"General, the German battleships do not seem particularly impressive. They are not superior to our 'Saint Vincent-class' battleships," remarked an officer beside Rear Admiral David Beatty.
"Indeed! Our 'Saint Vincent-class' battleships are certainly not inferior to the German vessels," replied Rear Admiral Beatty, equally assured.
As the sovereign of the seas, Rear Admiral Beatty held immense confidence in Britain's shipbuilding capabilities, especially since they had pioneered the era of dreadnoughts. Despite Germany's relentless pursuit to catch up, Beatty firmly believed that the Royal Navy still maintained a decisive advantage.
In truth, when comparing the number of capital ships between Britain and Germany, the British did not hold a distinct edge. Currently, Britain had one 'Dreadnought' battleship, three 'Belgravia-class' battleships, three 'Saint Vincent-class' battleships, and three 'Invincible-class' battlecruisers, totaling a mere ten vessels. Conversely, the German Navy boasted four 'Nassau-class' battleships, five 'Helgoland-class' battleships, and three 'Blücher-class' battlecruisers, giving them a slight edge.
However, if one considered the capital ships under construction, Germany would likely lose its advantage. In British shipyards, the 'Neptune' battleship was nearing completion, while two 'Giant-class' battleships were set to undergo sea trials. Additionally, four 'Orion-class' battleships had already commenced construction, along with three 'Invincible-class' battlecruisers soon to be commissioned and two 'Lion-class' battlecruisers in the works. The German Navy, on the other hand, had only five 'Kaiser-class' battleships and three 'Moltke-class' battlecruisers under construction, with five 'King-class' battleships and three 'Derfflinger-class' battlecruisers just starting.
Should the British shipbuilding plans in this timeline remain consistent with those familiar to Qin Tian from another timeline, Britain would soon produce ships at an astonishing rate, akin to a relentless flow of dumplings. The 'King George V-class,' 'Iron Duke-class,' 'Queen Elizabeth-class,' and 'Revenge-class' battleships, along with the 'Tiger' battlecruiser, would soon enter production, elevating the Royal Navy's strength to unprecedented heights. Of course, in the ensuing years, the German Navy would not remain idle either, exerting every effort to construct more capital ships. This would render the impending confrontation between the two powers even more intense and unpredictable.
"General, the Germans have covered their main turrets; I wonder what they are up to?" an officer noted.
"Hmph! The Germans are merely putting on a show. Signal to welcome them!" Rear Admiral Beatty commanded.
"Yes, sir," the officer nodded.
Soon, the 'Saint Vincent' battleship signaled a welcome to the German Crown Prince visiting Britain, to which the 'Nassau' battleship responded, expressing gratitude for the British Navy's reception.
Guided by the two 'Saint Vincent-class' battleships, the 'Nassau' battleship entered the Thames, finally arriving at the port of Gravesend.
Upon entering the port, Qin Tian realized he was not the first to arrive; representatives from other nations had already gathered.
Despite the current tense relations between Britain and Germany, in a gesture of respect for the German Crown Prince, Prince Edward, son of Prince George, personally came to Gravesend to greet Qin Tian. Although merely sixteen, he was destined to become the heir apparent to the British throne following his father's ascension.
"Your Highness, welcome to Britain!" Prince Edward exclaimed.
"Thank you very much. The passing of His Majesty King Edward VII is a tremendous loss to the entire world. He was a remarkable and beloved king. My condolences, Your Highness!" Qin Tian said, observing the youthfulness of Prince Edward's somewhat innocent face as he recited his lines.
In Qin Tian's eyes, despite Edward's tender age, he bore the peculiar fate often seen in his family. Like many British princes, Edward indulged in affairs with married women, ultimately choosing to marry Mrs. Simpson against the will of the court and public opinion, resulting in his abdication in favor of his brother. While the notion of prioritizing love over duty has captivated many, Qin Tian regarded it as nothing short of foolishness.
After exchanging pleasantries and engaging in vacuous conversation with Prince Edward at Gravesend, Qin Tian proceeded to London.
"Your Highness, our ambassador in Britain reports that nearly all foreign representatives have arrived; we are among the last!" remarked von Kidderlin-Wächter.
"Indeed! The British Empire truly deserves its reputation as a centuries-old powerhouse; nations worldwide must pay their respects," Qin Tian replied, a hint of envy in his tone.
There is indeed no other nation like Britain that has maintained global dominance for centuries. This small island nation commands the world's most extensive colonial holdings, ascending to the pinnacle of power through relentless exploitation of its colonies.
Von Kidderlin-Wächter nodded in agreement. The weight of the conversation seemed to press heavily upon him, like a boulder lodged in his heart. Although Germany had long aspired to challenge Britain, the British Empire had weathered countless challenges over the years and emerged victorious. Would Germany succeed this time? No one could say. Moreover, the consequences of a German defeat would be dire.
Sensing the shift in von Kidderlin-Wächter's mood, Qin Tian reassured him, "While the British Empire is indeed formidable, we are no longer in the era of Queen Elizabeth. Back then, the British Empire was at its zenith, unmatched by any nation. But now? Everything has changed. The British Empire stands at twilight. We will surely defeat them and take our rightful place as the dominant power in the world."
Von Kidderlin-Wächter nodded, seemingly inspired by Qin Tian's confidence.