First Steps

The crown prince, Edel, was discussing a crucial matter with the British and French ambassadors who had approached him with a proposal to join in on a significant project. Edel, however, politely declined their offer, citing that the current funds were sufficient. He reassured them, promising that when the time came for the capital's expansion, Britain and France would be given priority to maintain good diplomatic relations. His next strategic move was to visit Germany, a trip that held great importance for Romania. Before setting off, he needed to confer with King Carol.

"The situation in Europe is becoming increasingly tense," Edel explained to King Carol and the Prime Minister in the king's office. "France and Germany view each other with great suspicion, and while Russia is engaged in conflicts in the East, France's economic aid to Russia persists. Regardless of Russia's success or failure, France's capital investment is significant. With the recent alliance between Britain, France, and Russia, their relations have strengthened, despite the support of the United States and Britain for Japan against Russia. Europe remains at the heart of these tensions. If a conflict erupts, Russia will be compelled to enter the fray, and the Alliance of the Three Emperors—Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy—will not stand down, especially with the entangled interests in the Balkans between Austria-Hungary and Russia. For Romania, whether for self-protection or profit, a strong military backed by robust industrial support is indispensable."

King Carol and the Prime Minister were impressed with the crown prince's insights. "My dear Edel, you have truly matured. The future is in the hands of your generation," King Carol expressed with a mix of pride and reassurance.

A few days later, Crown Prince Edel boarded the train to Germany, accompanied by General Pretzel—a military officer with profound tactical acumen—and several government officials. Their journey through Austria-Hungary was swift, and soon they arrived in Berlin. There, they were greeted by Crown Prince William of Germany. Edel and William exchanged a warm embrace.

"Cousin William, I didn't expect you to personally come to receive me," Edel remarked.

"After all, the Hohenzollern family must stand united," replied William, alluding to the recent Moroccan crisis where the Kaiser's demands had found little support among the international community. William II viewed Edel's visit as a gesture of support for Germany's stance.

That evening, at a dinner in Charlottenburg Palace held in honor of the Romanian delegation, Edel and Crown Prince William engaged in friendly discussions. The atmosphere changed slightly when an officer announced the arrival of Kaiser William II. Everyone rose to greet him.

"Welcome to Germany, Edel," the Kaiser greeted warmly.

"Thank you, Uncle William. It's truly inspiring to witness the prosperity of Germany, achieved under your leadership," Edel responded, tactfully flattering the Kaiser.

"No, this is the result of the people's efforts," the Kaiser replied, modestly deflecting the compliment.

Edel then handed a letter from King Carol to the Kaiser, apologizing for his inability to visit in person. The Kaiser accepted the letter and stepped aside, indicating his intent to discuss the contents privately.

As the banquet continued, the atmosphere was filled with quiet conversations, each guest absorbed in their own discussions. Meanwhile, the Kaiser pondered over King Carol's letter, which was discussed in a subsequent meeting with his ministers. The letter mentioned a substantial loan request for purchasing German machinery and technology, which stirred various opinions among the ministers. After several days of deliberation, the Kaiser agreed to the loan.

Edel and General Pretzel later met with the Kaiser and Prime Minister Bernhard to discuss the specifics of the purchase, which included military and chemical industries, internal combustion engine technology, and a large steel plant. The list was comprehensive, covering everything from rifles and heavy artillery to the establishment of a steel plant capable of producing 200,000 tons of steel.

"Prince Edel, the military and chemical sectors are straightforward. You should contact Mauser and Fabien Chemicals directly. As for the internal combustion engine and the steel plant, those are also feasible," Prime Minister Bernhard commented, though he raised an eyebrow at the mention of the steel plant, knowing Romania lacked coal and iron resources.

"Yes, we plan to locate the steel plant in Constanta and use sea freight to mitigate costs," Edel explained. The strategic location would allow Romania to import necessary resources more economically, leveraging its geographic proximity to resource-rich regions.

As Edel pondered the future, he understood the challenges but remained committed to his vision of a self-reliant and fortified Romania, capable of navigating the complex political landscape of Europe.

After more than ten days of intense negotiations, a substantial financial agreement was finalized, with a total expenditure of 120 million marks dedicated to military enhancements. This investment was earmarked for the construction of a comprehensive arsenal, including the production of the Mauser 98 rifle with an annual output of 100,000 units, 1,000 G08 heavy machine guns, 150 105mm light howitzers, 55 150mm heavy howitzers, 24 210mm cannons, 50 million rounds of 7.92mm rifle ammunition, 50 million rounds of machine gun ammunition, and 60,000 tons of various explosives and shells. The plan projected full operational capacity within three years.

