The day following the naval review, Qin Tian and von Kidren Wachett boarded the battleship Nassau, embarking on their journey back to Germany. Prince Edward himself arrived at the dock to bid them farewell, underscoring the friendship between Germany and Britain.
The naval review held by the British Navy was undoubtedly breathtaking. The spectacle left the world in awe, as the Royal Navy showcased its formidable power. Some nations even emerged from the event with a reinforced belief that the British Empire was the mightiest country on the planet.
Conversely, other countries resolved to bolster their naval capabilities. For instance, the Americans, with their vast wealth, were more than capable of engaging in an arms race. Similarly, the smaller nations of the East became resolute in their ambition to develop strong navies. They saw parallels with Britain; if the British could ascend to global supremacy, why not them as well?
Qin Tian, however, perceived the British Empire's façade of strength as fundamentally hollow. Once a global powerhouse, the British had resorted to naval displays merely to intimidate others and preserve their waning status amid a circle of predatory nations.
Moreover, with Germany firmly committed to usurping Britain's position, the British show of force would hardly instill fear. The warships present at the review, aside from the new dreadnoughts, were primarily aging pre-dreadnoughts—barely a threat to Germany. Should Germany's navy overcome Britain's dreadnoughts, the remaining pre-dreadnoughts would be easily subdued.
As representatives and envoys departed Britain, society gradually returned to a semblance of calm. Though the king had changed, the political landscape remained unaffected. Under the constitutional monarchy, the monarch's powers had been significantly curtailed, leaving real authority concentrated in the hands of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.
Prime Minister Herbert Henry Asquith convened a Cabinet meeting. Formerly the Chancellor of the Exchequer, he had ascended to the premiership following the previous government's term.
However, Asquith did not view the premiership as a coveted position. While other leaders had presided over a time of global peace, his tenure was marred by escalating tensions. The Germans were increasingly assertive at sea, challenging British maritime supremacy, while across the Atlantic, the Americans, emboldened by their industrial prowess, were reluctant to remain merely an industrial power and sought to become a military giant. Although they had forged alliances with France and Russia, Asquith remained uncertain of their chances in a future conflict.
In response to King George V's ascension, the Cabinet resolved to hold a grand naval review as a display of strength to intimidate other nations.
"Gentlemen, how effective was our naval review?" Asquith inquired, a look of excitement on his face.
"Prime Minister, our review was exceedingly successful. Many nations were left in awe of the Royal Navy's might," beamed the First Lord of the Admiralty, McKenna.
"Excellent! This is precisely the outcome we desired. The world must recognize that the Royal Navy remains the most powerful maritime force. Any attempts to challenge the British Empire will be swiftly crushed by our formidable fleet," Asquith declared with enthusiasm.
"Our allies in France and Russia have expressed admiration for the Royal Navy's strength. They too wish to build formidable naval forces," noted Sir Edward Grey, the Foreign Secretary.
"No, no! The French and Russians must focus on developing their armies to counter the Germans on land. The task of developing a naval force to defeat the German navy lies with the Royal Navy. I have full confidence that the Royal Navy will excel in this endeavor," Asquith replied, his confidence buoyed by the strength of the fleet.
"Indeed, the Prime Minister speaks true. The Royal Navy will surely defeat the Germans, leaving them reeling, just as we have bested the Spaniards, Dutch, and French time and again. No one can wrest maritime supremacy from the British Empire," declared the Colonial Secretary, Lewis Vernon Harcourt. The Empire's ability to seize numerous colonies was intrinsically linked to the strength of the Royal Navy; without it, those territories would likely have been lost long ago.
Laughter filled the room as the ministers expressed their optimism about the future, convinced that Britain would triumph over Germany and other adversaries, thereby safeguarding their global hegemony.
However, among the Cabinet, one figure wore a somber expression, remaining unaffected by the success of the naval review. This was Winston Churchill. Though currently serving as Home Secretary, he had previously held the position of First Lord of the Admiralty and was well-acquainted with the state of the navy.
"Prime Minister, gentlemen, it seems you are perhaps overly optimistic regarding our current situation. My words may not be palatable, but the truth remains. If we continue in blind arrogance, the British Empire may soon face a catastrophic defeat, jeopardizing our global supremacy and overseas colonies. If we lose our hegemony, will the Empire remain strong? I fear we could swiftly decline to a second-rate power. Thus, we must not indulge in reckless optimism; we must remain vigilant and strive to enhance our military capabilities. Only then can we hope to protect the Empire's dominant position!" Churchill stated gravely.
Indeed, Churchill's words were met with discomfort among the ministers; many shifted uneasily, some eager to retort.
Asquith, however, did not dismiss Churchill's concerns. He valued Churchill's perspective, having entrusted him with significant responsibilities. If Churchill had unique insights, Asquith was open to considering them.
"Lord Churchill, do you have any recommendations?" Asquith asked.