Blackstone Code-Chapter 388: Power Diplomacy

The President recounted everything that had happened, including the fleet commander’s order to annihilate the Gephra Navy despite their surrender.

Some who were unclear on the details stood up in shock, while others demanded severe punishment for the fleet commander.

Everyone expressed their opinions within their expertise to provide the President and his cabinet with more reference points, until Mr. Wadrick spoke.

“Mr. President, cabinet members, I have a question…” After the President allowed him to continue, Wadrick asked something no one had noticed: “Is our success against the Gephra Royal Navy replicable?”

Not only the President and Defense Minister, but also Truman and everyone in the room fixed their gaze on Wadrick.

They were terrified by the outcome but hadn’t realized that if the victory wasn’t luck, then why were they so afraid?

The Defense Minister nodded. “Our new torpedoes can easily destroy all currently active battleships. If you ask whether this can be replicated, I believe it can.”

The real key to victory wasn’t the heavy artillery duel between the Federation and Gephra fleets. Frankly, the Federation sailors’ individual skills and abilities lagged far behind Gephra’s.

Without technology bridging this gap—submarines and new torpedoes—the Federation Navy likely would have lost.

Strategic and tactical advantages mean little if individual soldiers can’t execute them effectively.

Thankfully, submarines and torpedoes saved the battle.

Wadrick nodded. “I propose we immediately hold a press conference to showcase the data on our submarines and torpedoes…”

“Impossible!” The Defense Minister nearly blurted out, “That’s military secrecy!”

Wadrick shook his head. “Not anymore. People will obtain these details soon enough by other means. Instead of letting countless spies dig through our defenses, we should release carefully processed data ourselves.”

“Now is the best time to demonstrate our strength. By sharing this information, we show the world we can achieve maximum gain at minimal cost.”

“Whether it’s Gephra or others itching for war, if they dare challenge us, we’ll sink them to the ocean floor!”

The President found this reasonable. Though Wadrick didn’t say it outright, everyone knew he was hinting at the Congressional Military Committee.

The Senate’s Federal Military Committee has twenty-four senators with permanent seats, all with access to classified military documents.

These senators control secret funds, regularly funded by military contractors.

They comfortably accept these funds and routinely review equipment specs under the guise of oversight.

Military contractors compete by spying on rivals’ new equipment specs before bidding.

The President looked to Truman, who nodded slightly. “I agree. Wadrick’s proposal is constructive. It gave me some ideas, but overall, I think it’s feasible.”

The President banged the table. “Then arrange for it immediately!”

Truman pulled the Defense Minister aside to whisper.

The plan wasn’t complicated: increase the data released at dawn by about 15–20%, and expedite some low-cost, high-return combat equipment.

For example, a fast boat with a single torpedo tube operable by one person.

Losing even a destroyer at under $100,000 cost to a swarm of torpedo boats means a big win for the Federation.

Shameless and underhanded, but effective.

If anyone dares approach the Federation’s coastal waters, thousands of torpedo boats can be launched easily.

While plotting how the Defense Minister would spin this professionally to the media and international community, Truman noticed Lynch sitting casually in a corner. ŕἁＮÓ𝖇Èṥ

Ending his conversation, Truman whispered to the President, who glanced at him then turned his attention to Lynch.

Most others followed the President’s gaze.

“Mr. Lynch, everyone has shared their views and advice within their capacity. Could you offer us some valuable insights?”

Lynch hadn’t spoken all evening. Truman believed he had plenty to say but was unwilling to yet.

Those who knew Lynch understood his progressive thinking often conflicted with mainstream views. His thoughts now probably opposed the room’s consensus, perhaps even contradicted it entirely, explaining his silence.

Otherwise, he would have already taken the floor.

This is why Truman hadn’t invited him to speak directly—his status and weight weren’t enough to command respect here, but the President’s was.

Lynch’s eyes lingered on the President for a few seconds, then shifted to Truman, hesitating before speaking.

Wadrick stood. “Mr. Lynch, this is a time for unity. If you have good ideas, please share them.”

With the President and Wadrick’s combined weight behind the invitation, Lynch nodded slightly. “Actually, you’re all mistaken. It’s not the Gephra Royal Navy we’re at war with, but the Preyton Pirate Group…”

“Impossible!” The Foreign Minister immediately denied. “We all know that’s the Gephra Royal Fleet!” 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Lynch looked at him as if he were a fool. It wasn’t entirely his fault—blame the previous President.

Isolationism had become so severe that diplomacy was nearly abandoned—not because diplomats stopped working or there was no foreign policy, but because the Federation’s diplomatic methods had regressed, stuck in outdated mindsets from years, even decades ago, failing to grasp that in this world, only strength protects interests.

Previously, international diplomacy relied more on strategy because limited technology prevented close contact.

Without the possibility of large-scale invasions, diplomacy leaned toward rational tactics—until world wars erupted.

Now, military strength dominates diplomacy; whoever is stronger speaks louder.

Gephra’s defeat means the Federation’s word is law.

But this must be handled carefully. Lynch agreed, nodding, “You’re not wrong. What you should do now is contact the Gephra ambassador, accuse them of colluding with the pirate group, and see how they respond.”

The first half of Lynch’s suggestion disappointed some, but the second half amazed them.

How will they respond? They certainly won’t admit it. If they acknowledge that the Gephra Royal Navy and the Preyton Pirate Group are allied, then wouldn’t the Preyton’s control over the Kingdom of Nagaryll’s economy be at Gephra’s behest?

Once the seed of doubt is planted, it can never be removed. Gephra is already unpopular; this would ruin their reputation internationally and make them a target of suspicion and isolation.

“We can start by isolating Gephra diplomatically. Spend some money, offer incentives, and get those burdened by conscience—like anti-government armed leaders—to come forward and tell the international community they acted under Gephra’s orders.”

“Also, I have a question: where is our fleet now?”

Truman, accustomed to Lynch’s rapid shifts in thought, replied immediately, “On its way back.”

“I noticed we didn’t completely destroy Gephra’s First Fleet. They still have two battleships and other vessels that didn’t participate in the battle and have been redeployed to the Amellia region.”

The Defense Minister nodded. This wasn’t top-secret; Gephra’s emperor had even publicly announced the decision.

Their goal was to deter troublemakers in Amellia by openly signaling that the fleet was coming, warning the unruly to behave.

“Chase them!” Lynch’s command caused a brief hush in the room.

If before, they had annihilated the fleet engaged in battle and could still deny it was Gephra’s navy, now chasing the remaining warships felt…

a bit excessive?

“We don’t need to start new battles or engage them directly. Our fleet only needs to stay within striking distance at all times.”

“As for the reason…” Lynch shook his head slightly, “We’re pursuing the remnants of the Preyton Pirate Group.”

The Foreign Minister couldn’t help but speak again. “The Emperor of Gephra will go mad. No one has ever insulted them so openly!”

“No!” Lynch’s tone was firm. “Because we have a reason he cannot refuse.”