In the chemical sector, 60 million marks were allocated to establish dye, sulfuric acid, and pharmaceutical plants, with a significant focus on constructing a large potash fertilizer plant and the deep development of Romanian potash mines. This initiative was expected to significantly boost agricultural output and was also slated for completion within three years.

Additional investments totaling 70 million marks were directed towards internal combustion engines, locomotives, steam turbines, and a division of a power plant, among other projects. The news of Germany's substantial financial engagement with Romania quickly spread across Europe, causing a stir among various nations.

The British newspaper, The Times, commented that the Kaiser's financial overture was a clear indication that the "European order disruptor" was continually seeking allies. The article speculated that if the power of the Three Emperors' Alliance significantly outstripped that of the Franco-Russian Alliance, it could precipitate a war. It argued that Britain needed to assert a more influential role in this developing scenario.

In France, the president and his advisors were actively discussing the potential for an alliance with Romania, recognizing the strategic necessity to redirect Russia's focus back to Europe as swiftly as possible.

In Vienna, Emperor Franz Joseph I, along with his ministers, deliberated on the implications of Romania potentially joining their alliance. Such a move would sever Russia's terrestrial link to the Balkans, significantly diminishing Russian influence in the region. "The empire's activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina should be expedited," declared Franz Joseph I, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Meanwhile, despite the ongoing war against Japan, Tsar Nicholas II of Russia discussed Germany's financial involvement with Romania with his council. "We cannot allow Romania to fall into German hands, as it would extend our European borders significantly and necessitate an expansion of our military," he stated, highlighting the strategic disadvantage this would pose to Russia in the Balkans. The Russian Minister of Finance, already stretched thin by the financial demands of the war in Manchuria, expressed concerns about the feasibility of further military expansion.

To counteract the German influence, it was proposed that France be encouraged to exert pressure on Romania. "The success of our plan in Manchuria is crucial. Once the Japanese are defeated, we can redeploy our forces to Bessarabia, which should bring the Romanians to their senses," the Tsar concluded.

Back in Romania, after securing the military and industrial equipment from Germany, Prince Edel discussed with General Pretzel the acquisition of additional weaponry, specifically the 9KG Madsen machine gun produced in Denmark, noting its potential benefits for the Romanian military.

"As you wish, Your Highness. I will evaluate this weapon thoroughly," responded General Pretzel, ever committed to strengthening the military.

The collaboration with the German military was also a topic of discussion. As part of the financial agreement, Romania agreed to send students to German military academies and in return, Germany would dispatch a team to help streamline and optimize the Romanian army's command structure. This strategic partnership aimed to enhance wartime command capabilities, though Edel was aware that the final decisions rested with Romania, not Germany.

"Every year, we will send 300 students to Germany, divided among one-year, three-year, and five-year programs. General Gulista will lead a 57-member advisory group from Germany to assist us," Edel informed his military staff.

Upon meeting the German advisory team, Edel greeted Captain Gulista and his deputy, Lieutenant Colonel Ludendorff, a highly regarded member of the General Staff. "Welcome to Romania, Your Excellency. Please let me know if you encounter any difficulties," Edel offered.

"Thank you, Your Highness. We are committed to fulfilling our duties and ensuring your satisfaction," responded Ludendorff, acknowledging the importance of their mission.

Upon returning to Bucharest in early June, Prime Minister Sturley briefed Edel on the concerns raised by the French and Russian ambassadors regarding Romania's closeness to Germany, as well as the apprehensions expressed by the United Kingdom.

"Prime Minister, please be assured, we have not entered into any alliance with Germany. This is merely a financial arrangement," Edel reassured him, though he knew this wasn't entirely truthful. King Carol had previously confided in Edel about a secret defensive pact with Austria-Hungary, which was unknown to both the Parliament and the Prime Minister. This pact stipulated mutual support in case of a Russian declaration of war.

Upon his return to the palace, King Carol commended Edel for his successful negotiation. "Well done, Edel," he praised.

"Thank you, father. Your guidance was invaluable," Edel responded modestly, aware that his success was also greatly aided by his knowledge from a previous life. For a small country like Romania, securing such a large loan was challenging, but spending it on essential local developments made the process more feasible.

"Edel, go see your mother; she has missed you greatly during your absence," the King suggested, prompting Edel to promptly visit her.