Blackstone Code-Chapter 366: Unstoppable

Lynch’s words were somewhat arrogant, and several people in the room thought the same. Using international conflict to achieve personal gain was unfamiliar territory for the Federation’s merchants—they hadn’t tried this approach before and felt hesitant. If Lynch’s plan failed, their bonds would become worthless.

People are often contradictory. In the past, they might have risked everything on an almost impossible future, but now they lacked the courage to gamble again. This is the can only lose, can’t win mindset: gamblers who lose ninety-nine times still bet everything on the hundredth, hoping to win. But once they win a small amount on a low-probability bet, they lose the courage to go all-in again and become indecisive.

Currently, Herbert’s plan offered a safer bet—no loss and some profit—while Lynch’s was a far riskier gamble, causing people to hesitate.

Seeing the varied expressions, Lynch neither felt disappointed nor excited. He had given everyone a choice, and how they chose was their business. He couldn’t guarantee his plan would succeed, but he believed it had the best chance and the highest potential return.

After speaking, Lynch sat down. Herbert, the host, returned to the center of the room. “Mr. Lynch’s plan is…” he hesitated before finding the right word, “…bold, but undeniably feasible.”

“Clearly, there are many ways to solve this problem. Is anyone else willing to share their ideas? We’re open to paying for reliable proposals.”

Herbert’s statement strongly implied willingness to pay commissions, meaning others should be prepared to pay for his plan as well—an insightful move from a shrewd capitalist.

Some ideas were proposed but none met expectations. Ultimately, only two plans remained: Herbert’s and Lynch’s.

Most chose Herbert’s safer option—willing to risk losses but afraid to risk everything—while a few backed Lynch’s, including Herbert himself.

After sending the guests away around nine p.m., Herbert and Lynch met in Herbert’s study to discuss Lynch’s plan further.

Herbert’s special talent was profiting from others’ losses while eyeing Lynch’s maximal-profit plan—he wanted to benefit from both sides.

Once seated, Herbert hesitated, then asked, “Mr. Lynch, does your plan involve risks you haven’t disclosed?”

He explained, “If your plan were foolproof, you wouldn’t need to reveal it.”

Indeed, if a plan were that lucrative, no one would share it; they’d buy out others’ bonds to maximize gains.

Herbert, imagining himself as Lynch, believed a perfect plan would be kept secret while acquiring bonds aggressively.

But Lynch admitted there were unpredictable risks.

“All plans carry risks, Mr. Herbert,” Lynch said without agreeing or denying.

“So there are issues?” Herbert pressed, undeterred. He believed people’s appetite never lied.

For capitalists, their hunger is limitless like a black hole; what stops them isn’t fullness but their inability to consume.

After a moment, Lynch shook his head. “No major issues. If anything, it’s about time and investment, which aren’t problems for us.”

“As I said, risks exist. No one knows what will happen.”

“Maybe it’ll end smoothly, or maybe nothing happens—I’m just gambling.”

Lynch wasn’t telling the full truth. Creating conflict was tough and time-sensitive. If his target refused to risk opposing Amellia’s current political order, Lynch wouldn’t have time to find another.

Such matters weren’t for bystanders; only those with real stakes would dare act. Lynch hoped to attract these people with profits.

But he overestimated their courage and underestimated how his plan would shock Federation capitalists still clinging to escapism. Asking them to initiate international conflict? Unlikely. ᚱ𝔞𐌽ộＢË𐌔

No matter—he had backup plans. If needed, he’d consult Truman and intelligence agencies like the Security Committee for help.

So Lynch withheld these reasons from Herbert.

Lynch’s obvious uncooperativeness made Herbert suspicious. “I’m willing to pay you a commission for your plan,” he said.

Lynch hesitated; he still had choices. He could work with Truman but preferred to avoid deep ties with officials to prevent accusations of exploiting state power.

Even if he convinced people otherwise, enemies would arise. He couldn’t guarantee the current president’s ten-year term or that successors wouldn’t oppose him, making things complicated.

For now, his dealings with Truman and others didn’t involve abusing state power.

Following national policy and international trends to earn money was tolerated, but this matter was different. Lynch preferred to avoid Truman unless absolutely necessary.

He looked at Herbert. “I want thirty-three percent of the total profit, and you must convince more people to join us.”

One-third was reasonable. Herbert thought briefly, then agreed. “If it works as you say, I accept.”

Herbert could convert a hundred-unit bond into seventy or eighty units of various goods or offer tax-exempt investment benefits in Gephra. The latter was more likely.

This didn’t betray national interests; Gephra benefited either way.

But for Federation speculators who bought bonds cheaply, their returns shrank.

The goods would mostly be surplus or unwanted items, not scarce essentials.

Tax benefits required more investment in Gephra, making it less worthwhile.

Still, these were the best options currently available to ensure profit.

Herbert knew this, so Lynch’s plan tempted him—it wasn’t a compromise but a real way to turn bonds into multiple times their value.

Giving Lynch a third of the total profits was not unreasonable.

Falling behind means accepting reality. Now that Herbert was willing to pay Lynch for his plan, he could also turn to Lynch or others in the future and pay for their ideas—that’s the rule.

Those who set the rules must follow them first, even if only partially, before expecting others to comply.

After their agreement, Lynch left. Herbert had hoped Lynch would stay overnight, but Lynch chose to go, focusing on preparing for what was next.

The next round of negotiations with Nagaryll was in ten days. Once both sides reached a preliminary agreement and the following talks concluded—no more than twenty days later—they would exchange official documents to establish diplomatic relations.

This meant a naval battle between the Federation and Gephra would erupt within a month. For Lynch’s plan to succeed, unrest in the Amellia region had to break out before August.

With hundreds of millions at stake, anyone who stood in his way would be eliminated.