Darkstone Code-Chapter 788 - 0786 Warrior

In the yard, Lynch saw Mrs. Tracy wrapped in a thick fur coat, looking like a big white snowball.

That outfit wasn’t cheap; Lynch had seen something similar, costing around seventeen or eighteen thousand, which isn’t something just anyone can afford.

The higher-ups in the Women’s Rights Protection Association were all wealthy, and each had significant political backgrounds. Organizing and moving people in the Federation was never straightforward.

Yet, there are always fools willing to believe them, even taking these things as their lifelong objectives under their "persuasion."

No matter what these people think, Lynch firmly didn’t believe any of it.

"Lynch!"

At the first moment of his appearance, Mrs. Tracy spotted him and, with some delight, called out Lynch’s name, striding towards him.

Unlike others who would call him "Mr. Lynch," Mrs. Tracy had the privilege of using just his name, her eyes filled with admiration.

In just two short years, Lynch’s career had made tremendous progress, which even now Mrs. Tracy found... hard to believe, that all of it was achieved by himself.

If she didn’t know Lynch’s background, she might have assumed he was some capital’s next generation leader pushed to the forefront.

Precisely because she understood Lynch’s background, his development was truly surprising.

Standing at the doorway, Lynch proactively went forward, "Mrs. Tracy, it’s a pleasure to have you visit. When I last went to York State, they said you were on a business trip, unfortunately, we missed each other."

Mrs. Tracy shook Lynch’s hand and then let go, "Last time...", she smiled, "Let’s talk inside."

"Please...", Lynch led Mrs. Tracy into the house.

The maid took Mrs. Tracy’s handbag, placed her hat on a mannequin head designed for guests, and hung her beautiful fur coat on the mannequin.

For some expensive coats, people won’t just hang them on hooks as that would deform the garment, same goes for hats.

Shed of her thick winter armor, Mrs. Tracy sighed with relief. The two sat by the sofa, waiting for the maid to bring hot coffee before they started chatting.

"My uncle was running for Shepherd at the time, and I was helping him with his campaign, so I wasn’t in York State much during that period. Sorry I wasn’t there when you visited," she explained a little, though Lynch felt it was more of a woman’s inherent habit of showing off.

He feigned surprise with an expression, "Shepherd?"

"Truly surprising, did he succeed?"

Mrs. Tracy nodded modestly, with a slightly proud smile on her face, "Of course, he succeeded."

When she said this, she slightly raised her chin; this wasn’t just an ordinary "achievement."

In Bail Federal, the influence of the Church was frighteningly significant, though they seem silent in society most of the time, it’s simply because they choose not to be too high-profile. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Religion is, after all, a somewhat sensitive organization. Unless necessary, they don’t appear too frequently in newspapers and media.

But this doesn’t mean they lack influence!

According to some current institutional statistics, the total number of believers in the Federation reaches nearly eighty million, accounting for sixty to seventy percent of the total population.

In every city and district in the Federation, there are at least two to three churches. In larger cities, the number of churches is even higher, with possibly three to five or more in a district.

The Federation has more than one hundred seventy cities, yet there are over one thousand two hundred churches, not including those places similar to interest groups—

In some rural areas of the Federation, where population density is low, there might just be ten or so farm households living together.

The Church clearly can’t build a church just for these ten families, thirty to fifty people.

They often gather as interest groups in a certain place, like a farm warehouse, where a cross might be hanging, and someone assumes the role of "Priest," or they take turns.

If one were to consider these small interest groups as churches, the number of churches in the entire Federation would be uncountable.

Such a formidable force truly doesn’t suit being in the media spotlight, and they are only occasionally reported on when major events happen, which is also the request of the Federation Government and capitalists, as well as the foundation of social stability.

There are nine Shepherds in the Federation, who are arguably the most prominent figures within the Church. Mrs. Tracy’s uncle becoming a Shepherd was indeed remarkable, and she had every reason to be proud.

Lynch’s face showed an expression of sure enough, "That is truly fantastic, if there’s a chance, I must visit him!"

Mrs. Tracy thoroughly enjoyed Lynch’s attitude, nodding, "That’s no trouble at all, you can go anytime."

Lynch nodded, and this topic was considered concluded.

