The Black Hand, which was meant to overturn the Balkan Peninsula throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, collapsed almost as soon as it was created.
Originally, the plan had been to prepare the ground so that such an organization could never form in the first place, but even I had not expected it to already exist.
Still, eliminating a malignant tumor at an early stage is nothing but good fortune.
It felt like stumbling backward and discovering a winning lottery ticket, but it was honestly surprising.
Even if history had accelerated, the fact that the Black Hand was already operating sent a chill down my spine.
If I had moved just a few years later, Serbia might have fallen completely under its control, and the influence of such groups could have spread beyond the Balkans into all of Eastern Europe.
Preparation truly is everything.
"Your Majesty, I must first apologize for the trouble we have caused. But now all problems have been resolved, so there is no need for concern."
The Serbian ambassador in London, now working under immense pressure, had spent days without sleep, rushing between Westminster and Buckingham Palace.
Perhaps that was why, despite his exhaustion, his expression seemed brighter than ever as he explained how Serbia had transformed itself.
"Those connected to the Black Hand will all be punished for treason."
"I did not expect such swift action. Your nation's decisiveness is commendable."
In truth, Parliament had been prepared to go to war if the matter was not resolved.
Public support for a hardline response had grown rapidly.
The goal was not only to punish Serbia, but to demonstrate the strength and influence of the British Empire to the entire world.
My true objective had been to uproot the Black Hand completely and establish a stable government in Serbia.
Instead, they effectively carried out their own purge, restructuring the entire military.
At that point, there was nothing more to demand.
Serbia aligned itself with Austria, abandoning its previous stance.
This satisfied both Parliament and the public.
"Now that is what I call the British Empire."
"They must have mistaken our patience for weakness."
In reality, no war occurred.
Serbia restructured its government.
The world witnessed what happens when the British Empire becomes truly angry.
From any perspective, the outcome could not have been better.
Most citizens did not even know where Serbia was located.
The anger was not directed at the nation itself, but at the insult to imperial pride.
And yet, such moments often precede new crises.
While the public dismissed the event as a mere incident, I knew better.
The true architect behind such large events had not yet stepped onto the stage.
Now that attention had been drawn, preparations were complete.
Serbia, once insignificant, had gained global attention.
And the consequences were not over.
One more step remained.
"I would like to once again offer my sincere apologies to both of you."
Otto von Bismarck bowed his head.
"The attackers will be punished severely. Please trust us."
"…It was frightening, but I am fine. If possible, I hope they can be guided to change their thinking."
"I will ensure a thorough investigation."
Bismarck carefully observed the reactions of Edward and Gisela.
Their performance was flawless.
Gisela, in particular, had reacted with remarkable realism, even appearing to faint.
She even used the opportunity to strengthen her public image.
Her kindness only increased her popularity.
"She is truly remarkable," Bismarck thought.
Had a French princess possessed even half her qualities, he would have been satisfied.
But such a woman could also be dangerous.
Edward's ability to balance her was likely why she had been chosen.
"Will Your Highness remain until the matter is resolved?"
"Yes. I represent the imperial family."
"I will ensure your stay is comfortable."
Bismarck then shifted the conversation.
"Your Majesty asked me to convey his thoughts."
"Perfect timing. I wished to hear his views."
"Father trusts and supports you completely. He is willing to assist if necessary."
Bismarck could not hide his satisfaction.
"Then I am reassured."
Gisela added softly.
"My father speaks highly of you."
Bismarck turned his gaze toward her.
"And what did he say?"
"He believes you are a thoughtful man who values peace."
Bismarck understood her intent.
She was testing him.
"Do not worry. I act as I do because it is the best way for Prussia and Austria to coexist."
For a moment, both Edward and Gisela reacted with surprise.
Then Gisela smiled brightly.
"I will help if I can. I have already spoken to Rudolf about you."
"That would be most helpful."
Bismarck concluded that this was a signal.
If he deviated from expectations, relations with Austria could shift.
At the same time, the British connection was clear.
Edward observed silently, clearly aware of everything.
Bismarck found himself increasingly intrigued.
At the same time, he envied Killian.
