Blood and Iron Germany[Part Two]

In the North Sea, aboard the flagship *Bavaria* of the Imperial German Navy, Admiral Reinhard Scheer furrowed his brow deeply. However, upon seeing the massive warships cutting through the waves, his expression softened.

According to the intelligence received, the American fleet had departed its home port and entered the Atlantic. Uncertain of the Americans' intentions, the German Navy remained highly vigilant. To prevent a surprise attack, the main fleet of the Imperial Navy had already left port, heading into the North Sea, preparing to venture deeper into the Atlantic to confront any potential threats. If the Americans intended to intervene in the war, the German Navy would have no qualms about dealing with them as well. After all, in the face of the formidable German fleet, the modest strength of the American Navy was insignificant.

The powerful warships of the German Navy stood as an unwavering testament to their might, ensuring that the Imperial Navy was not at all intimidated by the prospect of American involvement in the conflict.

"Admiral, an urgent telegram from General Lübeck!" the aide-de-camp reported to Admiral Reinhard Scheer.

After reading the telegram, Scheer's brow immediately furrowed once more. 

"The American ships are flying the British naval ensign? What is the meaning of this?" Admiral Scheer was perplexed, unable to understand the reasoning behind this. Nevertheless, the battle had already commenced.

"Surely, the Americans and the British have secretly conspired. It seems they intend to catch us off guard. Fortunately, we intercepted the relevant intelligence and responded in time. Otherwise, we would have been in serious trouble," Vice Admiral Hippler remarked.

Admiral Scheer nodded. "Send a telegram to General Spee, instructing him to deploy all available forces to assist General Lübeck! Regardless of the underlying plot, the Imperial Navy must win this battle—failure is not an option. As for the Americans, once we emerge victorious from this naval engagement, we will have ample means to deal with them!"

"Yes, Admiral," Vice Admiral Hippler replied.

"Also, report this to the homeland! His Majesty the Emperor and the Marshal must be closely monitoring the situation. We cannot afford to leave them in suspense," Admiral Scheer continued.

"Understood," Vice Admiral Hippler acknowledged, though his expression was noncommittal.

Meanwhile, Admiral Scheer had also ordered the fleet to increase speed. Originally, the fleet was cruising at a pace of 12 knots, but with the battle already underway, it was essential to reach the combat zone as swiftly as possible. Under Admiral Scheer's command, the fleet's speed was raised to 20 knots, ensuring they would arrive at the site of the conflict within a day.

In Berlin, at the Imperial Palace, in the office of Emperor Qin Tian, the Imperial Navy Minister, Count Tirpitz, and the Minister of the Imperial Army and Chief of Staff, General von Falkenhayn, had come to seek an audience.

"Your Majesty, the Navy has engaged the enemy, but it remains uncertain whether we are facing the Americans or the British. We are certain the ships are American, but after the battle began, the flag was changed to the British St. George's Cross!" Count Tirpitz, the Navy Minister, said, his brow furrowed.

"Your Majesty, this is undoubtedly a conspiracy. The Americans and the British have joined forces. Even if the Americans do not have the courage to directly enter the war, they are unquestionably providing significant support to the British. Otherwise, those ships would not be flying the British naval ensign," General von Falkenhayn added.

"I will have the Ministry of Foreign Affairs address the Americans. If they wish to join the war, it is certainly not a favorable development for the Empire. But the Empire is not afraid of them!" Emperor Qin Tian replied.

"Your Majesty, I still believe the Americans lack the courage to enter the war at this point. After all, we have already gained an overwhelming advantage in this conflict. Victory is virtually certain, and even if the Americans join the fray, it will not alter the outcome. Therefore, unless the leadership in America has lost their wits, they will not enter the war," General von Falkenhayn said.

Emperor Qin Tian nodded. "Indeed, but from the American perspective, they undoubtedly wish for the Empire to lose this war. At the very least, they want to force the Empire to pay a higher price for victory. Thus, they will spare no effort in supporting the British. I suspect those ships are flying the British flag for this very reason. The American government likely transferred those ships to the British, and perhaps even sent American sailors to fight under British colors."

"Damned Americans!" Count Tirpitz swore under his breath.

"Their intentions are undoubtedly treacherous, but for the Empire, there is little we can do. Even though we are aware of their motives, we cannot declare war on them. After all, ending the war as soon as possible is the most advantageous course for us!" Emperor Qin Tian remarked.

Both Count Tirpitz and General von Falkenhayn nodded, fully understanding the situation. They knew that prolonging the war would result in significant losses for Germany.

"We can only record the actions of the Americans for now. When the opportunity arises, we will make them pay for this!" Count Tirpitz declared.

"The most crucial matter now is securing victory in this naval battle. Only by doing so can we shatter the Americans' scheme and show them that their carefully laid trap only serves to add more triumphs to the Imperial Navy's record," Emperor Qin Tian said.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Admiral Reinhard Scheer has already responded. Additional warships from the fleet are immediately heading to reinforce General Lübeck's forces. The main fleet of the High Seas Fleet is also en route and is expected to arrive by tomorrow. At that time, the Imperial Navy will decisively defeat the Americans and the British with overwhelming strength!" Count Tirpitz reported.

Emperor Qin Tian nodded, confident in the strength of the Imperial Navy. It was certain that, even if the Americans and the British joined forces, they could not hope to challenge the might of the Empire's naval forces. Victory was assured. 

In the Atlantic, Vice Admiral Spee, commander of the High Seas Fleet, received Admiral Scheer's orders. Aware of the urgency of the situation, he immediately instructed the fleet to speed toward General Lübeck's forces. The remaining nine battlecruisers, traveling at a rapid pace of 25 knots, were heading to the site of the engagement.