"Such an immense sum? Those decommissioned warships fetched a staggering sixteen billion marks at auction?" Qin Tian was left dumbfounded, gazing at the smiling Count Tirpitz, his mind overwhelmed by the sheer absurdity of it all. How could these nations be so wealthy?
"Your Majesty, indeed, this far exceeded everyone's expectations. Just the eighteen capital ships alone were sold for twelve billion, two hundred million marks," Count Tirpitz remarked, his aged face practically blooming with delight.
Though he was soon to retire, the prospect of securing such a vast sum for the navy before his departure left Count Tirpitz thoroughly satisfied.
"Indeed, with this substantial windfall, the days ahead will be much more bearable. At least, the construction of those capital ships we procured from the British will no longer require additional funding. The modernization of the smaller vessels can proceed as well," Qin Tian noted.
The German navy was vast, but a significant portion of its warships had become outdated. These ships had contributed greatly during past conflicts, but were ill-suited for the future battles that lay ahead. Thus, Qin Tian hoped for a thorough update to the fleet.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Count Tirpitz nodded. Though much of the work would fall to his successor, even in retirement, Count Tirpitz remained deeply concerned for the navy's future. After all, the German navy was, in many ways, his creation. His attachment to it was unshakable.
"By the way, which countries acquired the capital ships?" Qin Tian inquired.
Given the potential global impact on naval power dynamics, even Germany, as the world's leading power, had to remain keenly aware of these changes.
"Your Majesty, the Austro-Hungarian Empire made the largest purchases. They acquired the 'East Prussia' battleship, three 'Moltke-class' battlecruisers, and four of the 'Kaiser-class' battleships, excluding the 'Frederick the Great,'" Count Tirpitz explained.
Qin Tian furrowed his brow. "It seems the Americans have provided far more support to the Austro-Hungarian Empire than we anticipated!"
"Indeed, Your Majesty. Just for these eight capital ships, the Austro-Hungarian Empire spent six hundred and fifty-seven million marks," Count Tirpitz replied.
"It appears our Mediterranean fleet will face considerable challenges. The pressure on them will be immense," Qin Tian mused.
"Yes, Your Majesty. However, I remain confident that the Mediterranean fleet will manage," Count Tirpitz reassured, displaying great faith in their capabilities.
Qin Tian nodded. While the Austro-Hungarian Navy was bolstered by sheer numbers, in terms of quality, it was no match for the Mediterranean fleet of the German navy. Moreover, while the Mediterranean fleet only had seven capital ships, plans included the addition of two aircraft carriers. This would enable the fleet to decisively overpower the Austro-Hungarian Navy. Furthermore, the islands Germany had secured in the Mediterranean could be used to deploy aircraft, posing a tremendous threat to the Austro-Hungarian Navy. In the event of conflict or war, Germany's air superiority could render the Austro-Hungarian fleet obsolete, turning their costly acquisitions into little more than scrap metal.
"However, the growing closeness between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the United States warrants our attention. The Americans have yet to abandon their efforts to trouble us," Qin Tian remarked with a sigh.
"Your Majesty, it is all a matter of self-interest. The Americans are well aware that if the Empire continues to grow stronger, their own influence will diminish. Hence, creating trouble for us is their best strategy at the moment," Count Tirpitz explained.
Qin Tian nodded. "Whatever schemes the Americans may concoct, the Empire will ultimately emerge victorious!"
He had no doubt about this. After all, Germany was far stronger now than the Third Reich ever had been in another timeline, with a far sturdier foundation. With so many advantages in their hands, there was no reason to believe Germany could lose.
Of course, Qin Tian knew not to grow complacent, for the enemy remained formidable.
"What about the other countries? How many ships did they purchase?" Qin Tian inquired.
"The Ottoman Empire acquired three: two 'Blücher-class' battlecruisers and the 'Ostfriesland' battleship. However, judging by the expressions of their representatives, they were clearly dissatisfied. There were several heated exchanges between Fatih Pasha and Crown Prince Karl during the auction, their competition fierce," Count Tirpitz said.
Qin Tian stroked his chin, a smile playing on his lips. "This is indeed interesting. Perhaps we could find a way to strengthen the Ottoman Empire. That would complicate the situation in the Mediterranean and alleviate some of the pressure on our fleet."
Count Tirpitz nodded. "If the Ottoman Empire is willing, we could certainly build more powerful capital ships for them. After all, battleships with 380mm main guns will become standard for first-rate naval powers. Constructing them for the Ottomans would not be an issue."
"Then it is settled. If the Ottoman Empire is willing to invest, we shall build them the ships they need," Qin Tian decided firmly.
"Understood, Your Majesty," Count Tirpitz responded.
"Additionally, the Republic of Chile acquired the 'Nassau,' 'Posen,' 'Helgoland,' and 'Frederick the Great.' However, they proposed paying for the ships with mineral resources," Count Tirpitz added.
"Yes, we can accommodate them," Qin Tian agreed. Chile had always been on friendly terms with Germany, so supporting them was only fitting.
"Brazil purchased the 'Rhineland' and 'Oldenburg,' while Argentina acquired the 'Westphalia,'" Count Tirpitz continued.
"It seems the situation in South America will undergo a shift! With Chile purchasing so many capital ships, their naval power now surpasses that of Brazil and Argentina. War may soon break out. We must prepare for any eventuality to safeguard the Empire's interests," Qin Tian remarked.
"Indeed, Your Majesty!" Count Tirpitz wholeheartedly agreed.