Under the watchful eye of William II, Qin Tian and Marshal Count Tirpitz inked their signatures on the transfer document, solidifying the four 'Nassau-class' battleships as the navy's next-level capital ships. These vessels, crafted by Qin Tian's German shipyard, would officially join the Navy upon completion and successful sea trials.
"Your Royal Highness, thank you for everything you have done for the navy, and everyone in the navy will remember it," acknowledged Earl Tirpitz with solemn gratitude.
Others recognized Qin Tian's substantial risk and investment in the 'Nassau-class' battleships, seeing him put a fortune at stake. The Navy's acceptance of these battleships lifted a weight off everyone's shoulders. The cost, totaling 350 million marks, would now be compensated through various payments as per the agreement between Qin Tian and William II.
"Your Excellency, Marshal, this is what I should do. As the prince of the German Empire, I naturally have the responsibility to fight for the strength of the German Empire. Although it is not my ideal to go to the front line with the military uniform on the ship. However, I But I can use my own method to make the German Empire stronger," Qin Tian explained with a smile.
The completion of the deal was a relief for all parties involved. Both William II and Marshal Count Tirpitz chuckled, impressed by Qin Tian's ability to fulfill his promises despite his young age.
"Your Highness, the Navy has already received all four Nassau-class battleships. But, when will you fulfill the promise you made with Dean Birkenhagen?" Marshal Count Tirpitz inquired with a smile.
"Your Excellency Marshal, you can fulfill it at any time. Moreover, I have already prepared it. The first ship of the next-level capital ship will be fully built by me. After it is completed, it will be donated directly to the navy. It will be regarded as my fulfillment and Dean Birkenhagen's promise," Qin Tian shared.
His financial strength, bolstered by the Deutsche Welfare Lottery's success, allowed him to fulfill promises with ease. The query about the next-level battleship prompted curiosity from William II and Marshal Count Tirpitz.
"The next level of battleship? Oscar, the 'Nassau-class' battleship is under construction. Do you have plans for the next level of battleship?" William II inquired.
Qin Tian, only 17 years old, affirmed his intentions. The potential for further designs from him intrigued the leaders, especially given the success of the 'Nassau-class.'
"Yes, father," Qin Tian nodded.
With no other immediate engagements, Qin Tian turned his focus to designing weapons and equipment. As for the next-level capital ship of the German Navy, he already had a vision.
"For the navy's next-level capital ship, I think so. The design concept of the 'Nassau-class' battleship is more advanced than the British Navy's 'Dreadnought' battleship. However, the 'Dreadnought' battleship will undoubtedly be put into service first. For the time being, we regard the battleship 'Dreadnought' as an epoch-making battleship. Then, the previous battleships with secondary main guns can be called 'pre-Dreadnought' The battleship 'Dreadnought,' the battleship of the same type to be built by the British, and our 'Nassau-class' battleship can also be called 'Dreadnought'," explained Qin Tian.
Both William II and Marshal Count Tirpitz agreed with Qin Tian's classification, though a hint of concern lingered. If the Naval Technical Committee hadn't rejected Qin Tian's design initially, the honor of introducing the new battleship would have belonged to the German Empire.
"Then, the capital ship of the next level, I think it should be the 'ultra-dreadnought ship,'" Qin Tian proposed, introducing a novel term.
"'Super Dreadnought'?" Both William II and Marshal Count Tirpitz were intrigued.
"That's right, it's the 'Super Dreadnought Ship.' As the name suggests, it is a battleship that is more powerful than the previous 'Dreadnought Ship.' The main performance is that it has stronger firepower and stronger defense. If possible, the speed will also be higher. It needs to be faster. In this way, we can ensure that our next-level capital ships have an overwhelming advantage when facing the British Navy. As far as I know, the next level of the British Navy is even the next level The battleships are nothing more than simple improvements to the battleship 'Fearless'," Qin Tian elaborated with a smile.