Chapter 7
Chapter 7
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 7
Chapter Title: What Happened at the Soccer Field
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Reichsmarineamt, the German Imperial Navy Office, had been extremely busy lately.
The reason was none other than the so-called "Dreadnought-class battleship" that the Kaiser and Admiral Tirpitz had suddenly brought up without any warning.
The admirals of the German Imperial Navy initially frowned at this unheard-of new battleship but soon recognized the value of the Dreadnought and became ecstatic.
Superior in offense.
Superior in defense.
And even in mobility.
Overwhelming. It was truly the ultimate battleship.
Many admirals cheered for the Dreadnought and raised their voices demanding its immediate adoption, but as expected, there were also voices of concern.
Some seasoned admirals acknowledged the Dreadnought as a revolutionary battleship but were troubled by the fact that it was still unproven.
If the world worked exactly according to theory, why would problems arise in reality?
Moreover, the Dreadnought introduced too many new elements compared to existing battleships, such as cross-fire salvos and responsive defense.
Its adoption needed to be decided carefully.
Additionally, canceling the construction of new battleships like the Braunschweig-class and Deutschland-class to build the Dreadnought stirred up a lot of controversy.
In particular, shipyards like Germaniawerft and Schichau-Werke, AG Vulcan Stettin, which had suddenly lost their new battleship contracts overnight, pleaded desperately with the Kaiser in dying voices.
But Wilhelm II firmly refused to accept their opinions.
As he had told Chancellor von Bülow, the German Imperial Navy needed adventure right now.
However, he wasn't being harsh on innocent shipyards. He had to soothe them appropriately.
Wilhelm II promised to entrust them with Dreadnought construction as compensation for the canceled new battleships, reassuring the shipyards.
In the end, the admirals surrendered, throwing up their hands.
There was no point in opposing when the Kaiser and the top man of the German Navy, Tirpitz, were burning with such firm resolve.
Besides, the Dreadnought was undeniably attractive.
If the Kaiser's gamble succeeded, catching up to the Royal Navy of the British Empire might no longer be a dream.
Ultimately, the Dreadnought was adopted amid the admirals' thunderous cheers, and Wilhelm II watched the entire process with a satisfied expression.
'I was right to bring that Hans fellow along.'
Of course, at the banquet, when the brat openly rebelled against him, it felt like his blood was boiling in reverse.
There was a saying that one shouldn't adopt a black-haired beast, and it seemed true.
But that was a hasty judgment. The boy had a plan all along.
The Dreadnought.
The overwhelming overlord of the seas that suited him and the German Empire perfectly.
How could any man's chest not swell with pride?
That Hans kid was a real lucky charm.
Of course, his habit of being rudely straightforward needed fixing.
"Come to think of it, Schlieffen seemed to like Hans too."
No. Chief of the General Staff Schlieffen didn't just like Hans; he wanted to bring him into the military.
Of course, including the Prussian era, there had never been a non-white officer in the German Imperial Army, but Wilhelm II thought it might be okay to allow it for Hans.
It wasn't a German story, but hadn't the old Russian Empire once had a black general called "Gannibal"?
Gannibal had started as a black slave but became a Russian noble and general with the patronage of Peter the Great.
If those inferior Slavs could do it, there was no reason the superior Germans couldn't.
"Come to think of it, didn't Hans say he was going somewhere with the Crown Prince today?"
He had definitely said he was going to watch that "soccer" ball game or whatever.
It was one of his eldest son's hobbies since childhood.
"Tch. The Crown Prince of the German Empire should enjoy more refined sports, not get hooked on such commoners' games."
Wilhelm II clicked his tongue in disapproval.
The Kaiser was a strict father to his sons.
Except for his youngest daughter, Viktoria Luise, whom he always doted on.
The Kaiser was a hopeless doting father when it came to his daughter.
"He'll come to his senses when he grows up a bit more."
The Kaiser's attention returned to the Dreadnought.
"Waaaaaaaaah!!"
"Preußen! Preußen! BFC Preußen!"
In Charlottenburg near Berlin, at the Kurfürstendamm athletic sports field.
This historic soccer stadium, where Germany's first international soccer match against England had been held in 1899 just two years ago, was burning hot with the roaring cheers of the crowd, even though spring was still far off.
"Your Highness. This way."
"Mm. Let's go, Hans."
Following the guidance of what seemed to be stadium staff, I passed through crowds whose love and passion for soccer matched that of their descendants perfectly and followed the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince's face was strangely flushed with excitement; he seemed swept up in the atmosphere too.
The Crown Prince and I soon arrived at seats with the best view of the field.
The area was filled with people wearing luxurious silk hats and suits, so this must be the special seating for VIPs.
Well, a figure like the Crown Prince couldn't possibly watch a soccer match mixed in with the common folk.
There were issues of dignity and security.
"You've arrived, Your Highness the Crown Prince."
"Haha. I couldn't miss an exciting match like today's."
"Well said. Please, have a seat."
The people already seated recognized the Crown Prince immediately and greeted him warmly.
They treated him quite casually, which made sense since our soccer fanatic Crown Prince frequented this place often.
"Hm? And who's the young gentleman next to you...?"
"Hans Choi. Pleased to meet you."
"Oho! The famous one!"
The people made a fuss as if they'd spotted a celebrity and asked to shake my hand.
Well, I was a celebrity. My face had been plastered all over the newspapers, after all.
Whether that was good or bad, I still wasn't sure.
"He seemed free, so I brought him along. My siblings unfortunately have no interest in soccer."
So that's why he looked subtly pleased when I said I liked soccer.
Though, if anything, the Crown Prince's love for soccer was the unusual one.
Soccer at this time was a sport for the working class, not the upper crust.
In other words, a commoner's sport.
