Darkstone Code-Chapter 822 - 820: A New -

There is indeed a difference between an elected president and a non-elected president; for instance, an elected president can truly form their own President’s Cabinet, rather than continuing with the previous president’s cabinet.

The unexpected resignation of the previous president was surprising enough, so for the sake of the Federation’s stability, it was naturally impossible to immediately change the personnel in important state positions.

Adding to the special circumstances at that time, almost all of the cabinet ministers were from the Conservative Party.

Of course, to cooperate with the President’s work, these ministers, if possible, would try not to linger around the President.

The President had no good solution for these people, much like he wanted to place Mr. Truman in an important position to solve some work-related problems for him.

But because he was not the elected president, he couldn’t do so.

Until yesterday, the State Department was merely a decoration; the Foreign Minister almost never came to the President’s Mansion, and all diplomatic matters were handed over to the Deputy Minister and the unofficial Mr. Truman.

But as of today, he has been elected; he now has the qualification to take action against these individuals.

When the President faced the 9:30 am sunlight, holding the Federation Code in his hands, and shouted in front of the statue of the first president who carved the charter outside the President’s Mansion, "I will use my life to defend the people’s rights"... 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

A group of people had already packed up their things and were walking out of the President’s Mansion, carrying boxes of various sizes filled with their personal belongings.

Beside them were security guards "assisting" them in moving their things out; those guards who frequently smiled at them now wore cold expressions, as if they had forgotten that they had been acquainted for eight years!

This was just business as usual!

Lynch glanced over there; some of the positions were actually quite high, such as an office chief at the President’s Mansion, which was not a minor role.

Now, all this has become the past.

They were esteemed because of the President, and now, because of the President, they are leaving here.

Mr. Truman also looked over that way, a rare smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Seeing his smile, Lynch suddenly realized, "I almost forgot to congratulate you, the first Minister of the Ministry of International Affairs in the history of the Federation!"

Mr. Truman smiled modestly and proudly. "What can I say besides thank you?"

The President’s dissatisfaction with the former Foreign Minister and Deputy Minister led him to consider reforming the Foreign Ministry.

Of course, the means couldn’t be too drastic. After all, the Foreign Ministry is not a small department; there are many significant interests involved, and a misstep could lead to an explosion.

So, he used a clever approach: removing the position of Foreign Minister and appointing Mr. Truman as the First Deputy Minister to handle daily affairs, while expanding the International Affairs/Strategy Research Office into the "Ministry of International Affairs," with Mr. Truman as the first Minister.

In this way, he assumed responsibility for both positions, and due to the Ministerial rank, he would work in the State Department, and even the work of the Foreign Ministry would be transferred over.

This way, it wouldn’t touch the interests of the lower-level politicians in the Foreign Ministry, while also realizing the President’s own ideas.

Once the backbone of the Foreign Ministry gradually transfers to the State Department, consideration can be given to abolishing the Foreign Ministry.

However, at the moment, the Foreign Ministry is effectively no different from before, except there’s no Foreign Minister.

At this point, Mr. Truman’s "political journey" had actually reached its peak, with no further upward path available.

If he still wanted to progress, the only way was to transition to Congress, first becoming a Senator, then considering whether to run for Governor or President; only these two paths were available.

As for returning to the Military?

This possibility is quite low; how could he, after finally stepping out of the Military and gaining enough status, go back?

Those being "eliminated by history" gradually left, and even the reporters couldn’t be bothered to waste a few shots on them; everyone was busy taking pictures of the President and those attending the inauguration ceremony.

It is very likely that the main members of this President’s Cabinet will come from among these people.

After 10 o’clock, the inauguration ceremony concluded, and the President returned to his office.

It was evident from his face, which had been smiling nonstop since morning, that he was in a very good mood.

"I still have a little over a week of vacation. In a few days, I will hold a formal celebration ceremony, and each of you must come!"

In the modest office gathered the most esteemed individuals of the Federation, and Mr. Jeruno personally attended the scene to congratulate the President on his election and inauguration.

Only at that moment was he the most dazzling.

Everyone cheerfully agreed, with no one daring to say anything like "I damn well don’t have time," as only someone with issues would say that, or perhaps someone just wanting to ruin the rest of their life.

