KEO.PLUS

For William II, he would prefer to see Australia lean towards Germany. Even if it cannot directly participate in future wars, at the very least, it could pose a significant threat to France’s colonies in East Africa and Asia.

However, if Australia forms a close partnership with the closer and friendlier United Kingdom, it will be easier to win over Australia due to the UK’s strong power and closer blood relations.

At that point, Australia may not only fail to become the surprise element in the war, but may even become a supply base for the British and French, potentially threatening German overseas colonies.

This is something William II is unwilling to see, and the extent of British assistance to Australia may also change Australia’s stance in future wars.

If it were an all-out war, William II is confident that the German army is not inferior to any other and could even create a huge advantage against any adversary.

However, this doesn’t mean that William II has lost all rationality. If Germany were blockaded, with all its sea routes cut off, and France and Russia supported by vast territories and colonies, then no matter how brave and skilled the German military is, it would be no match for the seemingly endless logistical supplies of the enemy.

Drawing closer to Australia and causing some damage to France’s colonies and sea routes during the war may suffice for William II to have faith in completely defeating France, and even resolving the war.

This is also why William II is so concerned about the British aid to Australia. Compared to the distant, unrelated Germany, Britain holds a more significant position in the hearts of Australians.

“The real negotiations haven’t started yet, but I estimate that the annual aid won’t be too much, probably around the 5 million pounds set by my grandmother,” Arthur pretends to sigh and shakes his head helplessly.

Arthur knows what William II wants to find out, so he doesn’t mind making William II a bit happier.

After all, William II would definitely be happy to see Britain reducing support for Australia and keeping it at 5 million pounds as the best answer.

Is 5 million pounds a lot? On its own, it’s not too little – it’s the total annual income of more than ten thousand skilled workers.

But when placed against the backdrop of national industrial development, it seems somewhat insignificant.

With the support of a vast amount of industrial equipment, Australia’s annual investment in industrial development is as high as 4 million pounds, and that is just a small-scale development plan.

For industrially strong countries like Britain and Germany, 5 million pounds is the price of just two main battleships.

“Haha, I thought it would be more, Arthur. Uncle Edward is really stingy. Australia is developing so poorly, yet he is unwilling to spend more money to help Australia grow. My grandmother had asked him to take care of you, but in the end, it only took 5 million pounds to make it happen.” As expected, William II laughed when he heard about the 5 million pounds, his words full of disdain for Edward.

“It’s not much of a problem, after all, Uncle Edward doesn’t have the final say in Britain, and 5 million pounds for Australia is enough. At least it can get Australia’s industries off the ground.” Arthur continues to feign misery while waiting for William II to speak further.

“Alright, Arthur. As your cousin, I feel obliged to help you and Australia in this difficult time. While the German Empire may not be as wealthy as the British Empire, we can still afford to provide substantial aid.” William II patted Arthur’s shoulder with his right hand and stood up, speaking with an air of righteousness.

“Our previous agreement of a 500 million mark low-interest loan is canceled. As a token of good faith, I will give you that amount to serve as the seed money for your industrial development. Also, I will mobilize major German banks to contribute jointly, providing you with at least 1 billion marks in low-interest loans, which you can use to purchase industrial equipment and resources anywhere in Germany. I believe that, from both an interest perspective and our blood relations, Germany and Australia should be friends, right?” With a wave of his hand, William II granted Arthur the previously promised 500 million marks.

According to the exchange rate between marks and pounds, the funds provided by William II totaled about 25 million pounds in sponsorship and 50 million pounds in low-interest loans, both of which are significant for any country. “Really? Cousin William, I’m truly grateful. On behalf of Australia and all Australians, I thank Your Majesty and all the Germans for assisting Australia. Long live the friendship between Australia and Germania.” Arthur was momentarily taken aback, not expecting William II to be so generous. Fortunately, he reacted quickly and immediately began praising William II.

Praising others won’t cost Arthur anything, especially after William’s II generous offer.

With a combined sponsorship and loan amount of 75 million pounds, this is a huge sum for Australia’s development.

“It doesn’t end there, Arthur. As the saying goes, it’s better to teach a man to fish than to give him a fish. Germany will send a team of industrial experts to make a practical contribution to Australia’s industrial development. As long as it does not involve strategically important technologies, Germany can sell anything to Australia at market prices. We hope that Australia can develop and become the dominant power in the South Pacific Ocean, providing important assistance to Germany in the future. We don’t see Australia as a subordinate or weak, but as an extremely important ally, Arthur.” After laying out all the conditions, William II turned to Arthur with a smile and asked, “What do you say, Arthur? Are you willing to lead Australia and become a vital ally to Germany?”

“If Australia can develop smoothly, then we will help Germany in future wars. If the sea routes are not cut off, Australia can export various mineral resources and other supplies to Germany, helping it win the war.” Instead of giving a direct affirmative answer, Arthur responded in a more indirect manner.

But as far as William II is concerned, it essentially means Arthur has agreed. After all, not every young lord like Arthur can resist such temptations.

In William H’s view, even though Arthur has many ideas, he is not much different from others his age; he tends to be impulsive and idealistic.

William II believes that as soon as Germany puts forth such terms, even if Arthur doesn’t immediately change his heart, he would shift his stance towards Germany once William II fulfills his promises.

What William II doesn’t know is that Arthur is not someone who would be influenced by external factors. Furthermore, as a time traveler with advanced ideas and experiences, Arthur would only choose what is best for himself and Australia..