Blackstone Code-Chapter 379: There’s Always a Way to Make People Bow

Haggling was normal. Lynch could make demands, and the Nagaryll representatives could refuse.

They rejected his condition, Lynch proposed new ones, and both sides kept adjusting their approaches to maximize their own interests while trying to meet the other’s demands. That’s negotiation.

Lynch confidently looked straight at the Nagaryll representative without glancing at anyone else, pressing his lips together. “We emphasize the legitimacy of the Federal Sol circulating within the Kingdom of Nagaryll, and even hope it can become the official currency—not out of selfish motives.”

“Once the Kingdom of Nagaryll and the Baylor Federation establish friendly, equal bilateral diplomatic relations, the first issue will be cross-border, multi-currency settlements.”

“Given the current volatile exchange rate of Valier to Sol, and the international community’s lack of confidence in Valier, combined with your refusal to recognize the Federal Sol as legal tender or an official currency, this causes great difficulties for all Federation developers, workers, and related industries within Nagaryll.”

“But, considering our mutual hopes for friendly relations, we are relaxing our demands for the second time. If your joint banks have official status, are guaranteed by your central government, and commit to holding no less than 50 billion Federal Sol in foreign reserves at once—maintaining a minimum of 40 billion Federal Sol reserves at all times and respecting free-floating exchange rates—I believe we can move to the next stage of negotiations.”

Lynch’s expression was calm as he stared across the table. “There’s an old saying where I come from: Refusing someone’s first request is reasonable; refusing the second is a sign of respect; but refusing the third is an insult to that respect.”

This was a clear warning. The Nagaryll representatives and Governor Drag instinctively fell silent, swallowing their impossible quietly.

They whispered in their native tongue for several minutes. Then the Nagaryll representative cautiously responded, “We need further discussion before giving an answer. After all…,” he shivered slightly, “this involves absorbing 50 billion Federal Sol in foreign reserves.”

“Compared to that, we can discuss business cooperation first…”

At that moment, Lynch stood abruptly, ignoring the Nagaryll delegation’s expressions. He turned to Truman. “I suggest ending today’s negotiations here. Until this last condition is met, there’s no point in going deeper—it’s a waste of time.”

This demand was reasonable. What remained to be discussed depended on their ability to establish diplomatic relations first. Without resolving this core issue, discussing anything else was like building a skyscraper on an empty foundation—absurd.

No matter how perfect the future plan, if the key principle fails, everything falls apart. So, there was no reason to proceed.

Truman paused briefly, then nodded and stood. “I agree. Today’s talks end here. You can go back and consult your advisors—maybe they’ll come up with better suggestions.”

With Truman’s approval, the afternoon negotiations concluded. The Nagaryll delegation looked reluctant and displeased but rose as well.

They shook hands and parted. But as they shook hands, Lynch didn’t immediately let go. Looking directly at the Nagaryll representative, he said, “What I said last time was no joke. If you keep testing our patience, I suggest you buy a ticket back to Nagaryll this afternoon and pray to the gods that the Gephra Royal Navy wins.”

“Otherwise, our wrath will inevitably ignite Nagaryll’s forests and grasslands!”

Lynch released the hand and looked at them with a hint of contempt. “You may take this as a warning—or a reminder…”

He paused, a proud smile slowly forming. “Good afternoon, gentlemen.”

Without looking back, he turned and left.

Truman followed silently, muttering, “Where did you hear that saying about the first, second, and third refusals?”

Lynch’s phrase was philosophical. At first, it seemed simple, but thinking deeper, it was truth: the first and second concessions show gentlemanly respect, but the third is weakness. 𝖗𝘈ΝỖʙЕ§

Anyone with principles wouldn’t concede a third time—and now they stood exactly on that line.

Truman wished he knew who the wise author was and to read more of their works for wisdom.

Lynch smirked, “I made it up just now…”

Truman paused mid-step, blanked out for a moment, then regained his composure as Lynch strode ahead.

He caught up and asked, “Should I say something?”

Lynch smiled, “You can flatter me. I won’t refuse.”

Truman chuckled wryly, “I won’t satisfy you…” Then he changed the subject. “Back to our meeting—what if they agree to absorb 50 billion Sol?”

“Impossible!” Lynch said firmly. “You don’t really know Nagaryll because you’ve never been there. Your knowledge comes secondhand. I’ve been there.”

“In that country, 95% of the wealth is held by 1% of the population, truly.”

“If they agree, it means those rulers will have to provide 50 billion—about 5 trillion Valier—in foreign reserves.”

“Never mind if all their currency adds up to that much—they won’t spend it. Only the ruling class can afford that.”

“In other words, they’re cutting into their own ruling elite’s flesh for the country. These people aren’t noble—if they were, Nagaryll wouldn’t be the way it is now.”

Truman listened carefully. The problem wasn’t small—it was like a country the Federation couldn’t match demanding 5 trillion Federal Sol for peace.

The Federation government couldn’t afford that. Would capitalists be willing to exchange that much currency, with 80% of it frozen from free circulation?

Undoubtedly, capitalists would switch sides immediately—and so would Nagaryll’s rulers, if Lynch was right.

But things aren’t so simple or certain. Truman whispered, “What if they print massive new currency?”

Lynch sneered, “Then we send troops. They tricked us out of 50 billion. That’s hundreds lost per Federation citizen. Even without a proposal, the public would demand action to reclaim justice.”

With that Lynch nodded slightly and said goodbye, leaving for a private meeting. Wadrick was eager to talk with him once he returned.

Watching Lynch enter his car and drive off, Truman exhaled deeply.

He felt Lynch was provoking him to send troops to Nagaryll, but if that day came, it might truly be in the Federation’s best interest.

Of course, Lynch would benefit greatly—a fact Truman had long resented about capitalists’ blatant pursuit of profit—but now, even that was somewhat acceptable.

The sunlight burned his cheeks, making it hard to keep his eyes open. By now, Lynch’s luxury car had already vanished into the traffic, leaving only the metal Federation emblem in the fountain at the plaza before the steps, glinting under the sun.

A phrase suddenly flashed through his mind: The interests of the nation come above all else!