It would take much more time to evolve into the worldwide phenomenon it became.
"By the way, Your Highness. Which team are we rooting for today?"
"BFC Preußen. The home team for today and the league champions."
"A fan?"
"More like affection. This team was originally called 'BFC Friedrich Wilhelm' after my name in its early days."
That figured.
With a reason like that, affection was inevitable.
"But the team facing Preußen today isn't to be taken lightly either."
A gentleman sitting next to the Crown Prince and me whispered.
It seemed the opposing team was a formidable powerhouse.
"FC Bayern München. The rising stars sweeping the southern league lately."
Whoa, Bayern Munich? The Munich I know?
Good lord. They weren't just strong; they were legendary.
Unlike the unfamiliar BFC Preußen, FC Bayern München was one of the world's top clubs, representing the German Bundesliga even in the 21st century.
Of course, they weren't that dominant yet in this era.
"It's just a friendly, but it would be great if we win today."
"Agreed. We can't lose to those southerners."
The Crown Prince and the gentleman spoke with burning enthusiasm.
Regional rivalries existed everywhere.
Especially the conflicts between the north centered on Berlin and the south on Munich, or between the western Rhineland and eastern Prussia, were quite infamous.
Flash───!
"Hm...?"
Something just flashed from the opposite stands toward me. Was it my imagination?
-Ladies and gentlemen! We've kept you waiting───!!
"Waaaaaaaaah!!"
-Now beginning the friendly match between Berlin's overlords 'BFC Preußen' and the rising southern stars 'FC Bayern München'! Give a thunderous round of applause to welcome both teams' players───!
As soon as the announcer finished, the crowd stood as one and clapped wildly.
The powerful applause for the entering players echoed through the stadium.
It bothered me a bit, but it was probably nothing.
I might as well enjoy it since I came all this way.
Peep───!
-Ah! The referee's whistle signals the end of the first half! The score is 1:1; both sides are locked in an intense battle without giving an inch.
-BFC Preußen showed champion-level skill today as expected, but FC Bayern München put up aggressive attacks and displayed excellent play. Expect an even fiercer second half.
-Oh, that sounds exciting. We'll see you after the break!
"Phew~ It's neck and neck. Really close."
"Yes. Especially Müller’s shot—I was startled too."
"That's the charm of soccer. My siblings don't get it."
Crown Prince Wilhelm was sweating from excitement but grinning innocently.
It was definitely a nail-biter of a match.
'Ah, this is when you'd want some fried chicken! Maybe ask the court chef to make some later... Ugh?'
Sudden sharp pain in my stomach made me grimace.
Seemed like stomach trouble.
"Your Highness. I'll step out to the restroom for a moment."
"Mm? Sure."
The Crown Prince nodded and gestured, and one of the burly, grim-faced men guarding him approached me.
Prussian Secret Police.
Alongside Austria-Hungary's state secret police and Russia's Okhrana, they were infamous for their mercilessness toward reactionaries and reds—the predecessors to the Gestapo and Stasi.
"I'll go with you, just in case."
I was tempted to say, 'Am I a kid?' but yeah, I kinda was.
I nodded obediently and followed the secret policeman to the restroom.
"I'll wait out front."
The secret policeman said in a gruff voice.
A deep, mechanical tone devoid of emotion.
Good thing he was on my side; if he were an enemy, I'd be too scared to breathe.
Whoosh───!
After finishing up, the refreshing sound of flushing water.
Thank goodness this era had flush toilets.
'If it were medieval times... Ugh, don't even think about it.'
Crack!
"Huh?"
As I washed my hands and was about to leave, something shattered.
At the same time, a blinding flash exploded in my eyes.
What? An attack? But who would target me?!
"Hey! What are you doing?!"
"Pardon? No, I... Aaaagh!!"
Crash!
While I was blinded, the secret policeman, hearing the noise, charged in with a furious shout.
With a loud thud and an unfamiliar scream, it seemed the mysterious assailant had been subdued immediately.
"Ugh..."
"Are you alright?"
"Yes. For now."
I cautiously opened my eyes, now recovering, and looked ahead. The secret policeman had a scrawny man pinned to the floor, twisting his arm like he was ready to snap it.
And next to him was a familiar-looking object rolling on the ground.
"A camera?"
It looked different from modern ones, but definitely a camera.
It had a small bulb attached, which I recalled was probably a flash bulb.
That explained the shattering sound and the flash.
"Guh..."
The scrawny man groaned in pain from his twisted arm.
Looks like he wasn't trying to kill me but just take my photo without permission.
"What kind of person just takes someone's picture out of nowhere?"
"Th-that's..."
"You'd better answer straight. The one holding you is Prussian Secret Police."
"Se-secret... police?!"
The man's face turned ashen white upon hearing me.
He clearly hadn't known.
"Yes. I'm sure you know what kind of people the Prussian Secret Police deal with."
"N-no! I'm not an anarchist or communist or anything!"
"Then who are you?"
"A-a reporter, Monsieur!"
A reporter?
And "Monsieur"?
"Frenchman?"
"Y-yes. That's right!"
The man nodded vigorously.
This was shaping up to be interesting.
Author's Note
*As those in the know are aware, soccer was originally a commoners' sport, but Crown Prince Wilhelm was an exceptionally passionate early patron of German soccer despite his noble status.?
Additionally, Crown Prince Wilhelm was involved in the creation of Germany's first soccer cup competition, the Kronprinzenpokal (Crown Prince's Cup), in 1908. This cup later became the Länderpokal (Regional Cup)*?* and remains Germany's oldest cup competition to this day.
As a side note, the Kurfürstendamm athletic sports field featured in the story was Germany's first soccer stadium and the site of the first international match between England and Germany in 1899. (For reference, Germany lost to England 13:2 in that match.)