However, it couldn't be said that way. Sheffield glanced at the countess's daughter leaning on his shoulder; this should be considered an international treason gang. He was using French money to buy German technology. If this were considered treason, Annie would also be implicated.
How important it is to master a foreign language proficiently! If Sheffield understood German, he wouldn't be in the dark now and could know the real thoughts of Germany regarding the visit of the U.S. Secretary of State and the Venezuelan crisis from newspapers or people's conversations.
But thinking about the negotiations after entering Germany, not knowing German wasn't actually a big deal. This language was too complicated. Usually, when Germans spoke for a long time, the translation often boiled down to just one sentence. Sheffield listened to the other party ramble on for a long time, thinking there might be some profound insights, but upon closer examination, the translation turned out to be quite insubstantial.
Of course, in the eyes of Germanophiles, it could be viewed from another angle: the complexity of German grammar determined the rigor of the German language. When listening to Germans speak, one must wait until the end of the sentence to understand its meaning.
Sheffield thought that the difficulties faced by Secretary of State Olney and his entourage in Berlin were no less than his own. It took Germans a long time to express their ideas.
"I'm hungry; I want to eat German sausages." Finally arriving at Berlin Station, Sheffield hadn't even caught his breath when Annie tugged at his sleeve and exclaimed.
"No, we'll eat American sausages; they're better than German ones," Sheffield firmly refused, then paused and looked curiously at the countess's daughter, wondering if she was flirting with him.
"Why so harsh? Fine, we'll eat American ones!" Annie lowered her head, seemingly very aggrieved, "It's just that there's nothing to eat, not even a meal!"
Someone was sent to buy newspapers. As soon as Sheffield stepped out of the train station, someone was already waiting to meet him. Having a large company was advantageous—no matter where you went, there were always people to serve you. Sheffield wasn't boasting; in this era, no one understood international trade better than his family. Even going to the African continent, there were employees to meet him, no less professional than any colonial troops.
"Secretary of State O'Neil received an unprecedented warm welcome upon arriving in Berlin. All sectors of Germany expressed great sympathy for the current difficulties faced by the United States. However, the Kaiser has not yet expressed his thoughts. Master Sheffield's inspection in the Ruhr region has been noticed by Berlin's high society. From exchanges with the London branch, it seems the British are very concerned about the Secretary of State's visit to Berlin, though this is only part of public opinion."
"The last stop of this European trip is London. Before the final outcome appears, the British won't give such a positive response. From the current statements, it's clear that the British look down on us. This disdain is prevalent among European countries. In their eyes, I am just a nouveau riche hick. The reason they haven't spoken rudely to me is simply because I am indeed very wealthy."
Sheffield squeezed out a smile in front of the reporting staff, completely indifferent to this mentality. He fully understood it: "This person looks plain and a bit rustic, but when he spends lavishly, he suddenly appears so handsome."
Sheffield first met with the diplomatic members accompanying Secretary of State Olney. The information collected so far was rather superficial. By talking with these diplomatic members, he could obtain more useful information since they had personally witnessed everything alongside Olney.
"I can feel that the Germans are very interested in the situation in Venezuela, but when it comes to actual statements, they remain silent!" Russell Cantor, an aide to the Secretary of State, stood in front of Sheffield, speaking with confusion.
Russell Cantor was forty-four years old, born in Oklahoma. Although this state was not one of the thirteen Confederate states, agriculture played an important role in Oklahoma's economy. Wheat and sorghum were mainly produced in the west, while corn, vegetables, and berries were abundant in the east. Most areas had abundant water and grass, suitable for grazing.
As part of the broader Lone Star Republic, its current pillar industry was agriculture, naturally deeply influenced by Texas. Russell Cantor belonged to the group of Democrats who had good relations with the State Department and many members of the Sheffield family.
"Haven't we met the Kaiser? Or even the Prime Minister of Prussia? Is the schedule arranged?" Sheffield, hands in pockets, embodied what it meant to be a country bumpkin in a suit, exuding the essence of a Dixie gentleman.
"The current Chancellor is Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst, a Bavarian from southern Germany. He seems to be a member of the Bavarian royal family; we have already contacted him." Russell Cantor thought for a moment and said, "To be honest, this Chancellor of Prussia is a mild-mannered person, but we already know that many things require the Kaiser's approval."
"Germany is an empire; it's not surprising for a monarchy." Sheffield waved his hand, "Since formal formation and economic and trade negotiations are already underway, we'll wait for the meeting. Put my name on the list. No one understands Germany better than me. The United States needs help and must understand what the other party values more."
"Can you add my name?" Annie timidly asked, her face full of curiosity, "I've never seen an emperor."
"Add her name!" Sheffield saw Annie's eager gaze and casually tossed his head, "Make up any identity for her."
What did Germany value most right now? It was still somewhat unclear because Wilhelm II's world policy had not yet been officially proposed; it was merely something he had mentioned once. But Sheffield knew that the official debut of the world policy was not now—it was merely Wilhelm II's dreamy musings at present.
Ice doesn't form three feet thick in a single day. Just because it hadn't been proposed didn't mean it wasn't brewing. Some vague ideas must already have emerged in Wilhelm II's mind.
Finally, it was the day for U.S. Secretary of State Olney to formally meet with the Chancellor of the German Empire and Prime Minister of Prussia, Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst. As a representative of the business community, Sheffield successfully witnessed the birth of the trade agreement.
Subsequently, in front of a group of German companies, enterprises, and nobles, Sheffield demonstrated that no one understood Germany better than him. In his prepared speech, Sheffield elaborated on the rigorous national spirit of the Germans, the recent technological explosion in Germany, and the supposedly invincible army of the German Empire.
Each point was illustrated with examples, his expression solemn, his words earnest, fully immersing himself.
"The world needs the German Empire to exert a broader influence; naturally, the United States does too. Because the entire world needs balance and doesn't need a bully trampling on the dignity of other countries. The independence and autonomy of Western Hemisphere nations no longer require guidance from any particular country. If any country disrespects the sovereignty of the Western Hemisphere, the United States will not stand idly by. The United States also believes that other countries will step forward to prevent such bullying behavior."
Sheffield knew the British would soon learn about this. It didn't matter; when he got to London, he would modify the subject and object and flatter the British. No one understood Britain better than him.
(End of Chapter)