Blood and Iron Germany[Part Two]

"Damn it, had I known that the one who contributes the most to the military fund could become the Viceroy of India, I would have sold everything I own to compete for that position!" The rulers of the various princely states gazed at Mir Osman Ali Khan with eyes full of envy and frustration. They were deeply disappointed; if they had tried harder, the 1.5 billion marks could have been raised. Although this sum would nearly deplete their entire fortune, with rich lands and the position of the Viceroy, they could soon earn it back.

Especially the ruler of Mysore, who found this outcome utterly unbearable. The mere difference of 500 million marks had cost him the Viceroyalty of India—a mistake he would regret for the rest of his life.

Mir Osman Ali Khan reveled in the jealous and envious glances cast upon him. Though he had nearly given away his entire fortune, he knew that he was the true victor among the many princely rulers gathered today.

"Gentlemen, thank you for your support of the German Empire. The Empire will soon hold a coronation ceremony for His Majesty the Emperor. Once the coronation is complete, the division of India's lands will officially begin!" Prime Minister Beelow announced.

Although many of the rulers were reluctant to accept this outcome, they understood that it was beyond their control. They could only hope that when their time came, the fertile lands would not have been entirely allocated. Nevertheless, even the least desirable land would be far better than what they had now.

Next, Prime Minister Beelow and Foreign Minister Wahid summoned the rulers of the princely states of Hyderabad, Mysore, Indore, Kashmir, Travancore, Junagadh, and others for a special meeting. These states were among the largest and most populous in India. They would be granted equal shares of territory and a greater population, undoubtedly strengthening their power. The stability of India would soon rest on the strength of these states.

"Gentlemen, after the land distribution, I believe the strength of your states will become even greater. However, you must understand that while the German Empire can empower you, it also has the power to destroy you. Therefore, I advise you not to take any actions that would harm the Empire's interests!" Prime Minister Beelow's expression was stern.

"Rest assured, Your Excellency. All of India's princely states are loyal to the great Kaiser and the German Empire! There will be no betrayal!" Mir Osman Ali Khan hurriedly affirmed.

The other rulers also voiced their agreement. Together, these few states already held more than half of India's power. In other words, controlling these states would ensure India's stability.

"You must remember," continued Foreign Minister Wahid, "the German Empire has made it possible for you to expand your power. The British ruled India for many years, and apart from exploiting you, they offered you no benefits. Now that the Empire rules, the British will not simply accept their defeat. They will surely seek any means to create trouble. Your position must remain firm. If one day the British return to India and defeat the Empire, your good days will come to an end as well."

The rulers' expressions darkened. Indeed, the lands they were receiving had once been directly colonized by the British. Now that the Germans had distributed these lands to them, the British, if they returned, would certainly not recognize their ownership. These rulers could become the British's target. Through these lands, the Germans had successfully bound them to their side.

"Foreign Minister, should the British attempt to reclaim what is ours, we will never permit it! If they dare return to India, we will fight them to the death!" Mir Osman Ali Khan declared.

As the Viceroy of India, he had no choice but to make a stand. He knew that if the British returned, he could never remain Viceroy. He would fight with everything he had to prevent that.

The other rulers also pledged to fight the British to the end. After all, they had received land and people from the Germans, and if the British returned to rule, they would likely reclaim all of it.

"Furthermore," Wahid continued, "many people in India are still trying to achieve independence, such as the Congress Party and the Green Party. The Empire will never allow India to become independent, as it would harm the Empire's interests. I trust that none of you want India to become independent. If that happens, your status will be greatly affected. You will lose your territories, your people, and even your wealth."

"Yes, Foreign Minister, we will not allow India to become independent," the rulers responded, united in their opposition. They were no fools—if India were to gain independence, it would likely become a unified nation. Would their princely states still exist in such a scenario? Would their descendants continue to be noble rulers? Clearly, that was impossible. Therefore, they would never agree to independence.

"Next, the Empire hopes that each princely state will establish its own military forces. The Empire will sell you weapons and send military instructors to train your armies. The Empire desires that your forces become strong and capable, not like the British Indian Army, which was weak and ineffective. In the future, the stability of India and the suppression of any rebellions—perhaps even resistance to British invasions—will rely on your armies!" said Marshal von Falkenhayn, the Empire's Minister of War and Chief of Staff.

The rulers, of course, had no objection to having powerful armies. Even though these armies would be deeply influenced by the Germans and would have to follow German commands in times of war, they did not care. As long as their positions were secure, that was all that mattered.

This time, the German Empire had successfully brought the rulers of India's princely states into its fold. For their own interests, they would fight with all their might. Meanwhile, Germany stood to gain from supporting these rulers, securing its own benefits. For Germany, this was the most cost-effective way to achieve the greatest advantage.