Darkstone Code-Chapter 737 - 0735 Rumor

"Thorns?"

"Not many people use thorns!"

"Gafura’s Catholicism... differs from yours; in their religion, thorns symbolize ’punishment’."

"When priests do something they believe is wrong, they whip themselves with thorns until they feel they have atoned for their sins."

"In past laws, there were penalties related to thorns as well. Some people would be stripped and thrown into thorn bushes, and if they could make it out the other side, they’d avoid further punishment."

"Across various Main Island cultures, the meaning of thorns is a bit too serious; people always associate them with crime, mistakes, and punishment. That’s why few people use them."

This is also a cultural issue; in Gafura, the religious color of thorns has gradually turned them into a cultural symbol.

In many religious-themed paintings, there’s often an image of the Lord lying bleeding in thorn bushes, which distances ordinary people from thorns.

Lynch thought for a moment after hearing this, "That’s it!"

"You have to think clearly, because once you make a decision, you can’t change it," Jenia advised a few times. Such serious material isn’t really suitable for designing a family crest.

It may make others think the family’s style leans too much towards religion; the struggle between religion and government only ended completely in modern times, so... it’s not a good choice.

What’s more, at one point, thorns were considered things from Hell because of their ugly appearance and sharp spikes, believed only to grow where demons are born.

In any case, it’s not a good choice.

"I think it’s fine this way; we shouldn’t use roses or something like that. Being different from others highlights my personality, for I am a Federation person, I..."

"I understand, I understand, it must be unique, it must be free!" Lynch was interrupted by Jenia before he finished. Lynch often used these words to fob her off.

Every time they had different viewpoints, Lynch would start talking about those things from the Federation.

Things like advocating freedom, willing to die for freedom, and the like.

In the Federation, there’s even a child known as "I and my child’s mother don’t know what name to give him." Yes, that’s not a sentence; that’s the child’s name, and it was actually recognized!

After realizing the oddity of Federation people, Jenia had given up on arguing with Lynch on certain matters; she couldn’t win!

"Alright then, thorns, what else besides thorns? There can’t just be thorns, right?"

Lynch thought for a moment, "Flames, and Gold Coins!"

Jenia was speechless at the elements Lynch wanted for the clan’s crest; the flame pattern was used by some, but it was definitely not mainstream.

Nobles were not enthusiastic about various "natural" elements; flames looked like they could add some momentum, but also as if the whole picture was surrounded and burned by fire.

As for Gold Coins, never had nobles used Gold Coins as elements in their crests; it was too vulgar. It was widely known that nobles were elegant and noble individuals; how could they possibly do such things?

"I... have nothing more to say; just do as you please!" Jenia completely gave up on dissuading Lynch.

With the help of an artisan specializing in crest design, Lynch’s sketches were submitted to the Secretariat. The nobles in the Secretariat were neither enthusiastic nor indifferent about Lynch’s arrival; somewhat distant, but not truly detached.

It’s a bit convoluted to say; it’s that kind of lukewarm feeling. This was because Lynch himself was not an Empire person, lacked Gafura blood, and was merely a minor noble unable to pass the title to his descendants.

Once he died, his descendants would no longer be nobles; for such end-of-line nobles, hereditary nobles in the Secretariat couldn’t be bothered to be passionate.

On the way back, Jenia suddenly asked, "You’re about to return, right?"

After being conferred the title, Lynch had no reason to stay, and he believed some people wouldn’t want him to remain.

He knew when to be silent and when to speak; Jenia sighed, "Ultimately we have to separate. Once your crest and banner are filed, the Secretariat will hold an event as usual to celebrate you new nobles—it’s best to attend before leaving."

"The nobles in the Secretariat don’t have much power, but their families have lengthy histories, and some influence among the populace..."

With dignity, that’s what such people were called; lacking power but influential. Lynch nodded slightly, "I know what to do."

They stopped by the roadside for some local snacks; for Gafura, the small national territory meant not much in the way of genuine specialties.

"A couple of days ago, you mentioned that Yuanrong Capital had issues, remember?"

They were dancing at the time, and Lynch casually brought it up, like someone starting a conversation with, "The weather’s nice today."

