Finding a moment to talk to the Kaiser has proved difficult. I finally track him down to an office deep within the corridors of the Reichstag, surrounded by over-worked orderlies and administrative assistants. I have never seen such a dynamic figure, as the King signs papers, barks orders and administers to a newly formed and expansive German Empire. In six short years he has overseen a huge shift in the borders of Europe, and by the sense of urgency within government, he is keen to capitalise on this success.

Through periods of great adversity the German people have drawn a measure of success from this war. What do you think is Germany’s greatest achievement?

“Knowing who you can trust, and when. I had negotiated a secret protocol with Italy whereby their army would appear to invade Bavaria, and I would make all the customary noises of betrayal and outrage, knowing full well that the army was merely passing through the Alps in order to invade Burgundy.

Sadly, events on Italy’s Eastern border dulled the impact of our bait and switch, and events were ultimately unkind to our gallant allies, but they did not betray us and simply occupy Munich, as they very well could have done, so I’m proud of our partnership all the same.

I’m also grateful that the Reich not only survived and flourished, despite an untenable strategic position, but acknowledge fully that the collapse of our traditional enemy, France, into revolutionary chaos was a welcome boon.”

I sense that the Kaiser’s sorrow of the fall of the French Republic is merely perfunctory.

“Watching Russia’s marauding hordes vanish like snow in the spring as their supply lines were cut off was also pure, simple joy.”

Do you think you could have survived without occupying a France that had descended into anarchy?

“Generally one should not deal in hypotheticals. We could certainly have survived, but I doubt we could have thrived, and ultimately we would have shared the fate of the Balkan nations and pledged fealty to the Sultan of the Sublime Porte.”

True, the Germans are a tenacious if practical people. If you had a second chance at the Great Game, is there anything you would have done differently?

“I would have backed Italy’s invasion of Austria more fully, and made sure that we didn’t lift our boot from their throat. As Machiavelli said, an enemy will revenge himself for small injuries, but cannot do so for great ones.

I also would have come to a firmer understanding with the British about moving swiftly and in a coordinated fashion towards Russia’s northern frontier. Closer cooperation on that front would have secured my eastern flank and eliminated a dangerous enemy who cause significant disruption to life in the Volk.”

A fair assessment. Any final thoughts?

“I must commend the Austrians for fighting a strong, flexible war, and making clear-headed decisions under intense pressure. And to the Sultan as well, for amassing the most solid and unstoppable eastern juggernaut I have ever seen. I look forward to our discussion during the inevitable reconstruction and repatriation efforts.

And we should toast Italy and the Romanovs as well. Vodka and a well-made Negroni, for preference.”

I leave the busy Kaiser to the administration of his considerable new empire.