Alliances and Strategic Moves

"Your Majesty, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince seeks an audience." In the luxury compartment of the special train, Essen von Jonareit informed William II.

"Let him in!" William II put down the pen in his hand and rubbed his tired eyes. The weight of the documents he had been reviewing was beginning to take its toll. He was beginning to feel the weight of ruling a growing empire, and it had been a long day.

"Father, good evening." Oscar greeted as he entered, his tone respectful yet familiar, offering a warm smile.

"Sit down, Oscar. It's late, what brings you here?" William II asked with a pleased smile. Over time, he had grown more and more satisfied with this son. The thought of whether to remove the "Acting" title from Oscar's Crown Prince status had crossed his mind more than once, but with Crown Prince William still in a vegetative state, he hesitated. But he had to admit, Oscar had already proven himself time and time again.

"Father, there's something I'm unsure about, and I'd like to hear your thoughts." Oscar said, sitting down and looking at his father with seriousness in his eyes.

"Oh? Oscar, is there something troubling you?" William II asked with curiosity, though he was confident in his son's decisiveness.

Oscar hesitated for a moment, before explaining his plans to establish the German Arms Company and enter the light weapons field.

William II's face immediately became more serious as he listened intently. "Oscar, your idea is good. However, the Imperial Army's light weapons have always been provided by Mauser and Rheinmetall. Over the years, these companies have built a massive web of influence. If you challenge their interests, even as Crown Prince, you may pay a steep price," he warned, his tone serious. "You must understand, the influence of these companies goes far beyond just providing weapons—they hold sway in politics and the economy. Even I, as Emperor, must tread carefully around them."

Oscar's brow furrowed, but he didn't back down. "Father, is there no other way? The combat effectiveness of the Imperial Army is unmatched, but I see plenty of room for improvement. I want the German Arms Company to enhance the army's firepower and overall efficiency. This will give us a greater advantage in future conflicts. It's also a way to save more young lives in the process."

Touched by his son's sincerity and idealism, William II paused for a moment. He thought about the situation and began weighing the options. After a long silence, he finally spoke. "Oscar, your heart is in the right place, but this is not just about having a good idea. You must also navigate the political and business realities. However, there might be a way forward—but you'll need to be willing to sacrifice part of the profits. Are you prepared for that?"

Oscar's eyes widened with understanding. "Father, are you suggesting an alliance?"

"Exactly," William II nodded. "Only by aligning yourself with the right allies can you withstand the pressure from these established giants."

Oscar's mind raced as he considered the potential alliances. "Who should I seek an alliance with?"

William II stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Krupp," he said decisively. "They are the largest and most influential arms company in the Empire. If you can unite with them, you can counter any resistance from Mauser or Rheinmetall. Krupp's reach is immense, and their support would neutralize the influence of those other companies."

Oscar nodded, considering the implications. "Krupp has indeed been a reliable partner. They helped develop the large-caliber naval guns that have made the Imperial Navy more formidable. And they've been actively involved in the construction of battleships, including the 'Nassau-class' and the 'Blücher-class' battlecruisers. The research on the 343mm main gun was accelerated thanks to our collaboration."

William II's eyes gleamed with approval. "Exactly. Krupp has long wanted to enter the field of light weapons but has faced stiff opposition. If you can help them break through this barrier, they'll be a powerful ally. And, given their status, no one would dare challenge the alliance. If Krupp is on your side, you won't need to worry about other companies fighting back."

Oscar's mind raced, thinking of the advantages this alliance could bring. "I understand, Father. Thank you for your guidance. If Krupp is on board, it could shift the entire balance of power in the arms industry."

"Do well, Oscar. I really want to see what you accomplish. I have high hopes for you," William II said, a proud smile on his face.

"I won't disappoint you, Father," Oscar promised, his resolve firm.

After returning to Berlin, Oscar immediately tasked Karl with reaching out to the Krupp Company. He was going to visit Gustav Krupp and his wife, Beta Krupp, to discuss this crucial alliance. The last time Oscar visited Krupp, Miss Beta Krupp had been in charge. At that time, they had made a deal that accelerated the development of large-caliber naval guns, allowing the timely completion of crucial Imperial Navy warships. This partnership had been instrumental, especially compared to other timelines where inferior naval guns would have crippled the Navy's power.

Now, with Gustav Krupp taking the reins alongside his wife, Oscar knew the stakes were higher than ever. Although the Krupp family had long been the leading force in artillery and military hardware, their ventures into light weapons had been thwarted by competition from Mauser, Rheinmetall, and others. But with Oscar's position as Crown Prince, the power dynamics were about to change.

Oscar knew that securing an alliance with Krupp would give him a powerful foothold in the arms industry. Krupp was the giant, and with their support, he could revolutionize the light weapons market, creating the foundation for a stronger, more efficient Imperial Army.

The wheels were set in motion. Oscar would not let this opportunity slip through his fingers. He was determined to make it happen, no matter the cost.