Blackstone Code-Chapter 422: Uncle Lynch

“You all must be familiar with this man. Some media call him a young leader—Lynch.”

The most prominent figure in the crowd at that moment was likely Mr. Truman, representing the official stance and controlling the direction of international politics.

After a naval battle secured the federation’s new international status, Truman’s political influence surged dramatically. Within the Progressive Party, there were already suggestions to elevate him to the highest office.

No matter the outcome, he now held decisive power in many areas. Anyone wanting to do business overseas needed his backing.

Patric, CEO of the largest conglomerate in the East, major shareholder on the board, controlled countless industries—a true corporate giant.

His influence in the East was unparalleled. Millions depended on his conglomerate for livelihood, wielding terrifying economic, social, and political power.

Then there was Lynch, known as the young radical leader, both famous and wealthy—a rising star of the era.

Each generation in the federation sees a few like him, people who quickly achieve what might take others decades or even generations.

If Lynch avoided major mistakes, his connection with Truman would secure him a lifetime of success. He might even have a family or conglomerate named after him one day.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Patric,” Lynch said, extending his hand. Their introduction was formal. Patric didn’t look down on Lynch but met his gaze with respect.

“Likewise, Mr. Lynch.”

Lynch’s smile under the sun was genuine and radiant, enough to quickly win anyone’s favor.

His smile came partly from his potential, partly from the respect commanded by Mr. Lynch.

Respect doesn’t always require ceremony; it just means being acknowledged and addressed properly. That alone is the greatest respect.

No one mentioned the girl beside Patric. At such gatherings, a young girl like Anna had no place to speak.

She was still angry—Lynch had embarrassed her. Moments earlier, she was warning the school board against accepting more recommended students. Then Lynch made her face reality.

Reality—both familiar and alien.

When she or people like her achieved something others couldn’t challenge, they called it reality—sometimes aloud, sometimes silently.

Until she herself became the reality others spoke of.

Now, her anger had softened into something else—an undefined feeling, maybe the frustration of being outshone by peers. She had always been exceptional, far surpassing her siblings.

“I have a good relationship with Governor Drag, and some connections with the local High Priest. I’ve discussed with Mr. Truman that I’ll focus there,” Lynch humbly stated.

This was a message to Patric and others: that was his territory, his home ground. Anyone infringing on it should be prepared to fight.

“Is that so?” Patric nodded. “Our goals differ. Besides railroads, I believe vast wealth—oil, precious metals—lies hidden in Nagaryll’s undeveloped wilderness. I’ve assembled geological survey teams to explore.” 𝐑ÄℕỗВĘ𝒮

Rumors of rich mineral resources in Nagaryll’s interior had circulated for years. Previously, politics, technology, and other barriers made extraction impossible—even for countries wanting to force it.

Now things were different. Beyond the federation’s diplomatic relations with Nagaryll, the fact that the federation’s fleet defeated Gephra’s and could freely patrol Nagaryll’s coasts guaranteed traders’ safety.

True deterrence wasn’t bombardment but coastal blockade. Without overseas lifelines, a country without industrial foundation would quickly regress from semi-modern to primitive society.

With multiple safeguards in place, mining exploration resumed—Patric’s stance was clear.

He didn’t seek to compete with Lynch over development rights. He just wanted to build a railway deep inland for transporting goods, while focusing on potentially rich mineral deposits.

With no core conflict, the conversation became pleasant. Lynch shared firsthand stories from the grasslands—seemingly worthless news to most but valuable to Patric.

The grasslands were accessible to anyone willing to buy a ticket and hire a guide, but to Patric, these details allowed his teams to prepare supplies and strategies in advance.

These insights saved Patric’s exploration teams at least a month of time, some funds, and possibly prevented fatal accidents.

“What nature gives humanity belongs to all of us. Whether it’s ours or Nagaryll’s, it should benefit all mankind. I support your vision, Mr. Patric!” Lynch’s tone was light and pleasant. At key moments, he even offered Patric a fitting excuse: To let narrow regional or cultural boundaries bury these treasures underground, instead of unearthing and enriching their value, is something every human should strive for!

“I appreciate your view, Mr. Lynch!” Patric smiled, then glanced at Truman. “What if others want to come here to develop resources?”

Truman joked, “We welcome them anytime—if they can get in!”

The three men shared a smile and raised their glasses.

“To freedom!”

Their brief talk remained cheerful. Their frequent toasts drew attention, prompting speculation about their topic.

Perhaps power, since Truman was present.

Perhaps wealth, since Patric was there.

Perhaps the pulse of the times, since Lynch was involved.

What no one guessed was that these three shamelessly discussed how to plunder others’ resources under the guise of helping them—and toasted to it.

After a while, Truman seemed to notice someone approaching. He glanced at Patric, then at Lynch.

“Patric and I will step away briefly. You can stay with Miss Anna. A true gentleman never leaves a lady alone.”

A gentlemanly attitude and proper values. Patric showed no strong objection like Mr. Wadrick might.

Patric had many children, and the Aginel family maintained noble traditions with all members living together.

Such a situation might cause unrest in other families, but the Aginels were used to it.

This resulted in many children in the Aginel estate—Patric’s and his siblings’. He wasn’t particularly doting on his daughter.

He didn’t feel the kind of agony that comes from losing a child. His feelings were more typical, and, with his noble background, he hoped his children would seek out talented people and bring them into the family.

Two completely different fathers: Wadrick and Patric.

They soon left after spotting Mr. Wadrick, whose conglomerate also shared the victory’s benefits. They had important matters to discuss.

With their departure, only Lynch and Anna remained. Regardless of Lynch’s current mood, Anna felt awkward.

She had given Lynch a cold look just that morning; she never expected they’d meet again so soon.

Awkwardness fades over time, but no one anticipated such a quick encounter. What surprised Anna even more was how important Lynch was.

Even her strict father addressed Lynch formally as Mr. Lynch, which spoke volumes.

Lynch was a significant figure—at least in some respects.

This made her morning behavior seem childish and foolish.

Her thoughts churned, but her expression remained composed. “I didn’t expect to see you again so soon, Lynch.”

“My mood this morning was a bit off…”

She believed this attitude was an attempt to mend the rift. She had greeted Lynch first and even smiled, so perhaps the earlier unpleasantness could be set aside.

Of course, Lynch was no petty person to hold grudges. A gentleman like him had a broad mind. How could he resent a trivial slight from a young girl?

That wouldn’t be very gentlemanly.

He responded politely, “Of course, Miss Anna. I didn’t take this morning’s events as any offense…”

He smiled gently.

“I was just talking with your father and felt we were equals, yet you called me by my first name. Is it…,” his expression turned subtle, “because I heard the Aginel family has noble blood and follows strict aristocratic customs?”

“How do you address the adult men who interact with your father on equal terms?”

“Do you call them by their first names directly, or do you add Uncle?”