To have such capable successors was a blessing.
"When Rudolf's time comes, Austria will change. But Prussia will change even faster."
With renewed confidence, Bismarck refined his plan.
Though he was part of the Junker class, he was prepared to reshape Prussia itself.
For the future, this was necessary.
Now, with Serbia's crisis as a catalyst, it was Prussia's turn.
The next transformation was about to begin.
***
Prussia is a country of Junkers.
It may sound arrogant, but it is not entirely wrong.
The Junkers were originally landowning aristocrats in eastern Germany who controlled vast agricultural estates.
They dominated Prussian agriculture and formed the ruling class, holding key positions in government and the military while maintaining their privileges.
That does not mean they disregarded the king or acted recklessly.
Rather, they maintained a mutually beneficial relationship with the Hohenzollern dynasty, and many were deeply loyal to the crown.
Otto von Bismarck himself was a Junker, and his loyalty to the monarchy was unquestionable.
However, compared to the aristocracies of France, Britain, and Austria, the Junkers often lacked refinement and elegance.
Though rarely expressed openly, many carried a sense of inferiority.
To compensate, they emphasized strength.
"The true value of nobility lies not in elegance, but in power."
It could be seen as a form of self justification, but many Junkers were genuinely capable in military affairs.
By the 1870s, Prussia's power had reached its peak, while Austria continued to decline.
Confidence grew rapidly.
"Now we are the true masters of the German Confederation."
"The Habsburgs are relics of the past."
"Still, it would have been better if we had taken all of Denmark."
Even partial gains were seen as victory.
They believed Austria could no longer influence them without British support.
Before the Serbian crisis, confidence, nationalism, and pride had merged into a single force.
"Is it not time to create a truly unified German Empire?"
"Annex Austria? That would be difficult with British involvement."
"Then we expand elsewhere."
"You mean eastward colonization?"
"Yes. Our population is growing rapidly. New lands are needed."
At first glance, expansion seemed reasonable.
But these lands were not empty.
Others already lived there.
Expansion would mean conquest.
"There is fertile land in Eastern Europe."
"But that belongs to Russia."
"Russia is weak. We saw how they hesitated before Britain."
The Junkers believed land meant power.
Nationalism and pan German ideology fueled their ambitions.
"If Russia can promote pan Slavism, why can we not do the same?"
"Even Serbia uses such ideas."
"If people share roots, they are one nation."
This logic expanded their ambitions.
If Germans were defined broadly, territories in Scandinavia and beyond could be claimed.
"Bismarck focuses only on German unity, but we should aim higher."
Their ideas were extreme, yet unstoppable.
The state was growing.
Success had been constant.
Fear had disappeared.
Even the alliance between Britain and Austria did not deter them.
When news of a marriage alliance with France spread, enthusiasm surged.
"With France secured, we can expand east."
"Germany needs more space to survive."
Scholars and politicians alike supported expansion.
"Lebensraum. A fitting term."
Few oppose territorial expansion.
At that moment, however, the attempted attack on the British Crown Princess occurred in Berlin.
Naturally, Bismarck did not resent all Junkers.
He was one himself.
And he held a high opinion of his own abilities.
Reports spread rapidly.
[Extremist nationalism is causing conflicts across the world.]
[In Serbia, military backed nationalism led to dictatorship.]
[Such movements inevitably lead to expansion and military dominance.]
Using Serbia as an example, Bismarck and Killian reshaped the narrative.
The logic was exaggerated, but effective.
If applied to Prussia, similar outcomes could occur.
Public perception shifted quickly.
"What did you say about expansion?"
"I never said that."
Military leaders rushed to respond.
"We are loyal to the crown."
They were frustrated.
Their intentions had been misrepresented.
But the connection between nationalism and military dominance had already taken hold.
If the military grew stronger, it could dominate politics.
Prussia could follow Serbia's path.
The fear was powerful.
Even respected figures like Helmuth von Moltke were forced to deny accusations.
"This is all misunderstanding."
They were not entirely wrong.
But perception mattered more than truth.
Bismarck had executed a precise move.
By linking nationalism with dictatorship, he weakened its appeal.
