Mir Osman Ali Khan was undoubtedly a man of great intellect. Otherwise, he would not have maintained his position as the ruler of the Hyderabad State, nor would he have been elected as a representative by the princely states for a clandestine visit to Germany. Thus, the moment Wahit finished speaking, Mir Osman Ali Khan instantly discerned the underlying implications.
"Your Excellency, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the German Empire has expended immense financial resources and sacrificed countless brave soldiers to help liberate India from the tyranny of British rule. This noble endeavor has deeply moved both myself and my fellow princes. As for the sentiments of the other princes, I cannot speak, but as the ruler of Hyderabad, I am resolutely committed to contributing our strength. Personally, I am willing to provide five billion marks to fund the German Empire's military campaigns," Mir Osman Ali Khan declared.
Though his outward demeanor was calm and unperturbed, his heart bled inwardly. Five billion marks was an astronomical sum, even for someone of his vast wealth. To part with such a fortune amounted to a significant sacrifice. Yet, when he considered the prospect of securing fertile lands in the Ganges Plain as part of the future division of India, Mir Osman Ali Khan deemed the expenditure worthwhile. This substantial investment was, in his eyes, a necessary step to amass even greater wealth in the future.
However, to his surprise, Wahit appeared indifferent to his offer of five billion marks.
Of course, inwardly, Wahit was far from unmoved. To see Mir Osman Ali Khan pledge such an enormous sum without hesitation was undoubtedly astonishing. In this era, such a sum was monumental, far beyond what many nations could muster. These Indian princes were indeed fabulously wealthy, rivaling the treasuries of entire countries. This realization only strengthened Wahit's determination to extract even more wealth from them. Leaving such riches in the hands of these princes, he thought, would be a waste. If these fortunes were instead transferred to Germany, they could significantly enhance the empire's power.
"Your Excellency, while the generosity of the Hyderabad State is deeply appreciated by the empire, such contributions may seem inequitable to the other princely states. The empire hopes to discuss these matters collectively when all the princes convene in Berlin, ensuring fairness for all," Wahit responded with measured calm, his years as a diplomat enabling him to mask his emotions expertly.
Mir Osman Ali Khan immediately felt a sinking realization. If the decision were postponed until the arrival of the other princes, it would likely become more challenging for him to secure the fertile lands of the Ganges Plain. The price he would have to pay would undoubtedly increase. Yet, with Germany's dominance over India, the terms of distribution would ultimately be dictated by them. Resistance was not an option, and any dissent would likely result in exclusion or even further losses.
"Your Excellency, it was thoughtless of me," Mir Osman Ali Khan conceded, though inwardly, he resolved to fight with all his might when the time came. Even if it meant sacrificing his entire fortune, he was determined to obtain the fertile lands of the Ganges Plain. Failure to do so would jeopardize his standing among the princely states of India. Moreover, contributing more wealth would signify his allegiance to Germany, demonstrating his loyalty in hopes of gaining favor with the German government. If Germany were to elevate him, he could potentially ascend to the position of India's de facto ruler. Given Germany's apparent reluctance to govern India directly, they would likely seek the most loyal ally to serve as their proxy.
Despite the heartache of parting with his entire fortune, Mir Osman Ali Khan believed it was a necessary step to secure far greater benefits.
"Your Excellency, I have a proposal. Since India is on the verge of complete occupation by German forces, it stands to reason that His Majesty, the revered Emperor of the German Empire, should rightfully assume the title of Emperor of India. Such an addition to His Majesty's titles would be entirely appropriate," Mir Osman Ali Khan suggested.
During British colonial rule, the monarch of England bore the title "Emperor of India." It seemed only fitting for this title to now pass to the German Emperor. After all, Qin Tian, in addition to being Emperor of Germany, also held titles such as King of Prussia, King of Ukraine, and King of Poland. While these were largely titular, they signified his supreme authority over these realms. Adding the title "Emperor of India" to his honors would merely reflect the reality of Germany's imminent dominion over India.
"Hmm, an excellent suggestion. I will report this to His Majesty," Wahit replied with a smile.
Mir Osman Ali Khan immediately felt his strategy had succeeded. Clearly, the Germans desired their emperor to assume the title of Emperor of India. Yet, this realization brought him a pang of disappointment. It would be a lie to claim he harbored no ambition for the throne of India. During British rule, he had buried such ambitions deep within his heart. Under German rule, however, these aspirations had to be even more carefully concealed. The Germans were far stronger than the British, and any overt display of ambition could lead to catastrophic consequences.
"Your Excellency, you must understand that His Majesty assuming the title of Emperor of India is merely a symbolic gesture. The actual governance of India will still rest in the hands of you and the other princes. However, with hundreds of princely states in India, such fragmentation makes governance challenging. A leader with local strength and prestige will be necessary. Personally, I believe you are an ideal candidate. Of course, the ultimate decision lies with His Majesty," Wahit said with a smile.
In that instant, Mir Osman Ali Khan's previously dimmed hopes flared anew.