Chapter 3: My Son Is a Genius
Alright. The grand goal has been set. For now, I plan to strive for the survival of the empire, even though I know it won't be an easy task.
Giving up is not an option for me.
The empire is vast, larger than France and Germany, with a territory second only to the Russian Empire. It boasts a population surpassed only by Russia and Germany and possesses a formidable military force with millions of armies and state-of-the-art naval technology capable of constructing battleships.
While it may seem impossible to reach the position of an emperor in such an empire, there will always be people who won't give up. Should I just sit idly by and wait for this empire to fall into my grasp?
I can't abandon the thorny path when there's a golden opportunity right before me. Moreover, as someone armed with knowledge and with ambitions to live in this era, I cannot live without aspirations.
However, I must acknowledge that achieving something significant right away is unlikely. I am still too young. The only thing I can do this time is to run to the Château de Schönbrunn, where the old emperor resides. Making a fool of myself with my short arms and legs, shouting, "Your empire has failed! I now rule here!"
The emperor would likely find amusement in the antics of his descendant, and my mother would chide me, saying, "You're just like your father, causing trouble!" and smack my buttocks and thighs with a wooden spoon.
Although my body is that of a child, if my mature mind were to experience such humiliation, I wouldn't be able to show my face for days.
For now, I need to organize my plans and establish smaller goals that contribute to the overarching goal of the empire's survival. First and foremost, I need to gain influence to meddle in imperial politics. It'd be amazing if I could prevent the world war completely, but if that's not possible, I must have the power to at least influence the situation through political means. And, of course, strong military backing is essential.
If it were possible to prevent or postpone the World War through political means, that would be the best option.
However, there are those who believe that war is inevitable. In that case, our survival would depend on securing victory or swiftly reaching an armistice. A strong military force is indispensable, especially considering the Austro-Hungarian Empire's shortcomings during the First World War.
With the emperor at the helm, the empire boasted a substantial military force consisting of millions of troops. However, the magnitude of the World War surpassed the capabilities of ordinary great powers. Even if the Austro-Hungarian Empire engaged in a conflict with the Russian Empire, it would only be a matter of time before it would be overwhelmed.
Help was desperately needed, and the German Empire, with whom the Austro-Hungarian Empire shared a close relationship, answered the call for assistance. The German Empire boldly offered a blank check of support.
The German Empire declared, "We are going to France!" and initiated the Schlieffen Plan. Ultimately, while the German Empire pushed back France, the Austro-Hungarian Empire found itself tasked with holding the Eastern Front against the Russian Empire.
The Russian Empire, often underestimated due to its defeat in the Russo-Japanese War, was a nation of immense historical significance, boasting the largest military among the great powers. When two countries share a border, tensions are bound to arise. Bismarck's warnings about potential friction and conflicts with Russia were not without reason.
The Russian Empire posed a formidable threat. It was a nation that proved unbeatable on the battlefield and impervious to conquest. Just look at the childlike French puppet emperor and the mustachioed dictator of Germany—neither could overcome the Russian might.
In the face of such a formidable adversary, the Austro-Hungarian Empire found itself burdened with obligations on multiple fronts. While its military performance may not have been exemplary, the empire played a strategic role as a crucial buffer on the Italian Front, the Balkan Front, the Eastern Front, and beyond.
Although we needed the assistance of the German Empire, I couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if we had fought a little better. The German Empire, being naturally skilled in battle, would have provided strong support to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and if we had demonstrated our capabilities in proportion to our status, who knows what could have happened.
The German Empire, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire exceeded expectations. And let's not forget, I have knowledge of the future. If we endure and persevere, the seemingly invincible Russian Empire may crumble on its own.
If the Austro-Hungarian Empire holds firm while Germany pours its full strength into the Western Front and defeats France, wouldn't that create a favorable position for negotiations? If everything goes well like this, the empire might be able to survive.
And money is what will help achieve these small(?) goals. Money is not everything in this era. While it's true that the empire's existence is unquestionable in this era, my social status is not limited, and with money, I can accomplish even more.
Being born into nobility brings a sense of excitement and a fresh perspective. From the moment of my birth, I find myself in a position to look down upon others. It's no wonder that characters who strongly believe in social class and status exist.
Now, the question is, where can I earn money? Just because I know the future doesn't mean I can extract everything with advanced technology. Even if such technology exists, money remains a crucial factor. It's necessary for hiring people, conducting research—basically, everything requires funds. But I had to hold off on taking action for a while.
"Karl, isn't it about time for your study?"
"Now, you should be a good child and listen carefully. It will be very helpful in the future," my mother said with determination. I couldn't hide the bored expression on my face. My mother had a great interest in education.
Like any parent with young children, my mother showed excessive passion.
"Karl, it's important for people to live like human beings. Explore, observe, and learn from the world around you."
Mother, does that mean father is not living like a human being?
"And make sure not to take after your father. Never."
Well then, I see.
"You can even live as if your father doesn't exist."
Uh, um.
After that, my mother made efforts to minimize the contact between me and my father as much as possible. I understood her reasoning. It would be highly unusual for a man who is both her husband and the father of her child to behave like a stripper when intoxicated without any regard for the consequences.
My mother is also a princess born into the royal family. It's only natural for her to feel dissatisfied with her one and only husband looking and behaving like that. Perhaps she wished she could make my father disappear completely, but she knew it was an unrealistic desire. Instead, she focused on raising me, her child.
