Berlin, Imperial Palace, Qin Tian's office.
The Emperor Qin Tian of the German Empire sat with Marshal Erich von Falkenhayn, Minister of War and Chief of the General Staff, and Marshal Count Tirpitz, Minister of the Navy, discussing the current state of affairs.
"Your Majesty, the Imperial Army has just won a significant victory at Le Havre. Over 200,000 members of the British Expeditionary Force have surrendered. However, their senior commanders managed to escape back to Britain. As it stands, the British Expeditionary Force is effectively annihilated. Aside from a few units of their 2nd Army still lingering in southern France, the rest of their forces have been obliterated by us," Falkenhayn reported with a pleased expression.
With the British Expeditionary Force vanquished, the German forces are now poised to claim total victory on the continent. While the French continue to resist, their ultimate defeat is inevitable—it's merely a matter of time.
"Excellent. With the British Expeditionary Force eliminated, the French won't last much longer. Even now, they are retreating southward, but France is a finite land; they have nowhere to run. As our forces press further, their survival space will shrink until they're left with no option but to surrender. By then, surrender will be meaningless," Qin Tian replied, a sense of accomplishment in his tone.
Qin Tian felt an overwhelming sense of achievement—he had altered history. In another timeline, Germany had lost this war. But here, less than a year since the war's outset, Germany was on the verge of a decisive victory, and final triumph seemed imminent.
"Indeed, Your Majesty. The French are destined to lose. No force—not even divine intervention—can alter this," agreed Marshal Count Tirpitz.
"With the French threat neutralized, it's time to address the British. They show no sign of seeking peace, clearly intent on continued resistance. Perhaps they believe the narrow channel can shield them, but soon they will learn otherwise. The English Channel is no longer a barrier to the German Empire's advance. Our navy will render the Channel a mere formality," Qin Tian declared.
"Absolutely, Your Majesty. The Imperial Navy is already preparing. Once our army is poised, we can cross the Channel and strike directly at British soil," Tirpitz affirmed.
"And what of the remnants of the British fleet? Is there a way to eliminate them? They remain a persistent nuisance," Qin Tian inquired.
"Your Majesty, the remaining British vessels have retreated to the Irish Sea. Unless we send our main fleet there, neutralizing them is difficult. The British have also heavily mined the Irish Sea. Entering without knowledge of the mines' locations would likely exact an intolerable toll," Tirpitz replied.
Qin Tian nodded, well aware that despite Germany's formidable navy, it was not immune to danger.
"Nonetheless, to ensure the safety of our forces during the invasion of Britain, the Imperial Navy will station its main fleet at both ends of Ireland, trapping the British fleet within the Irish Sea. Once the Imperial Army subdues Britain, those British ships will be of no further consequence," Tirpitz continued.
"Good, proceed as planned. With the Empire holding such a decisive advantage, our final victory is within reach," Qin Tian affirmed.
"Your Majesty, we've received recent intelligence. The U.S. Navy has made a move: a fleet of twelve battleships and numerous smaller vessels has departed from Norfolk and entered the Atlantic. Their destination is currently unknown, but the High Seas Fleet suspects this movement may be directed toward us," Tirpitz informed.
"The Americans? What are they scheming?" Qin Tian frowned. With Germany on the cusp of victory, American involvement at this juncture seemed highly unwise.
"At present, we can only speculate on American intentions, but their motives surely bode ill for us," Tirpitz replied gravely.
"Tell the navy to prepare. Should the Americans dare to intervene, we will strike decisively and make them pay a price beyond reckoning," Qin Tian commanded.
While American involvement would increase Germany's costs, the situation now was vastly different from the war's outset. Initially, Germany had to fight on two fronts, and U.S. entry would have jeopardized victory. But now, with Germany holding a substantial advantage, even if the Americans joined the Allies, they would not thwart Germany's triumph—though it might extend the conflict and demand greater resources.
"Understood, Your Majesty," Tirpitz acknowledged.
"Your Majesty, the Empire has nothing to fear from any nation. Our strength ensures that we need no longer concern ourselves with threats, no matter the enemy or their numbers. The final victory will, undoubtedly, be ours," Falkenhayn stated.
"Indeed, no matter who stands against us, victory will be ours," Qin Tian agreed emphatically.
This German Empire had undergone a complete metamorphosis, distinct from the one in another time. The German Army had swept through both eastern and western fronts, on the brink of securing the continent. Meanwhile, the German Navy had consistently dominated the British fleet, establishing itself as the unrivaled ruler of the seas.
Moreover, Germany's formidable industrial strength, combined with the vast territories and resources acquired in this war, was setting the Empire up to become the world's supreme power—a status beyond any doubt.