The Guard Regiment that participated in the rebellion in Berlin numbered just over ten thousand. The German military had easily assembled an armored division, an infantry division, and a marine division, which would have effortlessly crushed them. However, controlling the Kingdom of Württemberg was an entirely different matter—far more complicated and demanding.
Fortunately, the eastern front of the Empire had stabilized entirely. With the newly formed 10th, 11th, and 12th Corps, security was sufficiently assured. Thus, under QinTian's orders, the remaining nine infantry divisions of the 9th Corps were recalled to the homeland. As soon as these troops arrived in Berlin, they received orders to march southward without delay, heading straight for the Kingdom of Württemberg.
At that moment, in Stuttgart, the members of the Württemberg royal family and the senior government officials were embroiled in a maelstrom of turmoil.
Although Duke of Württemberg had been executed, his son had escaped Berlin and fled back to Stuttgart. The Duke had two sons—Albrecht Fortunatus and Albrecht Gregor. Among them, Fortunatus, the elder, was in his twenties and had previously served as a major officer in the Guard Regiment.
The Duke's execution had been a monumental event for the entire Kingdom of Württemberg. Though the King of Württemberg was nominally the Emperor of the German Empire, the royal family had maintained its considerable influence. The Duke's death had been a grave insult, especially considering their long-standing legacy and importance.
"Gentlemen, my father was executed in Berlin by the despicable Oscar," Fortunatus roared. "He was given no opportunity to defend himself. Oscar directly ordered his execution. The so-called fair trial was nothing but a farce—those judges, corrupt lackeys of Oscar, did nothing but follow his commands! We cannot—under any circumstances—compromise with them now!"
"Indeed," Gregor chimed in with fiery indignation. "Our Kingdom of Württemberg has a glorious history. Even as part of the German Empire, past emperors treated us with respect. But now, before Oscar has even ascended the throne, he begins by executing the Duke of Württemberg. This is nothing short of an insult to our Kingdom."
Yet, the senior government officials of Württemberg did not share their unbridled fury. They were well aware of why the Duke had been executed. Moreover, the Duke's unauthorized intervention in the struggle for the Imperial throne—participating in the rebellion—had greatly displeased them. This had plunged the Kingdom into an unwanted crisis. While Württemberg was not without power among the Empire's many federated states, its military, diplomacy, and finances were largely controlled by the central government. Faced with the Empire's unyielding stance, they knew they were powerless. A headstrong confrontation could only lead to inevitable ruin.
Before QinTian ascended to the throne, he had dealt decisively with his two elder brothers, a Duke, and several senior military officers, including former Chief of Staff Moltke. The shockwaves of this brutal purge reverberated throughout the Empire, particularly as QinTian had previously been perceived as gentle, humble, and almost without a temper. Now, however, he had revealed a ruthlessness that would make any who harbored ill intentions wary of challenging him.
"So, what should we do?" asked the Prime Minister of the Kingdom.
"We must demonstrate our resolve to Berlin and make them accept our conditions," Fortunatus declared. "If they refuse, we will never relent."
"What conditions?" the Minister of Internal Affairs asked.
"My father allied with Crown Prince Wilhelm to secure more autonomy for the Kingdom of Württemberg. At least, like the Kingdom of Bavaria, we should have greater self-governance over our internal affairs. Crown Prince Wilhelm had agreed to my father's terms, which is why he supported him. But now, Oscar has betrayed us—he mobilized troops, crushed the rebellion, and viciously executed my father. We demand Berlin accept our terms!" Fortunatus's words were filled with anger.
"This will be extremely difficult," the Prime Minister said, furrowing his brow. "The rebellion failed. Crown Prince Oscar has ruthlessly suppressed it. If we oppose Berlin now, the consequences will be dire."
"No," Fortunatus retorted, his expression hardening. "This is wartime. The industrial might of Württemberg is pivotal to the Empire's success in this war. If Berlin refuses our terms, we will declare the Kingdom of Württemberg independent from the German Empire—truly sovereign. This will force Berlin to consider our demands, or risk a catastrophe. They will have no choice but to acquiesce."
The Prime Minister's face darkened with worry. "Your Highness, this is too risky. The Empire has been preparing for this war for so long, and victory is almost within reach. To back down now would turn Württemberg into a pariah among the Empire's states."
The expressions of Fortunatus and Gregor soured immediately.
"Are you refusing our request? Do you wish to betray the House of Württemberg? Don't forget, it was Oscar who had my father executed. Who will inherit the Duke's title if not us? Clearly, they intend to eliminate us!" Fortunatus's voice was filled with outrage.
"I am loyal to the German Empire and the Kingdom of Württemberg," the Prime Minister replied, his voice firm.
The Minister of Internal Affairs nodded in agreement.
"Traitors!" Fortunatus spat, his fury rising. "Seize them!" He ordered the guards to arrest the Prime Minister and others.
Without heeding any objections, Fortunatus boldly declared that from this moment forth, the Kingdom of Württemberg would be independent. This declaration sent shockwaves not only throughout the German Empire but also across the world.