The Rise of German empire

"Your Highness, congratulations."

Oscar walked into his residence in Berlin, the weight of the day's events heavy on his shoulders. Waiting for him was a familiar face, the Minister of the Navy, Marshal Count Tirpitz. His eyes shone with pride, and it was clear that he was genuinely happy for Oscar.

"Marshal, thank you for your help. Without your support, I would not have been able to achieve this," Oscar said, his voice humble, though internally, he was still processing the enormity of what had transpired.

Tirpitz's expression remained warm, his confidence in the younger prince unwavering. "Your Highness, helping you is helping not just the Navy, but the entire German Empire. I have always believed in your potential, and now, I see that belief validated. I truly believe that you will be the monarch who leads us to victory in the wars that lie ahead."

Oscar nodded gravely. "I will give everything to lead the German Empire to victory, Marshal. The fate of the Empire is now intertwined with mine. If we lose the war, I will be no better than a traitor. It is my duty to ensure our success."

Marshal Count Tirpitz's eyes gleamed with approval. "Your Highness, your resolve is commendable. I believe in you, and the Navy will stand by your side, now and always."

As Tirpitz spoke, Oscar couldn't help but feel a rising sense of responsibility. He had ascended to a position of immense power, but with that power came expectations—expectations that weighed on him. He was not merely an heir now; he was the Acting Crown Prince of Germany. And despite the title's temporary nature, it was a title that carried the heavy burden of leadership.

Tirpitz cleared his throat and, with a hint of hesitation, asked, "Your Highness, does His Majesty still wish to see you? Has he decided to formally name you as the Crown Prince of the Empire?"

Oscar gave a small, helpless smile, his thoughts briefly drifting back to his conversation with William II earlier that day. "No, Marshal. His Majesty has decided to appoint me as Acting Crown Prince, but the position is not permanent."

Tirpitz's brows furrowed in confusion. "Acting Crown Prince? But if His Majesty has made the decision to name you Crown Prince, why include the word 'acting'? This could create confusion and dissatisfaction. Why would the Emperor make such a decision?"

Oscar sighed, his expression reflecting the complexity of the situation. "It is exactly as you heard. My appointment as Crown Prince is temporary. Should Crown Prince William recover from his injury, the title will revert to him. I have been placed in this position only to fill the gap, to ensure that the Empire is led in his absence."

Marshal Tirpitz's face twisted in anger. "This is absurd! You are the most capable to lead the Empire, not Crown Prince William. I don't understand why His Majesty would limit your authority like this. You have already proven yourself worthy, Your Highness."

Oscar held up a hand, signaling for calm. "Marshal, I appreciate your support, truly. But His Majesty has made his decision, and with his character, I know that this decision is unchangeable. To protest would only cause harm to our cause."

Tirpitz nodded slowly, though his frustration was palpable. "I understand, Your Highness, but this is deeply unfair to you."

"Fair?" Oscar responded, a slight edge in his voice. "There is no such thing as fairness in this world. The only thing that matters is what I can accomplish while I hold this position. If I can prove myself worthy, perhaps one day I will be recognized fully, regardless of this title."

"Your Highness, that is the right attitude," Tirpitz said, clearly relieved. "And no matter what happens, the Navy will always stand with you. You have our full support."

Oscar nodded, a quiet determination settling in his chest. "Thank you, Marshal. Together, we will ensure that the German Navy becomes the most powerful in the world. We will lead this nation to victory, not just with our surface fleet, but with submarines and aircraft carriers as well. The next stage of our development will make us unmatched on all fronts."

Tirpitz's face lit up with pride. "I knew you would say that, Your Highness. I've always believed in your vision, and I know you will not disappoint us."

After the meeting, Tirpitz departed, leaving Oscar alone with his thoughts. As the night grew darker, Oscar found himself pacing back and forth, reflecting on his new role. Though his appointment as Acting Crown Prince had not come as he hoped, it was still a significant leap in his journey. The position, temporary though it was, now tied his fate to the Empire's future. If Germany fell in the upcoming wars, he would be just as lost as the Empire itself. But if he succeeded, he would be poised to seize the throne and become Emperor.

And yet, despite the honor and prestige, the title of Acting Crown Prince felt like a cage. It placed limits on his authority, and though it gave him power, it also reminded him that the throne was still not his. The decision to name him as Acting Crown Prince instead of the true heir, Crown Prince William, left a bitter taste in his mouth. He couldn't help but wonder how long he would be able to play the waiting game before the throne was taken from him. After all, William's return—though uncertain—was a possibility. And even if he didn't return, other factions within the Empire could attempt to challenge him.

The next day, December 27, a decree was issued by Kaiser Wilhelm II, confirming the decision to appoint Oscar as the Acting Crown Prince due to Crown Prince William's incapacitation. While the general populace, struggling with their daily lives, paid little attention to the political drama, the upper echelons of German society were in an uproar.

Among the nobility, opinions were divided. Many of them recognized Oscar's talents and believed he was well-suited to lead the Empire, but others opposed his appointment, citing the established laws of succession. These voices were largely silenced by the Emperor's forceful endorsement of Oscar, but their opposition lingered in whispers.

Within the royal family, opposition was fiercer. Among the most vocal critics was Prince Ethel Friedrich, the second son of Wilhelm II. With the accident that befell Crown Prince William, Prince Ethel had hoped to claim the title of Crown Prince for himself. To his dismay, Oscar's unexpected rise had effectively shut him out. His resentment was palpable, though he dared not voice it openly, for William II had reprimanded him sharply.

Despite the murmurs of dissent, the appointment was finalized. Oscar, now officially the Acting Crown Prince, stood at the precipice of a new chapter in his life. His journey was far from over, and the weight of the Empire's future rested heavily upon his shoulders.

The road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but for Oscar, the struggle had just begun.