After a brief pause of about ten seconds, Ms. Trish explained her purpose for coming. It’s a common way of speaking; she first mentioned her uncle’s successful campaign for Shepherd, which meant Lynch wouldn’t refuse her request after she revealed her true intention.

A bit of a clever strategy, but it’s also a normal communication method.

She thought for a moment before speaking softly, "I need your help, Lynch."

Lynch adjusted his posture, sitting up straight. "What can I do for you?"

"It’s somewhat difficult to talk about, but whenever I think of these issues, the first person I think of is you!" Ms. Trish appropriately showed a hint of embarrassment and didn’t directly answer Lynch’s question but instead spoke about the origin of the issue.

"Currently, there are five organizations related to women’s rights protection in the Federation; we are not the only one."

"There are some rumors circulating..." She shrugged, "You know, there are always people who think we have ulterior motives, but it’s undeniable that some individuals have played dishonorable roles, leading to misunderstandings of our actions."

"So my friends and I discussed it and decided we need to make people more aware of why we emphasize the importance of the feminist movement and understand that we are different from others."

There was a glimmering light in her eyes as she kept her gaze fixed on Lynch. Ultimately, she was there to solicit investment.

Ms. Trish’s uncle had gained a substantial potential political influence after becoming Shepherd, influence that her father couldn’t fully use, leaving much leftover.

As the most favored "girl" in the family, her uncle gave her some advice.

On one hand, she was to expand her women’s rights organization as much as possible and formalize it, ideally eliminating other feminist organizations.

Secondly, if she could achieve this and leverage her Shepherd uncle’s influence, she had the opportunity to embark on a political career and become the family’s second politician.

So far, the Federation has not seen any high-level female politicians, and having women in higher positions is a trend for the future.

At the very least, there should be women in top positions, such as female governors and female Members of Parliament, which is a trend in social development.

Ms. Trish is one of the initiators of the feminist movement, and coupled with her strong background, it’s not difficult to reach that step.

For Federation politicians, how foolish they appear does not matter; it doesn’t affect their political careers as long as they can fool voters. Even if they run naked through the busy streets during the day, people will still vote for them!

Her family’s thoughts are simple and straightforward; they have no chance this time because there’s not enough time.

They plan for Ms. Trish to participate in the mid-term presidential election in four years, as a first step onto the political stage.

In the Federation, anyone can run for President; there are no thresholds, but not many want to do it because it’s not an easy task—it requires money.

At least tens of millions, and sometimes hundreds of millions, and after spending this money, the results are uncertain. So, except for those with party backgrounds who can do this, ordinary people can’t secure investment and can’t afford to play such a game.

Ms. Trish’s next candidacy isn’t about genuinely wanting to be President; she’s using the opportunity to promote herself, facilitating her entry into politics.

Although this is something happening four years from now, some preparations have already begun and are underway, such as building momentum.

Lynch, after listening to Ms. Trish’s words, nodded in agreement, "Indeed, there are these issues. To change people’s views, it’s necessary to expel those unregulated organizations. What are your thoughts?"

"Expand our influence, carry out more activities, unite more people interested in the feminist movement, and strive to achieve gender equality as soon as possible!" Ms. Trish said smoothly.

Lynch cooperatively took out his checkbook, grabbed a pen, and unscrewed the pen cap. "My work is very busy, and I might not be able to attend every event to help you. The only thing I can do and do well is to fill out these small cards, hoping you won’t refuse..."

Of course, she wouldn’t refuse; this was one of the reasons she came here.

However, some things still needed to be said. She raised her hand and pressed it on Lynch’s wrist, "That’s not what I meant..." she paused and then continued, "Your intention is more than enough."

Ms. Trish’s Women’s Rights Protection Association is a non-profit social public group, equivalent to a certain extent to a public fundraising foundation. In other words, when needed, the organization’s revenue must be disclosed to the public.

Who donated how much, and where the money was spent must all be published.

If someone donates too much at once, there might be suspicions of some underhanded deals.

Ms. Trish subtly hinted at Lynch, and he understood. He wrote swiftly on the checkbook, tore it off, and handed it to Ms. Trish.

She looked at the check excitedly, initially thinking it would take more persuasion to get the donation, but was surprised that Lynch gave it so quickly without any demands!

"Thank you so much, Lynch. If women can truly stand up in the future, it will undoubtedly be thanks to you!"