The Cost of Supremacy

The British Navy, despite its technological advantage, seemed to be taking a conservative approach with its latest designs. Ships like the Bellerophon and St. Vincent class battleships were little more than minor refinements to the groundbreaking Dreadnought. Even their subsequent vessels, such as the Neptune and Colossus classes, clung stubbornly to the established formula of five twin-mounted 305mm main guns. It was not until the advent of the Orion class that the Royal Navy embraced larger 343mm main guns.

Oscar, however, envisioned a more ambitious path forward for the German Navy. He believed that by integrating larger-caliber artillery into their next generation of warships, Germany could secure a decisive advantage over Britain, not only in firepower but also in psychological warfare.

Seated in a private study aboard the Imperial Palace in Potsdam, Oscar unfolded his plans before Kaiser Wilhelm II and Grand Admiral Count Alfred von Tirpitz.

"Father," Oscar began, his tone measured yet resolute, "naval supremacy hinges on innovation. The battleships we construct today must dominate not only on paper but also in combat. This means adopting the largest-caliber main guns feasible for our next-generation warships. The larger the caliber, the greater our range, armor penetration, and destructive capacity. This is an unavoidable truth of modern naval warfare."

Tirpitz, a seasoned strategist with an unerring instinct for naval dynamics, leaned forward. "Your Royal Highness, I agree in principle. But larger guns require more robust hulls and increased displacement. These changes will drive up construction costs significantly. The Navy is already operating on a tight budget."

Wilhelm II, ever mindful of the Reich's strained finances, furrowed his brow. "Oscar, the financial implications cannot be ignored. Our annual military budget is already stretched thin. A new class of battleships with larger guns will demand vast resources. Where do you propose we find the funds?"

Oscar anticipated this objection. He rose from his seat, gesturing to a detailed blueprint spread across the mahogany table. "The funding issue, while daunting, is solvable. First, I will personally finance the construction of one Ultra-Dreadnought as a gesture of my commitment to the Navy's future. Second, I propose extending loans to the Imperial government and the Navy, sourced from the revenue streams of my enterprises, particularly the welfare lottery. These loans will carry standard interest rates and will be repaid after the war."

The Kaiser and Tirpitz exchanged glances. The notion of a royal prince lending money to the state was unconventional, if not unprecedented. Yet, in Oscar's case, it seemed almost natural. His vast wealth, derived from innovative ventures like the German Welfare Lottery, had already transformed him into one of the most influential figures in the Empire.

"How much are we talking about, Oscar?" Wilhelm asked, his voice tinged with skepticism.

Oscar's reply was succinct yet electrifying. "One hundred million marks, to start. This will cover the construction of two Ultra-Dreadnoughts and provide additional funding for related naval projects."

The room fell silent. Tirpitz broke the tension with a low whistle. "Your Highness, that's a staggering amount. Yet, considering the scale of the challenge we face against Britain, it may still not be enough. The Royal Navy's current trajectory suggests they are not resting on their laurels. They have the resources and the industrial capacity to outbuild us."

Oscar nodded, his gaze steely. "That is precisely why we must innovate, not imitate. I propose equipping our new ships with 343mm guns immediately. Furthermore, I recommend adopting all-centerline main battery arrangements for improved firing arcs, strengthening underwater protection against torpedoes, and investing in new propulsion systems to increase speed without sacrificing armor."

Tirpitz's eyes lit up. "A bold vision, Your Highness. If executed properly, these ships would render the British designs obsolete before they even leave the slipway."

"But the risks are immense," Wilhelm interjected. "The Reichstag is already scrutinizing naval expenditures. We must proceed carefully."

Oscar raised a hand to quell his father's concerns. "This is why secrecy is paramount. The welfare lottery has expanded its operations into foreign markets, including Britain and France. If they suspect these profits are being funneled into our naval programs, they may ban our operations outright. I have already taken measures to conceal our activities, but we must ensure absolute discretion."

Wilhelm nodded reluctantly. "Very well, Oscar. You have my support, but understand that if this venture fails, it could cripple the Navy's long-term plans and your reputation."

Oscar's response was unwavering. "Failure is not an option, Father. With the resources at our disposal and the innovative spirit of German engineering, we will prevail."

The meeting concluded with a sense of guarded optimism. As Oscar departed the palace, he allowed himself a moment of reflection. The stakes had never been higher, but neither had the rewards. If his Ultra-Dreadnoughts succeeded in outclassing the Royal Navy's fleet, it would not only secure Germany's maritime dominance but also cement his legacy as a visionary prince and strategist.

In the weeks that followed, Oscar threw himself into the project with unrelenting vigor. He convened meetings with naval architects, artillery experts, and shipyard managers, refining every aspect of the Ultra-Dreadnought's design. The ship would feature eight 343mm guns arranged in four twin turrets, a revolutionary fire-control system for enhanced accuracy, and engines capable of achieving a top speed of 22 knots.

Simultaneously, Oscar's enterprises worked tirelessly to generate the funds needed to sustain his ambitious plans. The welfare lottery expanded aggressively into Austria-Hungary and Italy, overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and local resistance. Meanwhile, his other ventures—ranging from steel manufacturing to chemical production—provided additional financial support.

By the time construction on the first Ultra-Dreadnought began at the expanded Kiel shipyard, Oscar's vision was no longer just a theoretical exercise. It was becoming a reality, one rivet and weld at a time.

As the keel was laid under the watchful eyes of naval officials and engineers, Oscar stood at the heart of the bustling shipyard, his expression a mixture of pride and determination. He knew that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but he also understood that history was shaped by those willing to take bold risks.

The age of the Ultra-Dreadnought had begun.