"Your Excellency, it appears you are mistaken. The German Empire is a nation that cherishes peace; we do not seek to instigate war or invade others. If war were to break out, it would only be because we had no choice but to retaliate," Qin Tian began to speak with boldness.
As a political figure, especially as the heir to the empire, the ability to speak untruths with conviction is essential. After all, how else could one negotiate with those cunning old foxes?
Ambassador Vincent was momentarily at a loss for words. Was Germany truly a peace-loving nation? If so, what purpose did their extensive naval construction serve? Their unification was predicated entirely upon the defeat of numerous adversaries; without such victories, unification would never have been achieved.
"Your Highness, I am serious and not jesting. The British Empire does not wish to be at odds with the German Empire. However, if the German Empire continues to provoke us, it will lead to dire consequences—consequences that even the German Empire may find unbearable. The British Empire, having dominated the world for centuries, possesses the strength to meet any challenge," Ambassador Vincent declared solemnly.
"Your Excellency, the German Empire has not provoked the British Empire; rather, it is you who has aggressively confronted us. I fully acknowledge the might of the British Empire, but the German Empire will not be bullied," Qin Tian's demeanor shifted to one of firmness. In the present day, Germany felt confident and justified in its stance, even in the face of the formidable British Empire.
"Your Highness, the German Empire's reckless arms buildup and continuous shipbuilding—are these not provocations toward the British Empire?" Ambassador Vincent retorted, showing no signs of retreat.
As a diplomat of the British Empire, he bore the weight of his nation's pride, believing that all other countries lay prostrate at the feet of the British Empire.
"Hmph! As a sovereign nation, does the German Empire not even have the right to develop its own military? Our shipbuilding is not intended to provoke others but to defend the interests of our empire," Qin Tian responded.
Clearly, the exchange between Qin Tian and Ambassador Vincent was far from cordial, laden with tension. Had the circumstances allowed, their discussion may well have escalated into an argument. Nevertheless, many attendees were observing their interaction.
"Very well, Your Highness. Since the German Empire insists on pursuing its own course, I hope you will not come to regret it. The British Empire has the capacity to trample all of its rivals beneath its feet," Ambassador Vincent said, his face flushed with anger. With that, he stormed out of the banquet hall.
"Hmph! Arrogant and conceited British! One day, we shall pull you down from your pedestal and trample you beneath our feet!" Qin Tian replied, his expression cold. He harbored no fondness for the haughty British. These individuals held an inflated sense of self-worth, believing that the entire world ought to exist under their dominion.
"What is the matter, Your Highness?" Count von Tirpitz and Prince Heinrich approached Qin Tian, having overheard the exchange.
"Nothing of consequence; the arrogant British have warned us not to provoke them further and claimed that the British Empire has the capability to vanquish all its opponents," Qin Tian answered with a smile.
"Damn those British! They remain as insufferably proud as ever. Soon they will realize that the world is no longer under their control," Prince Heinrich remarked. As the commander of the High Seas Fleet, he was acutely aware of the terrifying warships being constructed in Germany's shipyards. Germany was making its final preparations to challenge British naval supremacy. When war erupted, it would undoubtedly astonish the British, and there was a significant chance they could be dethroned from their maritime throne.
"Your Highness, there is no need to take the British's words to heart," Count von Tirpitz remarked.
Qin Tian nodded. "I understand; this is merely the British's last desperate struggle against relinquishing their dominance."
"Ha! You are absolutely right, Your Highness; the British are indeed flailing in their final throes. Soon, we shall have them beneath our feet," Count von Tirpitz and Prince Heinrich both laughed heartily.
The sight of Qin Tian sharing laughter with Count von Tirpitz and Prince Heinrich caught the attention of many. It was well known throughout Germany that Qin Tian maintained a close relationship with the navy. The military's support was a significant factor in solidifying his status as the crown prince. This, of course, incited considerable discontent among the other princes who lacked military backing.
"Damn Oscar! How can his connection with the navy be so strong? They seem so close they could share a single pair of trousers! If only I had the military's support, my father would certainly appoint me as the crown prince," Prince Ethel Friedrich thought bitterly. He naively believed that Qin Tian's ascendance to the position of heir to the German Empire was solely due to military backing.
Simultaneously, Princes Adalbert and August Wilhelm began to entertain similar thoughts. If they could garner military support, might it enable them to supplant Qin Tian from the position of crown prince? Regardless of the effectiveness of this strategy, they had resolved to strengthen their ties with the military moving forward.
With a glass of wine in hand, Qin Tian aimlessly wandered the banquet hall. Suddenly, his gaze fell upon a corner where two young ladies clad in white gowns were engaged in quiet conversation. One of the young women, though younger, possessed an exquisite beauty. Her innocent aura was reminiscent of a fairy that had wandered into the earthly realm.
Qin Tian was instantly captivated and found himself drawn towards the two young ladies. He felt an undeniable sense that one of them could be the ideal choice for his future wife.
As the center of attention at the banquet, Qin Tian's every action was under scrutiny. Many eyes, particularly those of the noblewomen, were fixated on him.
When they observed Qin Tian making his way towards the corner where the two young women stood, their breath quickened in anticipation.
"Oh my God! What is happening? Why is the Crown Prince approaching those two young ladies?"