Blackstone Code-Chapter 414: Ignorant and Savage

At this moment, the Nagarylls should be happy, even relieved—they hadn’t chosen the wrong side.

After lengthy negotiations, the Federation signed a major contract with the Kingdom of Nagaryll. The Federation would help Nagaryll develop its industrial base, build infrastructure, and even support some level of public education.

The public, seeing the staggering figures, soon shifted their attention from the handling of the naval fleet commander to the topic of Nagaryll’s large-scale development.

This time, neither the president nor the ministers gave simple statements; instead, they explained the contract details thoroughly.

The contracts were not sell-out deals nor were Federation funds simply being used to develop Nagaryll. The public needed to understand the specifics.

For example, labor dispatch and overseas hiring made Nagaryll a new employment hub.

Rather than praising heroes, people cared more about when they could fill their stomachs and find opportunities.

At present, Nagaryll was a promising place.

Lynch had spent a long time promoting this, and people were gradually accepting ideas like Nagaryll is full of gold.

The big contract boosted the economy and market. On the day the Foreign Ministry announced it, the Federation’s financial market rose again; stocks recovered, and the outlook looked bright.

That evening, the president appeared on TV, telling the nation the contract with Nagaryll would provide at least hundreds of thousands of overseas jobs for Federation citizens, possibly even more.

This was only the Federation’s first step onto the world stage. As it established commercial ties worldwide, any willing Federation worker would find opportunities.

The president’s speech was calm and factual, not emotional or flamboyant. He simply laid out data and painted a picture of a future to the audience.

That understated style won public approval, marking the president’s first peak in personal popularity since taking office.

Some analysts believed his chances of winning the election in a year and a half had risen significantly compared to when he first took office.

Even within the Progressive Party, leaders no longer talked about the capable should bear more responsibility, which really meant the incapable should stop pretending.

The president’s goodwill and support for the military also reversed his party’s internal standing. People stopped dwelling on his previous electoral loss and the damage it caused; some even saw that defeat as a strategic move.

They had survived the most dangerous period, letting the conservatives bear the failures, and now embraced a new dawn, pushing the Federation to its peak.

When a person is down, even if they speak truth, people see it as the bitter struggles of a twisted soul beneath an ugly exterior.

But when someone rises, even if they fumble, people analyze how those stumbles helped their success and cheer them on.

On such a leisurely evening, Lynch was invited to a small dinner hosted by Mr. Wadrick.

Wadrick had some matters to discuss with him, and also wanted to express gratitude—subtle, but gratitude nonetheless.

During my talks with Mr. Lynch… and Lynch said… were key points Wadrick used to persuade the board members.

Wadrick’s consortium was no longer the narrow, fearsome economic entity people once imagined.

It had become a fully expanded monster, its tendrils reaching every corner of society—capital, politics—they were deeply involved.

They knew well that in recent months, Lynch and Truman had been central to everything. They gave the president sound choices, allowing him to reach the end and emerge victorious.

So when Wadrick mentioned Lynch in persuading these people, they had to take his words seriously—and he succeeded.

The consortium’s next phase focused on international interests. Convincing stubborn old-guard board members was difficult, but he did it, hence the small celebration.

In Federation culture, success is both a right and a duty to flaunt. A successful person who doesn’t boast causes suspicion.

Even Wadrick’s rivals respected his moment of pride and smiled politely, saying, “He deserves it.”

“Mr. Lynch is here…”

Wadrick and his wife were chatting with an invited couple at their estate, the atmosphere relaxed, the guests close partners and friends, each accompanied by a companion.

Wadrick pretended not to hear, maintaining his smile and conversation. After a few polite exchanges, the other couple ended the talk first, and Wadrick excused himself.

Walking down the hall, his wife asked curiously, “You care about this young man?”

“Could he become our daughter’s husband?” she added.

Wadrick’s expression shifted subtly. “Unlikely, but not impossible.”

“I thought you’d say yes or very likely. You do value him!”

They reached the end of the hallway where he stopped, placing his hand on the door handle and turning it. “It depends on how fast he progresses. I think it’ll take some time—and our daughter can’t wait that long.”

He opened the door and courteously gestured for his wife to enter first. She smiled and stepped inside to wait.

“Lynch has many good ideas, but you know, the world is full of young visionaries.”

“Some young scientists think far beyond Lynch. Their inventions could change the world.”

“If Lynch wants to marry Severella, he needs a comparable social status, influence, and more.”

Lynch’s influence was limited and narrow. Beyond that level, his advice to consortia on business matters would be dismissed as nonsense.

Only when he spoke on international relations would board members consider him seriously, though they still lacked full trust.

His foundation was shallow, which might seem harsh to ordinary people, almost like an impossible task.

But the Federation has these kinds of people—like Wadrick himself—whose opinions are always valued and considered, no matter the topic or expertise.

This is true influence, constantly at work.

That’s the gap. Beyond it are social status, political power, and more. Among many factors, wealth is last.

“You’re being hard on him!” Wadrick’s wife laughed quietly, covering her mouth.

Mr. Wadrick shook his head slightly. “For people like us, life is just a business.”

Outside the manor’s gate, Lynch turned as he heard the door open, wearing a smile that was hard to dislike. “Good evening, Mr. Wadrick, and madam.”

“Good evening…”

The two men shook hands and walked together toward the room.

Wadrick’s manor was large—that was true wealth.

In the heart of Eminence, the manor was so vast it could hold a reception in one of its side halls—something no one hosting parties in a hotel could compare to. This was one reason Wadrick believed Lynch still had work to do.

“I read today’s paper…” On the way to the side hall, the two men naturally discussed the day’s events. “The group plans to send a team to Nagaryll for an on-site inspection soon. Do you have any advice?”

“Advice…” Lynch chuckled softly. “It’s best not to send employees whose marriages are unstable. For some, that place is hell; for others, it’s heaven.”

“They still practice polygamy there. As long as a man can afford it, he can marry as many wives as he wants.”

Mrs. Wadrick couldn’t help but say, “How foolish!”

Mr. Wadrick grinned. “Yes, truly barbaric!”