"Your Majesty, do we plan to reach an agreement with the UK by the end of this year to impose a naval blockade on Venezuela?"
"Hmm."
Kaiser Wilhelm II, who was having lunch with Hans, nodded while cutting the thick steak on his plate as he listened to the question.
Despite the impending military actions by Germany and the UK, Cipriano Castro and his Venezuelan government still did not change their stance.
The civil war between the government forces and the rebel forces in Venezuela continued, and the Germans and the British kept suffering losses, yet Venezuela still ignored any demands from the British and German governments.
No, it could even be said that they deliberately stood by and did nothing.
Therefore, when Venezuela still showed no willingness to negotiate in the face of the tough attitudes of Germany and the UK, German Chancellor Bernhard von Bülow and the newly appointed successor of the recently resigned Marquess of Salisbury in the UK, British Prime Minister Arthur Balfour, decided to jointly take action against Venezuela.
However, what surprised Hans was what Wilhelm II said next.
"Fat Edward... No, Uncle Edward has invited me to the UK."
"Do you mean His Majesty Edward?"
"Yes. He said it's to formally finalize the details regarding the Venezuelan issue, and by the way, he's inviting us to Sandringham to relax, including you, Hans."
Sandringham...
That was the British royal country house that Queen Victoria bought for King Edward VII and his wife, known as Sandringham House.
As far as Hans knew, when Edward VII decorated Sandringham House, he also built one of the best shooting estates in England there.
This was a typical example of Edward VII's style.
"Come to think of it, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, Your Majesty's cousin, also lives in Sandringham, right?"
"Oh, you mean George? Yes, he's leading a rather boring life there, doing things like collecting stamps."
The Prince of Wales – as is well known, this is the title conferred on the heir apparent to the British throne, and the current Prince of Wales is George V, the second son of Edward VII.
George V was very fond of Sandringham House and even called it "dear Sandringham, which is beyond compare with anywhere else in the world".
Therefore, even before he became the Prince of Wales, when he was still the Duke of York, he lived in a small villa in Sandringham House – the York Cottage. This was because, unlike his active and sociable father, George V preferred to stay away from social life and chose a simple and quiet life in the countryside.
Of course, this monotonous life might have satisfied George V, but for the members of the British upper class who came to visit him, the York Cottage seemed extremely dull and was even jokingly referred to as the "gloomy cottage".
It can be seen that his personality was in sharp contrast to that of his father.
"I haven't seen that fellow for a long time. It would be nice to meet him this time. At least it's better than looking at Uncle's fat face all the time."
Wilhelm II was impatient with his much-detested uncle, Edward VII, but he had a relatively decent relationship with his cousin, George V.
In fact, compared to Wilhelm II, George V was closer to his cousin, Nicholas II, who looked like his twin.
"Then when do you plan to go to the UK, Your Majesty?"
"November. After all, we're going to impose the naval blockade in December."
The UK...
Hans had always thought that he would go there someday, but he didn't expect it to be now.
"It was the same when I went to Russia last time. I'm going abroad again."
To be honest, the trip to Russia was really tiring.
Not only was the responsibility on his shoulders heavy, but also the communication with the Tsar and the Russian nobles was exhausting.
However, this time it should be more like a family trip, and it might be more relaxing, right? Right?
...
"Welcome, Willie!"
After the summer full of many events ended, after a short autumn, winter came quietly.
Just as Wilhelm II had predicted, Hans set foot on British soil together with the royal family members.
However, he didn't have enough time to take a good look at the snow-covered London that he had always wanted to see in his previous life.
Because as soon as they arrived at Dover Port, the group directly took the special train prepared by the British royal family and headed for Sandringham.
Although a bit regretful, there should be other opportunities in the future, right?
The Sandringham House they arrived at was a typical British nobleman's residence.
Getting down from the carriage, the cold winter wind blew in their faces. The group watched as King Edward VII, dressed in a noble robe, and Queen Alexandra of Denmark, whose attire was simpler than his, came to greet them.
Their outfits seemed a bit incongruous and even made people feel a bit ridiculous. Hans, Joachim, and Louise couldn't help but chuckle softly.
"Come on, come in quickly. It's cold outside."
"Ahem, then we'll accept your kind offer."
Perhaps eager to warm himself by the cozy fireplace, Wilhelm II said this to his uncle and then quickly stepped into the residence.
Hans, Joachim, and Louise also obediently followed and went in.
"Ah, George, you're here."
"Willie."
As the servant led the group into the drawing room, they saw George V, who looked exactly like Nicholas II, standing there.
"Wow, they really look exactly the same."
Although he had seen George V in photos in his previous life, seeing him in person, George V really resembled Nicholas II as if they were twins.
It almost made one blurt out "Your Majesty?"
"Long time no see, William. And Donna."
"Ah, Mary."
At this moment, a woman came out from behind George V. She seemed to be an acquaintance, and Wilhelm II and Empress Augusta greeted her warmly.
She was Mary of Teck, Princess of Wales. She was George V's wife and the mother of the future brothers, Edward VIII and George VI. This woman was renowned for her outstanding ability to assist her husband, George V, in stabilizing the royal family.
She even witnessed the accession to the throne of her granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II. She could truly be called long-lived.
"I heard that you're due next month, right?"
Empress Augusta said as she looked at Princess Mary's protruding belly.
That's right, Princess Mary was pregnant.
"Based on the time calculation, it should be George, Duke of Kent, the fourth son of George V, right?"
The decision of Edward VIII to give up the throne for love might be touching, but in comparison, this George, Duke of Kent, who was still in the womb, was known for his dissolute private life.
