Blackstone Code
Chapter 319:

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No plan can be executed with one hundred percent precision according to its creator's vision. There are always uncertainties and unforeseen factors that disrupt the course of action—unexpected problems, minor mishaps, or things that simply don't go as hoped. Such occurrences are frequent and inevitable.

Lynch's original idea had been different from what he was now pursuing. His initial plan was solid: convince the local rulers and religious authorities to become his partners so they could all profit together. But when it came to actual implementation, reality hit hard. He realized that things weren't so simple. Mr. Pretton and his trading house had already become the third most powerful force in Nagalier.

Whether the religious or political leaders acknowledged it or not, the Pretton Trading House's position was firmly entrenched. They held a stranglehold over Nagalier's throat—the control of resources. Anyone seeking wealth in Nagalier would inevitably collide head-on with the Pretton Trading House. They wouldn't let Lynch walk away with their profits without putting up a fight. Thus, for the time being, Lynch's only real opponent in Nagalier was Mr. Pretton and his empire.

But how to defeat them?

It wasn't as easy as it sounded. The Pretton Trading House's influence permeated every level of Nagalier society, from the lowest rungs to the highest echelons. Their network of agents ensured their dominance. A direct confrontation would provoke an all-out retaliation. So, Lynch adjusted his strategy.

Originally, he had intended to amass wealth solely for himself. Now, he planned to bring others along for the ride—but he would still control the source and claim the lion's share of the spoils. This shift in approach explained his recent flurry of publicity. Everything he had done was leading up to an exhibition in Bupayne in a few days' time. He intended to showcase everything he had brought back from Nagalier, demonstrating just how much value he could extract at minimal cost. Once people saw this, they would be intrigued—and motivated to act.

At that point, the battle would no longer be between Lynch and the Pretton Trading House. It would escalate into a clash between the collective capital power of the Federation and a handful of capitalists. And in such a scenario, Mr. Pretton and his empire would crumble under the weight of overwhelming opposition.

Truman quickly grasped the essence of Lynch's scheme. While not particularly novel, it was undeniably effective. Moreover, it aligned perfectly with Truman's recently proposed doctrine of "Interest Above All." According to this philosophy, sufficient interest could instantly transform war into peace—or plunge peace into chaos. Morality and righteousness were illusions; only interest endured.

Listening to Lynch's words, Truman felt a spark of inspiration. The greatest challenge he currently faced in politics stemmed from the attitudes of certain politicians toward global affairs. In previous years, to appease public sentiment, many radical politicians had been purged and replaced by conservatives. These new leaders clung stubbornly to outdated ideologies, favoring isolationism over expansion. This mindset posed a significant obstacle for Truman. Although they had successfully ousted the former president and installed a new one, it wasn't yet feasible to immediately target members of Congress or state legislators. A transitional period was necessary.

Convincing these individuals wasn't impossible—money could sway votes—but no one was stepping forward to foot the bill. Lynch's plans presented an opportunity. Once capitalists caught wind of potential profits, they would spare no expense to secure the juiciest benefits. They would fund lobbying groups to persuade conservative politicians who opposed international engagement. Whether through money, power, or bullets, nothing could stop capitalists from pursuing their interests.

"It's risky," Truman admitted, "but we should give it a try. What you said at the salon resonated with me—we're all adventurers. Every step forward is an adventure." With this, Truman endorsed Lynch's plan, seeing it as a promising opportunity.

A faint smile spread across Lynch's face. When he noticed Truman attending his speech earlier, he realized the man was also seeking allies.

……

The next day, Mr. Waldric—an influential figure in the Federation—rarely initiated contact with anyone, but today he reached out to Lynch. Lynch booked a suite at the Bupayne Grand Hotel, leaving instructions at the front desk for messages.

Later that evening, Lynch arrived at Waldric's estate and met the man whose influence spanned vast reaches of the Federation. During their encounter, a small incident occurred: Severella, unaware of Lynch's visit, greeted him warmly upon seeing him. She seemed both surprised and eager to speak with him but was promptly dismissed by her father, Mr. Waldric.

They entered a study resembling a small library, lined with densely packed bookshelves. Lynch paused, his gaze lingering on the towering shelves. The sheer volume of books was staggering. Each double-sided bookcase stood four meters tall, ten meters long, and nearly a meter wide. Six such units filled the room, each equipped with tracks and ladders for easy access.

These weren't picture books or light reads; nearly all were dense texts, heavy on content and light on illustrations. Finishing a two-inch-thick tome might take weeks. Thousands—if not tens of thousands—of volumes filled the space.

Waldric observed Lynch's reaction and smiled. Approaching a nearby shelf, he pulled out a book and flipped through it casually. "Knowledge illuminates humanity's path to progress. Books are mankind's most precious treasure."

Snapping out of his reverie, Lynch nodded. "Have you read all these books, Mr. Waldric?"

Though uncharacteristic of him, Lynch's question struck the perfect chord. Waldric gestured for him to sit as he replied, "I've only read a portion. The rest were left to me by my father, grandfather, and ancestors."

"Some I haven't touched due to limited time and energy, but I've absorbed their essence indirectly, converting them into experience."

As he spoke, Waldric's expression radiated restrained pride—a subtle arrogance rooted in genuine accomplishment. Knowledge had long been monopolized by the upper echelons of society, especially in eras when education was scarce. From ancient times, nobility and ruling classes used knowledge as a foundation for domination. Even today, much knowledge remained inaccessible to ordinary people.

The sheer number of books in this room testified to the prominence of Waldric's family and lineage. Where these books originated or whether blood stained their pages was another matter entirely. For now, they served as a source of pride for their owner.

Seated comfortably, Lynch chuckled. "I couldn't possibly read all these books. Sometimes I admire older individuals—they've weathered life's storms and possess far more wisdom than I do."

Waldric's proud smile faltered briefly before returning. "I'll take that as flattery."

"That's exactly what it is." Lynch quipped without concern, unfazed by Waldric's perceptiveness.

From their meeting to this moment, the atmosphere remained harmonious—a positive sign. After a brief pause, Waldric gathered his thoughts and broached the main purpose of inviting Lynch here. "How well do you know Nagalier?" he asked, adding pointedly, "Don't repeat what you've said publicly. Tell me something interesting—something that will pique my curiosity."

Waldric wasn't the only one who saw through Lynch's intentions. Since Lynch's grand return, marked by media fanfare, Waldric had begun to piece together his plans. Though details of Lynch's haul remained uncertain, glimpses of his acquisitions—rare animals, massive ivory tusks suitable as pillars—spoke volumes. Each item screamed wealth and rarity.

Ordinarily, someone discovering a lucrative opportunity would keep it quiet, avoiding drawing attention. But Lynch did the opposite. He loudly touted his exploits and announced an "Exotic Exhibition." His intentions were clear.

After a moment's reflection, Lynch posed a question: "Are you interested in gold?"

Waldric's brief lapse in composure confirmed his interest. Lynch pressed on. "In Nagalier, religious influence is strong. Many festivals occur annually, during which families above a certain class offer treasures—gold artifacts, gilded vessels, jewels, and gemstones. These indicate abundant gold reserves in Nagalier."

Regaining his composure, Waldric hesitated. "But I checked. There are no geological reports internationally."

Lynch smirked, adopting a teasing tone. "If there were reports, do you think it would still be our chance, Mr. Waldric?"

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