The people’s compliance greatly uplifted the President’s mood; his election solidified his presidency as more "legitimate," making him one of the most powerful Presidents in the history of the Federation.

It is noteworthy that the Progressive Party’s Party Whip was also present today. This over-sixty-year-old gentleman, who had little presence in the past few years, appeared at the President’s inauguration in fitting formal attire.

His presence immediately attracted many gazes.

Even within the office, it was evident that his status in the room was just below Mr. Jeruno and the President.

"Lynch, interested in doing something?" The President suddenly, as if joking, inadvertently drew several gazes toward Lynch.

Not that they were surprised, because everyone in the room knew it was likely a joke from the President.

It could also be a hint, suggesting whether Lynch needed any assistance in some areas.

Sometimes, citizens of the Federation find it hard to accept certain cabinet members, thinking they, even without higher education, seem smarter than many in the Cabinet.

Both in appearance and capability, why can these fools serve in the Cabinet?

Because the President chose them.

People voted for the President, who, in turn, chose the Cabinet members with a pen and paper, regardless of whether they were idiots or even a cat or a dog; it didn’t matter to the people — it was the President’s authority.

Lynch wouldn’t give up his career to work for the President, so everyone knew, including both parties, that it was just a joke.

The President genuinely intended to probe if Lynch had any demands.

He knew Lynch had a young girlfriend; if she could remain at the President’s Mansion after her internship, it would indeed be a rare opportunity for her.

Not everyone begins their political career from the top of the mountain.

Lynch shook his head, "I’m not considering that for now. I’m still young, and I can’t let the media or a job turn me into an ascetic!"

Hearing his answer, people laughed softly, as they all knew his private life was a bit chaotic, especially with mature women.

As a millionaire, it was just his tabloid news.

But as a politician, it would be a fatal political scandal!

So Lynch just answered in that way.

The President pursed his lips with slight regret, and Lynch suddenly looked at Mr. Truman; the two exchanged a glance before Mr. Truman smiled and looked away.

This wasn’t the President’s probing; it was Mr. Truman’s. He had been persuading Lynch to embark on a political path.

He was so clever that, albeit his means could sometimes be a bit base, overall, he possessed all the makings of a qualified politician.

With his help, Mr. Truman could more swiftly achieve some of his ambitions, without struggling in the traps set by capitalists, finding it hard to extricate himself.

Regrettably, Lynch once again rejected the proposal.

The atmosphere in the room was not dampened by Lynch’s refusal; it remained as it was initially.

People said nice things, shared their thoughts, and presented one name after another to the President, names people either remembered or didn’t remember.

Taking advantage of the moment when no one was paying attention, Lynch slipped out.

The interns were a bit unsure, standing hesitantly in the hall. At present, the staff was being replaced, and strictly speaking, the President’s Mansion had ceased operations, which would resume a week later.

During this time, documents from various departments would be processed at Headquarters or resolved through conference calls, with only a few urgent files needing the President’s signature being sent over.

This also meant the interns had nothing to do.

Having been busy for months, they were slightly unaccustomed to the sudden downtime.

Lynch’s appearance made each of them straighten their spines; even though Lynch was about their age, he was, after all, Lynch.

"I’m looking for Catherine, no need to be so tense..." he said, wearing a gentle smile and greeting the other interns.

They responded nervously, and Lynch took Catherine’s hand and walked out of the President’s Mansion.

The interns in the hall slumped back down, and the only change was probably the way they looked at the girl walking out.

A bit of envy, and some sighs.

Their backgrounds were much more advantageous than Catherine’s, but with their illustrious family backgrounds, the family heads could not focus on each of them constantly.

Competition, pressure, were everywhere, which made them not better off than that ordinary girl.

"I just helped you turn down the President’s offer..." Lynch thought it necessary to mention this to Catherine, at least letting her know his thoughts.

Catherine didn’t speak. She didn’t pull her hand away either; in this cold winter, Lynch’s palm was exceptionally warm.

Lynch glanced at her, "Staying at the President’s Mansion would brand you with the President’s mark. Older people might not care, but you’re still young; it wouldn’t be suitable for you..."