keen to curb the ongoing flattery. "We wouldn't want the officers below to be too shocked by your humility."

Despite the playful exchange, it was evident that Pleven held genuine respect for Ludendorff. Over three years of collaboration had convinced him of Ludendorff's acute strategic insights and meticulous planning. In private conversations with his confidant Prossi, Pleven often lauded Ludendorff's exceptional abilities as a staff officer.

The exercise continued, and General Turiaf's efforts were apparent. The soldiers executed their drills with precision, and the junior officers displayed a deep understanding of tactical operations, which was reflected in their performance during the maneuvers.

After the exercise, Crown Prince Edel approached General Turiaf. "Your ability to train your troops to such a high standard is a testament to your leadership. I hold a great appreciation for competence and look forward to seeing even more impressive performances in future drills."

Upon hearing these words, General Turiaf felt a surge of pride and satisfaction. He knew he had made a favorable impression on the crown prince, which would bode well for his future career prospects in the military.

"Please rest assured, Your Highness, the 14th Division will continue to excel," Turiaf assured the prince confidently.

"I'll be looking forward to it, General," replied Edel, shaking his hand.

After completing their inspection, Edel and his entourage boarded a train back to Bucharest. During the journey, Ludendorff informed the crown prince that the German General Staff planned to recall him to Germany in stages.

"As a friend, I must ask, do you truly wish to return?" inquired Edel, hoping to persuade him to stay.

"Your Highness, I am deeply grateful for the significance you place on my role here. However, I am a soldier, and serving my homeland is my highest honor," Ludendorff explained, preempting the prince's request with his decision.

"Very well, I respect your decision. Serving one's country is indeed an honorable duty," conceded Edel, though he was visibly disappointed. "Please let me know when you plan to depart, so I can arrange a proper farewell."

"Thank you, Your Highness," Ludendorff expressed his gratitude.

Upon returning to Bucharest, Edel tasked his chief guard with finding out who would succeed Ludendorff as the head of the German advisory group. The task was straightforward, given that the position did not require confidentiality.

Soon, the chief guard delivered a report to Edel, which included a brief biography of Colonel Markenk von Sterry, the appointed successor. Born in 1867 into a family of minor nobility in East Prussia, Sterry had entered a military academy at the age of 13 and later graduated from the Noncommissioned Officer School. Before his assignment to Romania, he served as a deputy director at the General Staff Headquarters, embodying the typical Prussian officer of noble descent.

"It appears the German emperor holds our alliance in high regard," Edel remarked, reflecting on Sterry's credentials.

A week later, Colonel Sterry arrived in Romania to assume his new role. Ludendorff, nearing the end of his tenure, hosted a farewell banquet in his honor at the advisory group's headquarters on Crudall Street.