The General Staff of the German Army still has Moltke as its Chief of Staff, and thus he remains in his office. However, the lack of expected results from the Battle of the Marne has bred increasing dissatisfaction within Germany regarding Moltke, even causing a fundamental shift in Wilhelm II's attitude towards him. Many speculate that Moltke's time as Chief of Staff may soon come to an end.
Even Moltke himself has lost confidence in the future. Before launching the Battle of the Marne, he was optimistic, believing this could be the opportunity to decisively defeat the Anglo-French forces and achieve a significant breakthrough on the Western Front. Yet, he could never have anticipated the outcome would be so dismal.
Unlike another timeline where he resigned following the Battle of the Marne, Moltke remains in his position. In that other reality, the heir to the empire was Crown Prince Wilhelm, and their close relationship led Moltke to feel secure in his role.
In this timeline, however, the faux Oscar prince, QinTian, has ascended as the imperial heir, and the relationship between him and Moltke is fraught with animosity. Moltke is acutely aware that once he loses power, QinTian will not hesitate to make him pay for his past grievances. Thus, Moltke is determined to cling to his authority, for he is, above all, a man deeply attached to power.
"General von Pritwitz has arrived, sir," the secretary informed Moltke.
"Let him in," Moltke replied with a nod.
Although he held disdain for von Pritwitz's capabilities and character, they maintained a cordial relationship as mutual favorites of Wilhelm II. Furthermore, they shared a common adversary: QinTian. The enemy of one's enemy often becomes a friend, thereby strengthening their bond.
"Good day, Chief of Staff," von Pritwitz greeted as he entered the office.
"Please, have a seat, General von Pritwitz," Moltke invited.
After exchanging pleasantries and once the secretary had exited, von Pritwitz swiftly shifted the topic.
"Chief of Staff, that wretched Oscar has returned," he said.
Moltke nodded, already aware. The Eighth Army's resounding victory on the Eastern Front had compelled Emperor Wilhelm II to summon QinTian back to Berlin for a debriefing. This was hardly good news for Moltke; the more QinTian and the Eighth Army excelled, the more Moltke's incompetence was highlighted, placing him in an increasingly precarious position.
Of course, Moltke could not deny the remarkable achievements of QinTian and the Eighth Army, even as an adversary. The failure on the Western Front had plunged Germany into a dire situation, with Moltke even speculating that they might have lost the war. Yet, the dazzling performance on the Eastern Front had restored a semblance of advantage, offering a glimmer of hope for a turnaround.
"Chief of Staff, how can you remain so unperturbed? Oscar is your sworn enemy! With his return to Berlin, he will surely take the opportunity to disparage you in front of the Emperor. How will you maintain your position if the Emperor decides to replace you? The consequences would be dire," von Pritwitz exclaimed, agitated.
Knowing the irreconcilable rift between himself and QinTian, von Pritwitz could not stand to see QinTian thrive. The latter's luminous performance posed a significant threat; should Moltke fall from grace, there would be no one left to challenge QinTian's ascendancy.
This was not a scenario von Pritwitz desired. He still yearned to enjoy wealth and privilege, perhaps even to ascend to greater heights.
"My continued tenure as Chief of Staff is not determined by Oscar, but by the Emperor. The Emperor's sentiments cannot be swayed by any individual," Moltke asserted.
"But, Chief of Staff, the current Oscar is not the same as before! His influence has grown considerably. If we do not devise a strategy soon, the Emperor may very well be deceived by him," von Pritwitz urged desperately.
After a moment of contemplation, Moltke ultimately nodded.
"Very well, I shall meet with the Emperor immediately. I will make one final effort. If the Emperor has already reached his conclusion, then there is nothing more to be done," he said.
"Chief of Staff, the Emperor will surely show you leniency, given your past friendship," von Pritwitz said, his expression brightening.
When Moltke arrived at the palace, Wilhelm II had just completed his official duties and was resting. When informed of Moltke's request to see him, Wilhelm hesitated. He had, in fact, already resolved to replace Moltke, yet he felt a pang of guilt at the thought of severing a longstanding friendship.
In his youth, he had shared a close bond with Moltke; they had once supported each other. Now, it seemed this friendship was destined to end.
"Let him in," Wilhelm said finally.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Soon, Moltke entered the Emperor's office.
"Your Majesty!" Moltke bowed respectfully.
"Have a seat."
"Your Majesty, I hear the Crown Prince has returned? His performance on the Eastern Front, alongside the Eighth Army, has been nothing short of astounding. With less than two hundred thousand troops, the Eighth Army has managed to annihilate four Russian army corps, totaling nearly nine hundred thousand men, significantly alleviating the Empire's crisis in the East. It has fundamentally shifted the unfavorable situation we currently face," Moltke lauded QinTian and the Eighth Army.
Wilhelm II shook his head, fully aware of the animosity between Moltke and QinTian. He recognized the ulterior motive behind Moltke's praise; yet even with this apparent shift in Moltke's stance, it would not alter Wilhelm's resolve.