My father seems to have firmly closed his heart to my mother's actions and hardly ever comes home. He was likely indulging in his hedonistic desires, engaging in prostitution and drinking. It was both pathetic and, in a twisted way, slightly enviable. After all, that's the reason I wanted to have power. Anyway, the duty of a young noble in this era is to study.
Even in modern times, parents invest heavily in their children's education, and I wondered if it was any different in this era.
My mother had arranged for renowned scholars and noble tutors to guide my education. It was quite extraordinary to see distinguished individuals taking charge of the education of a young child who hadn't even started school.
The level of education provided to children of nobility may indeed seem excessive, but in this era, the status held by nobles is extraordinary. It's only natural that the most esteemed tutors would gather to educate them. As someone who would receive education from such distinguished tutors, I couldn't help but sigh.
My education covered a wide range of subjects, including history, literature, science, mathematics, languages, and more. In addition to that, I will also learn theology and philosophy, and as I grow older, I will delve into more challenging subjects, including military aspects.
Despite the breadth and depth of my studies, I accepted it wholeheartedly. Would someone who has set a goal to save the damned empire give up with just these things?
Compared to the education that Crown Prince Rudolf went through before ending his own life, this is nothing. From the tender age of seven, he woke up to the sound of gunfire and was subjected to strict military discipline. Even by the standards of the late 19th century, it was harsh and even primitive. Compared to such an education, our mother was an ordinary parent.
I have no complaints. After all, studying is something I will have to do throughout my life. No matter how difficult it may seem, it is the level of learning expected from a child.
Being born in the US, known for its passion for education, I won't collapse from it. I have enough motivation, and if I want to achieve my goals, I have to study.
As a noble, I didn't need to start from scratch. Isn't it wiser to study hard, earn my parents' trust, and receive a generous allowance? The house where our family lives is not just comfortable, it's splendid.
If I study hard, I will not only gain the status of a noble but also gain access to the family's wealth and earn my parents' trust. That's why I can't avoid studying. Let's be filial and put our best effort into it ahead of time.
Being a private tutor for a young noble was an honorable position, but it was not without worries. Teaching someone the knowledge you possessed was an entirely different challenge, and teaching a young child is several times more demanding than teaching an ordinary student. Even by American standards, the challenge of teaching a child at an age that hasn't even entered elementary school is an understatement, to say the least.
Children of that age group could be incredibly willful, to the point of making adults uncomfortable. It's easy to discern who is superior and inferior; the hierarchical dynamics were unmistakable in the air.
Imagine a young noble running and crying, rushing into the arms of the Grand Duke or the Grand Duchess, pointing at the private tutor and expressing their dislike.
Naturally, being a young child, the parents would dismiss it, and nothing would actually happen. However, can't we imagine the feeling of blood boiling to those who witness such behavior, the private tutor?
This is the empire where the Emperor exists, and I am a noble. But I completely dispelled the apprehensions of welcoming private tutors. "To be treated with such hospitality..."
As my mother and I personally went out to welcome them, the private tutor bowed their heads with an expression of great emotion. Being a noble, I understood that as long as I maintained a respectful and courteous demeanor, others would have no choice but to regard me favorably. With just a first impression, I had already gained half of their favor.
"Hoho, this child wants to come out and greet us personally."
My mother beamed with a bright smile, showing appreciation for my attitude. Even as a noble, if I look down on others, I must maintain etiquette. Isn't it the foundation of nobility to display a noble character and a dignified demeanor?
"Your Highness, I am at a loss for words for the warm welcome you have given us."
Ah, even though I am a young child, it would be strange not to be touched when a noble and the Grand Duchess herself came out to welcome them.
They seemed apprehensive initially, perhaps due to their lack of experience in teaching nobles, but their tension quickly dissipated.
Were they already satisfied?
The noble class, battle-hardened and unyielding, presses on.
"I-I can't believe it! Have you already understood?"
It doesn't make sense that I would be incapable of something that even an ordinary adult man could understand, no matter how challenging it may be.
Upon receiving the information, I immediately memorized it and swiftly comprehended its meaning.
The ability to concentrate for extended periods without complaining and to grasp concepts rapidly was my forte.
And that's where it ends.
The private tutors smile in awe at my performance.
"Your Highness, you are truly brilliant."
"It's because the teacher teaches well."
"Hehehe."
Game over.
The nobles show respect, as a student, I grasp the concepts quickly, and even provide flattering remarks. It will be difficult for the home tutor to not like me.
"Your Highness is undoubtedly a genius..."
"Yes?"
After the lesson, the private tutor approaches my mother and speaks earnestly.
"Your Highness is undoubtedly a genius!"
That's right! Although my mother was taken aback by the sudden confession, the private tutor explained, spitting out words with enthusiasm, just how much of a genius they believed I was.
"I must say it again, Your Highness is undoubtedly a genius. From the beginning, I thought you were exceptional, but as I began the lessons, I am sure of my feelings. You surpass ordinary children and could even challenge adult men..."
In the late 19th century, my home tutor is embracing and demonstrating hip-hop.
Isn't this the true taste of investment? People find it fun when they receive returns commensurate with their investment.
That home tutor is giving back more than that. It's through this kind of trust-building that develops between teacher and student.
Despite speaking rapidly that not all words are audible, the home tutor has already conveyed everything to my mother.
I can see a glistening of pride in her eyes as she looks at me.
Author's Note
Hey there, wonderful readers. I'm thrilled to announce that you can now read the advance three chapters right now on Toodat!
If you're a fan of thrilling adventures, compelling characters, and exciting twists, head over to Toodat and read those chapters.
Thanks a million for your incredible support. You make writing truly rewarding.
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