The military protested.
"Prime Minister, this is unfair."
"I know. But public concern must be addressed."
"I have always opposed excessive militarism."
"I understand. But actions are needed to prove it."
Reluctantly, they agreed.
Bismarck rose to prepare coffee.
As he turned away, he concealed a faint smile.
Everything was proceeding as planned.
***
There is a saying that you only see as much as you know.
But it is also true that ignorance can be a kind of blessing.
At times, Otto von Bismarck found himself thinking that his younger years, when he knew nothing, had been easier and free of worry.
As knowledge and experience accumulate, one gains the ability to see not only the present but also the future.
Politics is a living thing, constantly changing.
When one is young, one does not understand this, and so confidence comes easily.
"If I were in that position, I could do better."
Bismarck had once thought the same.
The Junkers of the central government had seemed incompetent to him.
Politics, he believed, was simply a matter of listening to complaints and distributing resources efficiently.
From the outside, everything appeared simple.
But in reality, it was far more complex.
"Prime Minister, the military says it will support whatever you decide."
"They have no choice. What of the British guests?"
"They are frequently speaking with Crown Prince Friedrich and His Majesty."
"And Edward and Gisela?"
"They are always together."
Bismarck knew that Edward and Gisela were effectively acting as Killian's eyes and ears.
They were observing everything.
That did not trouble him.
Prussia also had much to gain from this arrangement.
Still, the sense of being watched remained.
The more he understood power, the more he recognized the stability of the British system.
The ruling party, the imperial family, and the aristocracy worked together while maintaining balance with the opposition.
Killian often stayed behind the scenes, minimizing risk.
Bismarck had adapted many of these methods.
But one thing he could not replicate was Killian's insight.
That intuition was the reason Bismarck aligned with Britain.
As long as Killian lived, it was best to remain close to the British Empire.
Even as a secondary power, Prussia could maintain its position for centuries.
"Prime Minister, even without Britain, no one can challenge us."
"Do you believe that?"
"Yes. Russia is weak, and France will fall behind."
"France… I am not concerned about them."
France was not weak, but neither side desired war.
Colonial compromises and the recent marriage alliance had reduced tensions.
"France knows there is nothing to gain from conflict."
"But they may resent our growth."
"And what would they do? The time for war has passed."
Population alone no longer determined power.
Industry and technology mattered more.
"Future wars will not be decided by numbers alone."
"How does that relate to current reforms?"
"I am a Junker myself. I do not act out of resentment."
Prussia needed to grow stronger.
But relying solely on land and agriculture would lead to decline.
"The Junkers depend on land. But that foundation is weakening. Look at Britain."
Industrialization was inevitable.
Bismarck sought more than ideological reform.
He wanted structural change.
After meeting King Wilhelm, he announced a major policy.
"The rumors are unfounded. The nobility remains loyal to the crown."
That was expected.
But then came a surprise.
"To strengthen Prussia, we must increase military power. But resources are limited. Therefore, we must expand industry to support it."
If the total wealth grows, even the same proportion yields more.
The military supported the decision.
But industrialization would empower new capitalists, weakening the Junkers.
This caused division.
"Capitalists cannot replace us."
"Look at Britain. Their influence has grown."
"Yet the aristocracy still holds power."
Debate continued.
In the end, loyalty to the king prevailed.
Opposition would risk being labeled as treason.
When concerned Junkers approached Bismarck, he reassured them.
"Do not worry. Industry may grow, but people still need food."
Agriculture would remain essential.
The Junkers would retain influence.
They accepted his reasoning.
But Bismarck knew its flaw.
His argument relied on the theory of Thomas Malthus.
Killian had already challenged that idea.
Technological progress could overcome food limitations.
If true, it would change everything.
If humanity escaped scarcity, resources would expand dramatically.
And with it, military power.
Bismarck considered the implications.
"If everything changes, we must prepare."
As the Junkers left, reassured, he spoke quietly.
"Perhaps ignorance truly is a blessing."
The world was changing.
And among rising powers, one stood above all others.
Not France.
Not Russia.
But the nation across the Atlantic.
The rising power of the United States.