The two were holding slightly loosely fried potato patties wrapped with fish fillets, eating as they walked forward, and occasionally, passersby would stop their gaze on them for a while.

In Gafura, eating while walking is not considered a graceful act, and it tends to leave food scraps scattered everywhere.

But these few people didn’t care much about it.

"I did say, I’ve seen the profit method of this company, the annualized interest rate is almost one hundred percent. Do you know the return rate of the most profitable foundation in the Federation last year?"

Actually, Jenia didn’t quite understand what Lynch was saying. She could only understand some keywords, so she cooperatively asked, "How much?"

"Less than thirteen percent, even though our economy has started to recover, all foundations still don’t look very optimistic about the current situation. The lowest only offered a return rate of nine point eight percent."

"Gafura’s current economic situation is actually similar to ours; both have encountered some troubles and need to be adjusted to resume the journey. But what kind of business can achieve an annual return rate close to one hundred percent for a company?"

Lynch shook his head. After taking a few bites to finish the potato patties wrapped with fish fillets, he threw the paper bag into the garbage bin by the roadside, and not far away, his butler immediately came over to offer him a towel.

After wiping the oil stains from the corners of his mouth and hands, he returned the towel to the butler and said thank you.

"So I think there is a problem. Given the current operating content of Yuanrong Capital, it can’t sustain such a terrifying interest rate."

Jenia shook her head as she listened, these words made her feel insulted intellectually.

She wasn’t brave enough to ask why "Yuanrong Capital’s operating method can’t sustain its high return rate," she just stared wide-eyed at Lynch.

Lynch smiled, "I heard you bought shares of Yuanrong Capital?"

Jenia’s expression became more lively; she understood this topic, "Yes, more than three million. It’s now approaching eight million, and I heard from my financial advisor that Yuanrong Capital’s fourth quarter financial report will look very good, which will all be reflected in the stock market..."

In just a few days, earning a few million at such a speed is faster than robbing money, making Jenia somewhat addicted to the daily changing numbers upon waking up.

Although being a noblewoman of the Imperial Family, she isn’t as wealthy as people imagine because the money and power of the Imperial Family are controlled by the Emperor. These members of the Imperial Family can only get some money yearly.

With little money, this is also why many members of the Imperial Family are willing to make public appearances; they need to manage their own careers, or they will live miserably.

Jenia’s financial advisor told her it’s time to buy another wave, and she was tempted.

But she vaguely remembered Lynch mentioning this matter, so she specially asked about it today.

"You can wait a bit, but my personal advice is to dispose of it quickly; this stock has significant issues."

He waited by the trash can until Jenia finished cleaning her hands and mouth, and then the two continued walking side by side down the street.

"It itself has some huge problems. If it hadn’t gone public, not many would see it, and these issues wouldn’t be exposed."

"But it went public and created so many miracles, attracting more people’s attention will inevitably result in someone exposing this lie due to emotions like jealousy."

"Not to mention, exposing a lie itself can also be profitable."

Jenia thoughtfully nodded, "I believe you!"

Considering the money in her pocket, Jenia parted ways with Lynch halfway and went home.

She called her financial advisor over. The financial advisor is employed by the Royal Bank, and the Royal Bank is a royal enterprise, meaning they’re all, in a way, part of the same circle.

"I want you to help me sell all my Yuanrong Capital shares," she stated her request as soon as they met.

The financial advisor couldn’t quite figure it out; yesterday they were discussing increasing stocks, and today she wanted to sell them. Something must have happened that he doesn’t know about.

"Princess, may I rudely ask, who persuaded you to do this?"

"Or did you hear some information from somewhere?"

He didn’t believe Jenia could make her own judgment; someone must have influenced her.

Jenia didn’t avoid the question and directly mentioned Lynch’s name, "I chatted with Baron Lynch about this stock today; he thinks this stock is dangerous and suggested I stay away from it for the time being."

"After considering, I’ve already made a few million from this. I’m very satisfied with this income, and history tells us greed doesn’t end well, so help me dispose of it."

The financial advisor was still curious, "Can I know the specific reason?"