His love affairs included the American black singer Florence Mills, known as the "Queen of Jazz", Poppy Baring, the heiress of Baring Bank, Margaret Campbell, Duchess of Argyll, British musical star Jessie Matthews, and countless others.
What's more, this person was bisexual and had affairs with men such as the British actor and playwright Noel Coward. In addition, he was also addicted to cocaine and morphine and was a drug addict. Therefore, the Duke of Kent has never appeared in any TV shows or movies about the British royal family.
The attitude of the British royal family towards him went beyond being a "black history" and was almost on the level of the so-called "person who must not be named".
"I can't believe that such a dissolute person is in her belly."
"Hmm? This is a new face."
Just as Hans was lost in his thoughts, George V noticed him and spoke to him.
Hans came back to his senses and immediately bowed to George V and his wife.
"Nice to meet you for the first time. I'm Baron Hans von Joe."
"Ah, I've long heard of your name."
George V nodded, as if he had already known about Hans' existence.
At this point, it would be strange not to know.
However, indeed, the feeling George V gave him was completely different from that of Edward VII.
How should I put it? Edward VII had a kind of lively and pleasant vitality, while George V seemed much more solemn.
"George, how are the children?"
"The same as usual. Come to think of it, I should have them come and say hello."
Following Wilhelm II's words, George V turned his gaze upward.
"David! Albert!"
George V shouted loudly, and there was a commotion upstairs. Then two boys who looked younger than Hans rushed downstairs in a hurry.
"The older one is Edward VIII, and the younger one is George VI, right?"
Of course, in that era, they were called David and Albert respectively.
The two brothers seemed to have run too hastily, and their clothes were a bit disheveled. George V was very dissatisfied with this and scolded them again.
"As a prince of the United Kingdom, what kind of appearance is this, being so slovenly!"
"Yes, sorry, Father."
Unlike his elder brother who would later give up the throne for divorce, George VI (Albert) led the United Kingdom through the crisis during World War II. He seemed to be very afraid of his father and was even trembling when speaking.
"It was you who suddenly called us."
"What?"
"Nothing."
And David, who would later become Edward VIII, showed obvious dissatisfaction with his father's scolding, pouted his lips, and responded coldly.
The difference in the personalities of the two brothers was obvious.
"David, how many times have I told you not to be rude in front of your elders..."
"Enough, George. Why are you always getting angry with the children?"
Just as George V was about to scold David again, Edward VII intervened to stop him. Although George V looked very reluctant, he finally backed down.
It seemed that because his mother, Queen Victoria, always favored his elder sister, Victoria Adelaide, and was particularly strict with him, Edward VII made up his mind not to be like his mother, so he wasn't too strict with his own children.
However, George V was completely different from his father. He was extremely strict with his children. However, George V didn't resort to domestic violence or treat his children completely without affection. It was because of his naval experiences during his childhood and youth that he treated his children in a military way, which caused the problems.
Therefore, as is well known, Edward VIII had a very poor relationship with his father, and George VI not only developed a sensitive personality but also suffered severely from a stuttering problem even after reaching adulthood.
In terms of dealing with his children, George V was in stark contrast to Nicholas II, who looked extremely similar to him. Nicholas II was a gentle and affectionate father full of family warmth.
"Tsk, go and greet William and his family quickly."
George V clicked his tongue and urged his sons.
Only then did David and Albert, as if they had just noticed Wilhelm II, lower their heads and greeted:
"Hello, Uncle Willie."
"Y-y-y-you... hello."
"Hmm, David, Albert, it's great to see that you're in good health."
Wilhelm II stroked the heads of his two nephews of the fifth generation with a kind expression.
Just then, David suddenly looked at Hans, tilted his head in confusion and said:
"But, who is that yellow-skinned person over there... ah!"
"David!!"
Just as he had a friendly relationship with Hitler in history, this racist used the discriminatory word starting with the letter "C" towards Hans without any scruples, making the atmosphere instantly tense. George V immediately blushed and struck David's head hard.
Well... he really deserved it.
"Sorry, Baron. I apologize to you on behalf of my son."
"It doesn't matter. This kind of thing can happen at any time."
Hans wasn't angry, really not angry.
He wouldn't be hurt by just the words of a brat like that. And, well, a good head is a good head.
Of course, the reactions of the others were completely different from Hans'.
"David, you brat! Watch your mouth!"
"Hans, are you okay?"
"I'm fine, really fine."
Just as Hans was calming down Joachim and Louise, who were more excited than him, Edward VII suddenly said to him:
"Don't take it to heart, Hans. That child is still young and doesn't know the importance of things."
Come on, I really didn't take it to heart, okay?
"By the way, Hans, I just happen to have something I want to talk to you about. Come and have a chat. Willie, you come too."
While George V was scolding his son, Edward VII led Hans and Wilhelm II to the next room.
Sigh, it's understandable that Wilhelm II was called here, but why did he have to come along too? He had a feeling that something wasn't right.
"What is it, Uncle?"
Wilhelm II asked in a cold tone. Edward VII looked serious and took out a photo from his pocket.
"Willie, this is a photo sent from Venezuela by my people during your crossing of the North Sea."
"A photo?"
What kind of photo could it be that made Edward VII so serious? Hans and Wilhelm II took the photo and focused their eyes on it. The moment they saw the photo, both he and Wilhelm II frowned at the same time.
"Is this... a warship?" Wilhelm II spoke first.
Although the photo was in black and white, it clearly showed a large warship docked in the port. The problem was that this photo was taken in Venezuela, and the Venezuelan navy simply didn't have such a giant ship.
"The United States provided warships to Venezuela."
"What?"
Hans couldn't help but blurt out and ask Edward VII: What did the United States provide to Venezuela?