After playing some more with my siblings, lunch was approaching, and with it the first guests started coming in. I joined my father to greet the guests starting with my uncle Heinrich, my father's brother.
"Hello uncle Heinrich and auntie Irene!"
"Hello Joachim, and Happy 7th Birthday."
"Hehehe... hello Joachim. Does my cute nephew still remember this handsome uncle?"
"Of course, Uncle Heinrich is the best!"
At my remarks, my uncle shows a hearty laugh, looking at my father he still maintains an amicable smile, although for some reason his lips keep twitching.
"Anyways, Joachim this is your cousin Waldemar, he's a year older than you, and this little guy is Wilhelm, he was born just last year."
"Hello."
"Nice to meet you cousin Waldemar."
After shaking hands with my cousin, I guided him to the room where my siblings were playing. While my father catches up with uncle Heinrich, we play a few more games with my cousin before lunch.
When we finished playing, we proceeded to the dining room to have lunch together. The lunch proceeded in a warm and normal atmosphere, and in the midst of the conversation my uncle bring out his gift for me.
"This is my gift to my nephew. How is it?"
"Its a beautiful model boat, I'd love to see the real thing."
My uncle says with a smirk.
"Hehehe.. then come to my house in Kiel and I'll show you your boat."
"What?"
Seeing my bewildered face, uncle Heinrich laughs once again.
"Hahahaha! You didn't think I'd give you such a simple thing for your birthday did you?"
"Wow! I knew it! Uncle Heinrich's the best! Thank you!"
My father annoyed at my constant praises of uncle Heinrich interrupts our conversation and asks me for my birthday wish.
"Now Joachim, tell this father what you want for your birthday, tell me anything and I'll do it."
"Really?? Do you really mean it father?"
"Hmph. Who do you think I am, I'll get you anything you wish."
"Then... I wish to meet someone."
"Hoooo... who's so famous that my son would personally ask it for his birthday?"
"Bismarck!"
My father was clearly bewildered, had it not been for my birthday he may have reacted differently.
My mother seems to have shown a look of concern, meanwhile uncle's face turned solemn after hearing my wish. Their expressions seem to show that the relationship between my father and Bismarck was worse than I thought. My father regaining his composure asks me.
"Joachim why would you want to meet that old man?"
"I heard that Bismarck's health has been declining, I wish to meet one of the legends of the empire before he returns to the arms of the lord."
"Hmph! Legend? He's nothing but an outdated old man who can't catch up with the times."
Seeing the direction the conversation was going, I look towards my brother and show eyes that ask for help.
"Kuhm! Father I think Joachim's request is reasonable.
"Hmmm..."
My father looks at me and Wilhelm alternatively and ponders for a moment, before asking me once again.
"Joachim why do wish to meet Bismarck so badly? If you want you can meet the current chancellor the Prince of Hohenlohe, he's no less than that old-timer."
"As I said father, Bismarck is a legend whom together with his Majesty Wilhelm I helped found the empire. I simply wish to ask him to impart some of his wisdom."
"Hmph! Wisdom? What kind of wisdom, he only seeks for my great empire to hide like a rat, and isn't your company using extensive welfare policies? Hmph! May I remind you that that boorish old killjoy would never agree to such leftist ideals."
With my father coming out uncooperative I pull out my trump card. With a puppy dog and pitiful expression I say to my father.
"Nonetheless father I only wished to have a conversation with him in case his wisdom may help me realize you dream of finding the empire's place in the sun."
"Kuhm!"
At my words my father thinks again, and finally acquiesces.
"Fine... this father shall allow it."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Thank you father! Father is the best!"
With my words and twinkling eyes, my father shows a smirk and looks at uncle Heinrich with a triumphant expression.
********************
Knowing that Bismarck's health has been on the decline, and that he dies sometime next year, I schedule a meeting with him as soon as possible. I was able to set a date around late-October, but being considerate of his health I decide to go to his estate personally.
The train ride to Hamburg was interesting, the idyllic countryside view was a sharp contrast to the 21st century urban lifestyle I was accustomed to. This only grew my desire to see the 19th/20th century world even more.
Arriving in Hamburg, I was able to see a bustling portside city. In the 21st century , Hamburg will serve as the Germany's 2nd largest city, its foremost trading center, and the European Union's largest non-capital city. Unfortunately I was unable to enjoy the city's sights, instead I quickly took a car heading to Bismarck's home, Friedrichsruh.
Friedrichsruh Manor was outside Hamburg, and after some time I was able to see it. Bismarck's home is quaint compared to the palaces I've been staying in, but by modern standards it was still very huge.
After entering the manor, I was guided by the butler towards Bismarck's study.
*knock* *knock*
"Your Excellency, his highness the prince is here."
"Let him in."
I carefully enter the study, I examine the interior and see various books, manuscripts, maps and documents. At the end of my gaze I see a man whom I've only been able to see in various books and statues. I proceed to greet him respectfully.
"I greet his Excellency the Prince of Bismarck, this Joachim von Preußen."
"Hmm..."
He gazes me up and down and finally says.
"Are you that bastard's son?"