Darkstone Code

Chapter 683 - 0680 three conditions

The young man looked at the youth.

The youth lowered his eyes and drank his coffee, avoiding the young man’s gaze.

Emperor Gafura had already issued a strict order to ensure the stability of the Amelia Region’s governance and situation, so as not to become a laughingstock to the world; if necessary, even some intimidating measures could be used to eliminate potential threats.

But Governor Sedel did not intend to do this. The reason is simple: although the idea was put forward by His Majesty the Emperor, the executor is ultimately Governor Sedel, and even if he doesn’t fear being discarded after his use, he must consider his own situation.

A "dictator" might be distasteful, but at least they are within the scope of public acceptance, while a butcher and executioner are not.

The executioners that existed in the past within the Gafura Empire rarely ended well, as everyone knows executioners are essentially executing the legal consequences for the nobles.

But nobles are still nobles, and not many dare to draw their swords against them; however, retaliating against some executioners carries less burden.

Once the pressure of public opinion becomes too much, even if domestically they can withstand it, Governor Sedel himself might not be able to cope.

Thus, seeking a new method of compromise becomes very necessary.

Everything arises because of Lynch, so perhaps it can also end because of him.

Putting down the coffee cup, Soron still hadn’t directed his gaze to Lynch, only now realizing that this negotiation was more difficult than he imagined.

Previously when he "met" Lynch, it was always behind Governor Sedel, so Lynch’s imposing aura was not directed at him primarily but at his father.

Governor Sedel bore almost all the impact of that aura, and at that time Soron hadn’t yet realized this would be a challenging task, but now, he understood.

He understood his father’s somber tone when discussing this matter was not hinting that he could take on some responsibility but rather worried about whether the task assigned to him would be completed.

Clenching his fists, Soron shifted his gaze to Lynch, but didn’t directly meet his eyes.

Staring into Lynch’s eyes would exert great pressure, and he didn’t want to attempt to discuss these matters under those circumstances, "Some merchants have disrupted Amelia’s free market through certain means, and the Governor’s Mansion has ordered their arrest, soon they will be hanged in Juris Square."

"Mr. Lynch, the governor has entrusted me to convey our desire and determination to maintain equality in the local market, and welcome any friends from the Federation to do business in Amelie Province. For some important goods and projects, we will also promise tax reductions or even financial support!"

Negotiation is a trade, a give-and-take transaction, and given the indirect acknowledgment and some compensations offered, Soron felt his father had made a significant concession, awaiting Lynch’s response.

Lynch curled his lips, "It appears your understanding of the Federation is still insufficient, Mr. Soron."

Soron adopted a listening posture, his attitude was satisfactory, but the sincerity was slightly lacking.

"You expelled me from Amelia..."

"No, Mr. Lynch, this is definitely a misunderstanding!" immediately refuting Lynch’s words, Soron interrupted and countered.

Lynch just smiled and waved his hand, "Here are just the two of us, arguing about things you know and I know here actually doesn’t hold much significance."

"You’ve given me a lot of trouble, which is quite normal, if you’ve read the Federation’s Charter, you’ll understand that Federations have a unique spirit, a spirit that allows us to express ourselves at any time and place."

"You can employ some methods, that’s your capability, you can achieve that."

"And I, too, can!"

"It’s just that now I have won this battle, Mr. Soron."

"If you think that I may be excessive or any other way, it’s merely me exercising my own power from the perspective of the victor!"

"If I had lost, I might have ended up in prison, disgraced, and I believe you wouldn’t give me a chance to turn around. I wouldn’t blame you because, as I said, you were the victor, and that’s your power."

"But now, it seems...", Lynch spread his hands open, "I’ve won, so deciding the upcoming matters is not up to you, understand?"

Not an intense tone; one could even say very gentle, yet between the lines is filled with a kind of chilling power!

Soron thought of the pressure he faced in front of the Empire’s Emperor; now Lynch imposes a greater pressure because Lynch’s pressure targets him, not benevolent.

He took out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his temples, "It’s a bit hot...", attempting to evade the issue.

But unfortunately, Lynch was not going to allow that, "Do you need me to repeat it again?"

