Darkstone Code
Chapter 287 - 0285 Visit

Chapter 287: 0285 Visit

State visits often involve many elusive interest issues that outsiders find hard to understand. For instance, when the Prime Minister of Gafura visits Bail Federal, ordinary folks might see this as merely a consequence of the President’s actions after taking office.

He has aligned with international societal needs by changing the Federation’s previously isolationist policies, fostering communication with other countries. Hence, others have started visiting the Federation, which seems normal.

Yet, beneath this state visit lies complex interests and political issues. For example, the President has promised to open two deep-sea ports in the far South and East of the Federation, establishing free trade zones and allowing Gafura’s merchants to freely visit Bail Federal while enjoying the same rights as Federal citizens, including but not limited to protection of their personal and property safety, in exchange for this state visit.

This visit can be said to affirm, to some extent, the positive response brought by the Progressive Party’s proposed integration into international society, reinforcing the notion that we have chosen the right path and have already achieved certain outcomes.

However, many people only have a vague concept—a new era has arrived, and it’s just that simple.

Gafura’s invitation for the Federation to return the visit also has many reasons. Despite Gafura being one of the victors who benefited the most from the war, their gains were not as substantial as imagined.

Firstly, they did not occupy the capital of any country during the war nor did they capture the leadership of any country. They wasted time, money, military power, and precious lives along prolonged battle lines.

Ultimately, it was not through war that they destroyed the enemy’s resolve; rather, the opposing side simply ran out of money sooner, unable to continue fighting, thus forced to surrender.

Therefore, this was destined to be a losing war. Within Gafura, many voices questioned why their Emperor squandered so many resources on such a war, and further questioned why he amassed large funds to develop a leased area rather than using them domestically.

War suppressed some contradictions, but the war dividends cannot bring satisfaction; these contradictions will eventually erupt. If Emperor Gafura can prove that he can deliver what people want—respect, benefits, etc.—it would resolve these issues.

Bail Federal’s visit expressed respect for Emperor Gafura and the people. Opening the ports represents a new market for Gafura’s merchants to dump their goods, earning their Emperor’s adoration rather than skepticism.

In summary, this is a tremendously complex issue. For the Governor, joining or not joining requires careful consideration. Factional rivalry within the Progressive Party has shown signs of intensifying.

The radical factions continually organize various salons, secret meetings, activities, to promote their radical theories, preaching that showing Federal power internationally is the only way to earn equality and respect.

Admittedly, many seem interested in radical ideas amid this confusing and uncertain era. Perhaps it’s a backlash against past conservatism, avenging the years wasted on ridiculous policies. The more conservative they were, the more radical they are now.

Theoretically speaking, two years until the general election... precisely one year and ten months now, the current President has high hopes of being elected again. Yet, the radicals do not seem to be letting this chance slip.

The radicals within the Progressive Party have selected a candidate who will challenge the current President internally around the end of this year or early next year.

Then participate in the electoral battle by externally announcing it as an electoral policy against the Conservatives. This new Progressive Party candidate will complete the entire ’shadow running’ journey.

It may seem fine at first, but what if people vote for the shadow runner....

Now, behind the Gafura state visit invitation is the handiwork of the current President. Joining the visit to Gafura tags one as moderate, although governors of some level of politicians don’t care much about these things—they can even oppose the President’s orders—but some troubles that can be avoided should be avoided.

Adelaide sighed lightly. Nobody anticipated the complex situation within the Progressive Party now. Under external pressure, these were merely faint signs, which have now become a blaze.

"I’ll consult with others before extending you some help. But let me handle this matter on hand first...", his gaze fell on the list, the Governor nodded, agreeing with his view.

Adelaide intended to invite Lynch to the State House but was surprised to find Lynch already there, attending a meeting—an industry meeting.

Lynch holds a rugby team consisting entirely of female athletes, and they’ve debuted within the state. Recently, they’ve appeared on television screens, achieving high ratings, with surrounding cities and even neighboring states expressing an eagerness for more.

Previously, a television station tried offering very little to purchase broadcast rights for these matches but failed. Subsequently, they decided to have the United Transport Association negotiate the matter, not expecting Lynch to push the association directly to the Women’s Rights Protection Association.

The feminists had long coveted the broadcast revenue of the association, especially given this is the first female professional sports team. With significant societal attention, there’s even less possibility of letting such a good thing go to the association.

Both are strong organizations, refusing to yield, dragging it out until Lynch returned from Bupen. Recently, they’ve made breakthrough progress due to some starting a league.

Yes, a women’s rugby professional league. This thing truly holds little technical content; as long as someone is willing to support these female athletes with salaries and find a venue, hosting a league is easy.

The league ties back to Lynch. A Count from abroad, Kazriel, intrigued by women’s professional sports, sought advice from Lynch then started two teams.

Soon, he wasn’t satisfied with playing with himself. So he rallied friends, including Lynch and Fox, father-son duo, to organize a tournament. He personally offered around twenty thousand Federation Sol as the championship prize.

Altogether, there were six teams. Yet, such a shoddy tournament couldn’t keep the United Transport Association nor the feminist organizations at ease.

They understood better than Kazriel Count what hosting this tournament and creating a precedent would represent—claims to their benefits flying away!

Therefore, in critical times, those unspeakable principle issues became negotiable.

They invited Lynch, Fox, father-son, Kazriel Count, along with operators of two other teams for the meeting to discuss setting a standard for female professional sports.

Delicious food only holds worth when consumed, and the association and feminist groups knew this well. Thus, they discarded their differences to secure their interests first.

Lynch arrives at the capital. Upon leaving the station, someone was there to meet him.

Beside a luxurious sedan stood a very professional and elegant chauffeur, holding a sign clearly bearing Lynch’s name.

This car was sent by Ms. Tracy to pick Lynch up. This evening, he’ll dine at Ms. Tracy’s home with her family.

Tracy wishes to introduce her family to Lynch, expressing her affirmation and expectations for this "friendship." Lynch, naturally, wouldn’t decline such an influential lady’s invitation, and agreed readily.

York State’s capital city houses nearly three million residents as York State’s largest city. People once took pride in living there, but now...

Settling into the car, it smoothly started, leaving the slightly busy station, gradually revealing the bleakness of this metropolis.

On the streets walked people in worn-out coats, thin figures with hands in pockets, slightly hunched, heads down, as if weighed by something, trudging heavily.

No laughter or proud city dweller demeanor remains, only heavier burdens compared to small town’s citizens.

In prosperity, everyone enjoyed convenience it brought, but as it wanes, each bears heavier burdens than elsewhere.

Passing supply points, similarities arose with Sabin City, long endless lines grasping food tickets cautiously waiting to receive a small packaged portion from staff.

Sabin City distributed liquid food, but here didn’t seem so; he asked the chauffeur, "What’s the food given here? It seems solid."

The chauffeur replied humbly, "Mr. Lynch, here they provide a powder mixed with water then boiled into a..." searching for a word, "thick soup. Add tomato, potato, onion, mushroom, and it’s quite tasty."

The term was aptly chosen, Lynch smiled, nodding acknowledgment without more words.

The car soon arrived at Ms. Tracy’s residence...