Chapter 348: A Vision for a Greater German Reich
A million thoughts flashed through Bruno’s mind in the span of a mere five seconds. Everything from the effects this offer of betrothal would have on the impact of his family, his daughter’s wellbeing, and the greater implications it could have on the world and the timeline at large.
The Kaiser was trying to tie Bruno to his own family in perpetuity. As even in this era, family came first, and thus was a means to secure allegiance from powerful and talented figures. It was a bold move, especially since Bruno was of far more humble origins.
As for the boy in question who was to be his future son-in-law. Bruno’s opinion of him was quite stellar. In his past life, he had forsaken his family ties after the Kaiser was deposed to marry a woman of far lesser standing, because the Kaiser did not give his blessing due to the nature of her heritage.
However, judging by the fact that Prince Wilhelm met this woman at university in the 1920s, and was currently younger than Eva by five years. This position could easily be usurped by Eva with no form of reluctance on the Prince of Prussia’s part.
Either way, if the young prince cherished Bruno’s daughter as much as he did his own wife during his past life, then it was a very good match for Eva.
The difference between Eva, and this other woman who Prince Wilhelm would not naturally meet for many years was that Eva was now a Grand Princess thanks to Bruno’s actions, and thus despite their families recently establishment, they were of proper standing for such a marriage.
As Eva’s father, it was Bruno’s responsibility to ensure she married a good man who would treat her right, care for her financially, and help raise their children. And there were few better options among the higher echelon of nobility than the young Prince Wilhelm.
Because of this, he was more inclined to agree. But there were, of course other factors to consider. Tying himself to the Hohenzollerns, openly here and now with a public announcement of betrothal would create some hostility with the Romanovs and Habsburgs, who until now Bruno had managed to bind together with Germany as a result of his heroic feats in battle on their behalf.
Even now, the Romanovs and Habsburgs wanted to draw Bruno away from the German Reich and to their lands, and have done everything short of the betrothal to do just that. In addition, there was another cause for concern. Bruno did not want to rule over Elsass-Lothringen as its Prince.
The land was as French as it was German, and the process of Re-Germanization would be a long and brutal one. In addition to this, putting the Wolf of Prussia directly on the border with France, and in control of the lands that were behind their revanchist desires was a provocative act.