"And, do you understand?"

"I... I think I understand."

The initiative from this moment is completely in Lynch’s hands, and he nodded with satisfaction, "This is the foundation and attitude for us to resolve misunderstandings, Mr. Soron."

"I don’t have many demands regarding the issues between us."

"First, completely open the market and trade in the Amelie Province, allowing Federation merchants to enter without discrimination."

"Second, allow me to build roads, railways, various network lines, and other public resources in Amelia."

"Third, permit my exploration team to conduct mineral exploration and any possible future mining operations in the Amelie Province."

"My demands are only these three."

Lynch took a sip from his cup, giving the other party some time to think over these issues.

He had just had breakfast, and the taste of breakfast still lingered in his mouth; this wasn’t the best time for tea or coffee, but water was more suitable.

Soron was sweating all over; he took out the handkerchief he had put in his pocket again, "These terms... are too harsh."

"I’m here to help you!," Lynch changed his sitting posture and took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, "Mind if I smoke?"

Soron shook his head; even if he minded, he wouldn’t express it.

With the resonant sound of a long "ding" echoing, Lynch took a puff of smoke and exhaled slowly, "What the Amelie Province bears is not just finding a stable inland territory for Gafura; I have no intention of commenting on the impact of the monarchy on the nation and society. Gafura’s capital is too restricted, and this is why you are gradually losing your status as number one in the world."

"Lack of motivation."

"Capitalists have to share their earnings with the nobility, who use titles and land to divide the market. These rules might work well when productivity is relatively backward."

"But in this age, it has become a burden, so why not change it?"

"Not only fully open the market for me and us, but also completely open it for yourselves."

"In completely free competition, capitalists and capital will exert a fierceness you have never seen to develop this region; you just need to adjust the taxes."

"You can convey my words to Governor Sedel or even the Emperor of the Empire; don’t worry if I have any schemes—after all, I am also an imperial noble!"

As he spoke, he stood up, and Soron followed closely, "These three are the baseline. I await your good news; I have other matters later, so I won’t accompany you much longer."

After shaking hands with Lynch, Soron took the initiative to say goodbye. He couldn’t decide these matters; he could only let his father make the final judgment.

Of course, Lynch wasn’t lying to Soron by pretending to have matters; he truly had things to do.

A few days later, the first round of formal talks for Nagariel will begin; there are many issues to settle around this soon-to-be-established "United Kingdom."

In fact, weakness is truly the original sin; although they have an enviable population and natural resources, they ultimately can only survive as the plundered party in this world, living precarious lives, even their rulers.

The Nagariel United Development Company has decided to "help" Nagariel establish a political structure fit for modern society, and naturally, the Federation Government has exerted considerable effort.

Lynch heard that some people intend to turn Nagariel completely into a dumping ground, and his "important matter" is related to this.

More than an hour later, he arrived at a manor in the Bupen Suburbs, where many people had already gathered, all from the upper echelons of the United Development Company.

Not surprisingly, representatives from several well-known military-industrial groups within the Federation were present.

"I thought you’d arrive earlier," Mr. Wardrick stopped his conversation as soon as Lynch arrived and approached proactively.

In recent days, Megan Consortium decided to cut losses, and Mr. Wardrick, who possessed "foresight," gained many supporters in the board while those who caused significant losses to the group company were kicked out of the board.

Simultaneously, they collectively took out 0.17% of shares for the board’s disposal, and Mr. Wardrick got 0.07% of them.

Aside from this, his associates nominated him to enter the chairperson group of the board; though it’s uncertain if this wish can be fulfilled, at least it’s a significant progress.

Even if he doesn’t succeed ultimately, people would still treat him as they do a chairperson—failing to become chairman doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a matter of capability.

Lynch’s series of operations left Mr. Wardrick dazzled, and now he has great confidence in their small group!

While greeting people, Lynch said softly, "The Amelia side has conceded, and soon we’ll reach a conclusion between us, and then we will have more ways out."

He said jokingly, "Every day I worry about our people and future, yet some folks are not so considerate; to this day the investigation on me is not over, which is quite displeasing."