"Your Excellency, the Kingdom of Neji is willing to become a protectorate of the German Empire!" In the face of no alternatives, Neji's Foreign Minister, Ghazi, had no choice but to yield. He knew that this was the only path left for Neji; rejection would only bring about their annihilation.
For the survival of their nation and people, they had no other recourse but to submit to the German Empire.
A faint smile appeared on the faces of Chancellor Bilo and Foreign Minister Wahit.
"Minister Ghazi, should you not consult with King Aziz first?" Chancellor Bilo inquired.
"Your Excellency, there is no need. His Majesty the King has already entrusted me with full authority to handle this matter," Ghazi replied.
When King Aziz departed from the Kingdom of Neji, he had anticipated that the Germans would be unyielding in their demands. Thus, he had instructed Ghazi that, should the situation become untenable, there was no need to confront the Germans. After all, while Neji had risen as the dominant power on the Arabian Peninsula, in the eyes of the mighty German Empire, they were still far too weak. Against such a formidable force, Neji lacked even the courage to resist.
As a man who had led only a handful of brave warriors back to Saudi Arabia, defeated the Turks, and established the Kingdom of Neji, Aziz was not without sagacity.
"Very well, sign the documents then," said Chancellor Bilo. "However, I must remind you that once you become a protectorate of the Empire, you will be required to safeguard the Empire's interests. Any action that harms the Empire's interests will result in severe consequences."
"Yes, Your Excellency. The Kingdom of Neji will never act in such a manner. We shall never betray the German Empire!" Ghazi vowed. He understood that the Germans were not prone to empty threats. Should Neji ever rebel against the Empire, the repercussions would be dire. But with the military and police now firmly under German control, did Neji even possess the ability to rebel? Rebellion was a dangerous venture, where a moment's lapse could cost them their lives.
"That is reassuring to hear. The Empire will extend great care to its protectorates. First, the Empire will ensure your safety. No nation will be able to pose a threat to you. Secondly, in terms of economics, you will be integrated into the Empire's economic system. It is foreseeable that your economy will soon experience significant growth," Bilo assured them.
However, both Hamid and Ghazi exchanged looks of bitter resignation. The Kingdoms of Neji and Kuwait were nothing but barren deserts. How could they possibly develop their economies in such a harsh environment? It was not for lack of effort; the conditions were simply too dire to allow for any meaningful progress. Both nations were extremely impoverished, nothing like the wealthy oil-rich states they would later become in the future.
Seeing their expressions, Chancellor Bilo smiled knowingly.
"Gentlemen, upon your return, you may inform your king that soon the Empire will invest heavily in both of your countries," Bilo said.
"Invest? What for?" Ghazi asked, perplexed.
"We have discovered, through documents left behind by the British, that both of your countries are rich in oil resources. The German Empire will provide both the funds and the technology to extract this oil. After covering costs, you will retain twenty percent of the profits. I believe this will greatly stimulate the economies of both your nations," Bilo explained.
"Oil? Do we have oil?" Hamid's face lit up with joy. They had endured years of hardship, and the possibility of discovering oil would mean wealth and prosperity for them.
Ghazi smiled too, though with a hint of skepticism. If what the Germans said was true, then that oil had originally belonged to them. But why were they only entitled to twenty percent of the profits, while the Germans claimed eighty? It seemed unjust.
Yet, Neji had already become a protectorate of Germany. Faced with the Germans' demands, they had no other choice. Even if Germany took all the profits, they would still be powerless. By comparison, the Germans' offer was indeed quite generous.
With both the Kingdom of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Neji now under the protection of the German Empire, Germany's influence in the Middle East had greatly expanded. With control over these two kingdoms, Germany could be said to have mastered the region.
The delegations from Kuwait and Neji did not stay long in Germany, departing on the third day after the treaty was signed. However, Prince Abdul and Prince Salim remained behind. The younger Prince Abdul would study in Berlin, while the older Prince Salim would attend the Imperial Army Academy.
Clearly, both princes were the heirs to their respective thrones. Their presence in Germany served to assure the Germans of their loyalty.
Upon learning of Germany's terms, King Aziz of Neji and Emir Jaber II of Kuwait were left speechless. But they both knew that resistance was futile; they had no choice but to comply.
Faced with Germany's overwhelming power, they had no recourse but to accept. Their only hope was that Germany would keep its word and refrain from interfering in their internal affairs.
For the Kingdom of Neji, the one silver lining was Germany's promise to assist them in dealing with the Rashid family and the Kingdom of Wazhi. This was, undoubtedly, an unexpected boon. Under Germany's support, the Rashid family and the Kingdom of Wazhi stood little chance.
In early February 1916, the German 8th Army crossed the Suez Canal and entered the Sinai Peninsula, beginning their assault on the Kingdom of Wazhi. At the same time, Neji's forces were also poised to strike, encircling Wazhi from both sides.
The Kingdom of Wazhi was already weaker than Neji, let alone able to resist the fierce German forces.
The battle was swift, and within a week, Wazhi's main army was defeated. The 8th Army did not advance further into the Arabian Desert but instead stationed itself along the coast. The remaining enemy forces were left for Neji's army to handle, as the 8th Army had more important objectives to pursue.
With German support, the Kingdom of Neji annexed Wazhi, renaming it the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In doing so, Germany consolidated its control over the entire Middle East.