Blackstone Code-Chapter 427: School Starts

Rika looked up at Lynch, and Lynch looked back at him.

The idea to bring more of the High Priest’s family to the Federation was decided from the start. Of course, this wasn’t because Lynch wanted to control the High Priest by controlling his family.

Though he could have done that, it wasn’t necessary.

No matter how much influence the High Priest had, or how many people he could rally against the Federation’s development, it wouldn’t withstand a hail of bullets.

Besides, Lynch had many ways to prevent such conflicts. He did this simply because he believed he and this family would have a good cooperative relationship in the future.

As a merciful and responsible person, Lynch naturally wanted to arrange everything for them, so they could work without worries.

But Rika didn’t fully understand Lynch’s intentions or character yet. His eyes showed pain and struggle, but eventually, he calmed into numbness.

“I will try to convince my father…” His words trailed off, unfinished.

Lynch nodded slightly. “Tell me what you want. As long as it’s not excessive, I will consider it.”

Rika didn’t look excited. After thinking for a moment, he said, “I want to join the Federation.”

Lynch spread his hands. “You’re already here. Without our permission, you would have been sent back the day after stepping foot here. The fact that you’re living well here means you’re already one of us.”

Rika shook his head. “That’s not enough. I want to join the Baylor Federation officially, become a real citizen, and have the money in my account be legally recognized.” 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

His request wasn’t unreasonable—just citizenship. Many people apply every year. People only worry about how many newcomers compete for jobs but don’t realize many are rejected.

His time here taught him that money was everything. No matter how strange a person’s ideas were, with enough money, anything was possible.

If something couldn’t be done, it meant not enough money had been invested.

This place was freer than others, with an open environment and a society where money ruled. Rika really didn’t want to leave.

If he could get citizenship, he could do many things he couldn’t do now.

Like preaching on television.

Before coming to the Federation, Rika never imagined religion could be so openly practiced on TV—preaching and holding events—and people actually believed it! Ř𝐚N𝔬𝐛ÈṠ

In a state with millions of people, even if one in ten thousand became his follower through TV preaching, he could live comfortably here.

Or investing in politicians—his current biggest goal.

By donating money to politicians, they could offer tailored protection and expand his influence, even allowing him to interfere with their decisions later.

Look at those church leaders—they lived like kings!

There were many such examples, like buying social and commercial health insurance…

But most of these opportunities required him to be a legal citizen. Non-citizens couldn’t donate to politicians or give religious speeches on TV.

Even insurance premiums for non-citizens were much higher with fewer benefits.

He wasn’t a citizen, just a long-term resident who seemed almost equal but wasn’t.

Lynch nodded slowly, which made the requester feel the decision was reluctant or difficult—whether true or not, the effect was the same.

With Lynch’s approval, Rika breathed easier, looking relieved. “When do we leave?”

“September 3rd, morning ship.”

September 3rd was chosen because Lynch had to give a speech for new students on September 2nd. The freshman welcome was an important tradition at every school. Even with Lynch’s reputation, he couldn’t refuse.

Graduates from this school included a small portion who, as adults, became part of the top 5% in the country.

Except for a few who lost their chance for various reasons, most were stable.

Others who didn’t make the top 5% became part of the 10% within the remaining 95%, serving the elite—they were still the backbone of upper-class society.

That’s why middle-class families, even if heavily in debt, tried to get their children into the Baylor Federation schools—if their children were truly outstanding.

If successful, it meant a bright future for their kids—qualifying them to serve the ruling class, which was already a distant goal for many.

Lynch couldn’t refuse, especially since he had volunteered for this duty.

At 8:30 a.m. on September 2nd, after a quiet summer, Saint Sechka Academy buzzed with activity again.

The guards, lazy all vacation, wore fresh uniforms and showed their best spirits. Even the cleaning staff worked hard.

Many cars lined up outside the academy gates, but none were allowed inside. Even the president had to park outside and walk in—a tradition of the Baylor Federation schools.

Lynch was there too, a bit embarrassed to wear the school’s summer uniform.

Though he looked young, he was over fifty years old, so wearing a school uniform felt strange.

The uniform was quite nice—two-piece summer attire. Inside was a pure white shirt with white-gold trim and a small floral collar, buttons trimmed with white gold and gems.

The floral collar was white gold silk, semi-transparent and breathable, beautiful without feeling heavy.

The outer layer was a light, fitted formal jacket made from a thin, breathable fabric that felt almost weightless.

The traditional formal trousers and shiny leather shoes complemented the youthful, energetic look with a touch of elegance—a talented designer.

At first, no one paid attention to uniform design until the first female principal of the Baylor Federation schools sparked a trend in the otherwise conservative alliance.

Schools began competing over the best uniforms and the most handsome and beautiful student representatives.

This trend continues today, with annual redesigns for all four seasons. The student councils vote on uniforms from other schools, choosing a design champion each year.

The uniform design was led by the student council. Although school administrators pretended not to care about this competition, they secretly supported it—no one wanted their school to be seen as inferior.

Before Lynch entered the gate, a few female students tried to flirt with him, but as soon as he stepped inside, those lingering girls scattered.

“Were you waiting for me?” Lynch casually asked Anna, who was standing by the door.

“Yes!” Anna admitted decisively. After their encounter that day, she realized Severella’s weakness was Lynch.

She had used her connections to find out things she normally wouldn’t care about—like Severella’s private life.

In their circle, few dared pry into others’ personal matters. It was considered rude and could even spark conflicts. So Anna had never paid attention to anyone’s private life before.

Her informants told her that Severella, at twenty-four, had never been in a real relationship—she had never even liked anyone.

The men who once circled around her only wanted to get her pregnant to inherit the Wadrick family business. But Mr. Wadrick saw through this and took swift action, breaking a few legs, so no one dared to harass Severella anymore.

Growing up with an almost perfect father, girls like her often developed a kind of father complex, which made it hard for anyone else to catch her interest.

This discovery excited Anna. Maybe this destined duel would soon come to an end.

Feeling bolder because of this, Anna looked at Lynch’s handsome face with fiery eyes and a faint blush on her cheeks.

She told herself it was all just a ploy—that she only needed to use Lynch to defeat Severella. Yet somehow, Lynch’s face seemed to have a magnetic pull that held Anna’s gaze tightly, making it impossible for her to look away.