Chapter 1

"…Ah, I thought I was one of the winners in life."

He lay on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Moonlight streamed in through the window, casting a fantastical glow over the room, but to him, what lay ahead was more important.

It had been 16 years since he was born into this world—more accurately, since he was reborn for the second time.

He was born into a prestigious military family that had a lineage dating back to the 12th century, a family of Junkers.

His older brother, Karl, had entered the Prussian Army Academy last year and married the daughter of a certain major, smoothly advancing on the path of a military career, and indeed, an elite one.

Werner, his younger brother, had followed in his brother's footsteps, or rather, at the urging of his father and brother, he had entered the prestigious Prussian Kingdom Senior Cadet School in Ritterfeld last year.

Given that this was his second life, he couldn't act like a pure child, and Werner was careful not to seem creepy, maintaining a reputation as an excellent student with good grades and impeccable conduct, which earned him the favor of teachers and instructors.

Now that the semester had ended and a long break had begun, he had returned home to Saxony with his report card in hand.

What made him feel so despondent—something that had happened hundreds of times since he regained consciousness—was the country he was born into.

The name of that country was the German Empire.

In 1901, under the personal rule of Wilhelm II, it was marching enthusiastically toward its own destruction.

Werner couldn't criticize the imperialist policies from a future perspective, saying they were wrong.

It was an era where such actions were necessary for survival, and from the perspective of resources and markets, it was impossible to sustain the economy without securing them.

He also knew that even in the 21st century, major powers still acted in much the same way, moving to establish economic colonies in Africa and the Middle East for their own national interests.

If he hated it so much, he could just flee the country, but his parents and brother would never leave Germany, and he was certain that if he ran away alone, he would definitely regret it. Therefore, he had no plans to do so.

"Ultimately, the only way is to make Germany win…"

To ensure a draw or, ideally, a victory in World War I, and to prevent World War II from happening.

If he could do that, Germany would at least be spared. However, Werner knew from his knowledge of history that this would be extremely difficult.

Especially the First World War, which was scheduled to break out in about 13 years.

Britain was the reigning world empire, and challenging such a superpower was the height of folly.

While Germany had advantages in certain areas, such as industrial power, overall—especially in terms of diplomacy, which was at a divine level—Britain was far too formidable an opponent.

Something had to be done, but Werner's current situation was one where he could do nothing.

He was, after all, just a student at a cadet school, and his father, a major general, did not have the kind of influence that would allow him to appeal directly to the emperor.

Additionally, the ongoing naval construction program, initiated by the Prussian Minister of Finance, Michael, aimed to bind the Junkers and the heavy industry sector by raising agricultural tariffs to protect the Junkers and using the revenue for fleet construction, thereby drawing various conservative mass layers into the ruling class.

The Junkers, including Werner's family, the Rundstedt family, had benefited greatly from this, and they were now more financially comfortable than before the passage of the naval law.

Seizing this opportunity, his father, Gerth, had embarked on a fundamental reform of the family's agricultural estate, promoting mechanization and rationalization.

"…Maybe I should start a business. Gather people, develop technology, get patents, and live a life of luxury."

There was no law that prohibited a military officer from being a CEO.

However, Werner quickly realized that wearing two hats would be difficult.

While he still had some leeway now, his path as a military officer was set.

Once he was fully committed to the military, running a company would be out of the question.

"Maybe I should find good talent and do it as a shareholder."

As he muttered this, he wondered if the Model T Ford was about to be released and if he could get a cheap car.

Such thoughts crossed his mind.

Suddenly, he sat up straight.

"Ford, Ford. Henry Ford. I should invite him to Germany and invest in him."

The Model T Ford would become widely popular as a car that ordinary people could afford.

The spread of cars would lead to road improvements, and German car manufacturers (such as Benz and Daimler) would engage in fierce development and price competition to compete with Ford.

Most importantly, Ford was the father of mass production in industrial products.

"My father should still be awake…"

With this thought, he left his room and ran to his father Gerth's room.

Gerth was looking at his son's report card with a relaxed expression.

His usually stern and imposing face was now completely softened.

"Karl and Werner will both surpass me in the future…"

As he muttered this, there was a knock on the door.

He quickly put the report card away in a drawer, cleared his throat a few times, and composed himself.

It was late at night, and if it wasn't an emergency, Gerth would have to scold whoever came.

"Come in."

When Gerth said this with his usual authority, he was surprised to see who entered.

It was none other than Werner.

"What is it? At such a late hour?"

His first reaction was curiosity rather than scolding, as Werner was known for following the rules and rarely breaking them.

"I apologize for coming so late, but I have a matter of greater importance."

Werner looked straight into his eyes, and Gerth, placing his hand on his chin, asked:

"What is it?"

"I need some funds."

"…Pocket money?"

When Gerth asked, Werner shook his head and said:

"I want to start an automobile company."

"An automobile company?"

Gerth's face showed confusion, and Werner continued:

"Yes. Of course, I will only be an investor, and the actual management will be handled by someone else."

"Hmm… so, how much do you need?"

"About 200,000 marks."

It wasn't an amount that couldn't be provided, but the potential loss in case of failure made it hard to decide immediately.

"Who proposed this to you?"

"I came up with it myself, thinking about the future of our homeland."

In response to Gerth's question, Werner explained the secondary effects of automobiles, such as road improvements and the provision of transportation means for the military beyond railways, and the replacement of horse-drawn carriages in military mobility.

Werner thought it would be easier for Gerth to understand if he explained the military advantages rather than using terms like infrastructure or motorization.

Gerth listened to Werner's explanation in silence and, after a long deliberation, sighed.

"Werner, what you say makes sense. The ability to move quickly is indeed an advantage. However, automobiles are a luxury for the rich. They don't have the speed of horses. While road improvements are good for infantry, won't they hurt the horses' hooves?"

Gerth was a cavalry officer, and his questions reflected that.

However, Werner was not deterred.

"Are rifles and cannons the same as they were during the Franco-Prussian War? Are we still using the same equipment as 30 years ago?"

Gerth was taken aback.

Obviously, both rifles and cannons had evolved significantly since then.

Automobiles would naturally evolve over time as well—

It was only natural, but Gerth had no interest or knowledge about automobiles, so it was understandable.

Seeing an opportunity, Werner pressed on.

"Automobiles will become extremely important military weapons in the future. Fortunately, other major powers have not yet realized their potential. Now is the only chance we have."

With that, Werner bowed deeply.

Gerth looked at him and felt proud of his son's growth.

Werner had always been a good boy, but he had never before offered his own opinions like this.

"…Very well. I will give you 300,000 marks."

The amount, 100,000 marks more than requested, made Werner look up and stare at Gerth.

Gerth smiled slightly and continued:

"Who will you entrust with the management of the company? Have you already decided?"

"Ah, well… he's in America, a man named Henry Ford…"

"…It seems you haven't decided anything yet?"

Werner's shoulders slumped in disappointment, and Gerth chuckled.

"That's fine. You're on vacation now. Go to America as a trip. You can even find a wife like Karl if you want. In any case, make sure to have a solid plan next time."

Gerth didn't feel the need to restrict Werner too much since the eldest son, Karl, would inherit the family.

"I will make a plan next time. As for the wife… I'll consider it."

"Good. I'll arrange your passport and pocket money. As the head of the family, I must reward you according to the principle of merit."

Werner felt a bit embarrassed as Gerth nodded approvingly with his arms crossed.

"Anyway, Father. I want to leave soon…"

"Very well, I'll make the arrangements as soon as possible."

With that, Werner hurriedly left the room.